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Before you go
Your trip to Naoshima.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Naoshima – Kagawa Destination Takamatsu and Naoshima about 13 km from Takamatsu
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Takamatsu (TAK) Takamatsu · 32 km
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Porto de Miyanoura 2 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
From Takamatsu the ferry reaches Miyanoura Port in about 50 minutes and the fast boat in about 30. From Uno, in Okayama, the ferry takes about 20 minutes; Uno is about an hour by train from Okayama. Some boats go to Honmura. In bad weather crossings can be canceled.
How many days
A full day covers Chichu, Benesse House and part of Honmura. With one night, you’ll have time for the Lee Ufan Museum, all the houses in Honmura and Gotanji Beach at late afternoon.
When to go
Spring and autumn usually offer mild weather for cycling. Summer is hot, with strong sun on roads that lack shade. Most museums close on Mondays, and there are maintenance closures; check the schedule. In years of the Setouchi Triennale, the island becomes busier.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The city bus links Miyanoura, Honmura and the entrance to the museum area, where a dedicated shuttle continues to Benesse House, the Lee Ufan Museum and Chichu. Electric bicycles are rented near the port. Visitor cars have restricted access within the museum area.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Naoshima
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Morning
Chichu
Arrive early in Miyanoura, see the red pumpkin at the port and take a bus or bicycle to Chichu Art Museum at your reserved time.
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Afternoon
Lee Ufan and Benesse House
Walk down to the Lee Ufan Museum and continue to Benesse House Museum, with outdoor works on the beach and the yellow pumpkin on the pier.
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Late afternoon
Honmura
Take the bus to Honmura and visit the Art House Project houses that are open, among streets of dark wooden houses.
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Evening
I Love Yu
Return to Miyanoura and bathe at the I Love Yu public bath, decorated by Shinro Ohtake, before the last boat or your night on the island.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How do you get around Naoshima?
By the city bus that connects Miyanoura and Honmura ports to the museum area, by electric bicycle rented near the port, or on foot. In the museum area, a dedicated shuttle links Benesse House, the Lee Ufan Museum and Chichu Museum.
Is Naoshima open on Mondays?
Most museums and art houses are closed on Mondays; they open when Monday is a public holiday and close the following day. Check the official calendar before scheduling your visit.
Where are Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkins?
The red one is at Miyanoura Port, where the ferries arrive; the yellow one is on a pier at Gotanji Beach, in the Benesse House area. Both can be viewed from outside at any time, except during weather restrictions or maintenance.
Is it worth spending the night on Naoshima?
Yes, if you want to see several museums without rushing. Guesthouses are small and few, and sell out in peak seasons and during Triennial years; book in advance.
Beyond the guide
