Naoshima Travel Guide: Complete One-Day Itinerary for Art and Nature Lovers
Naoshima (直島町) is a fantastic island for art and nature lovers in Japan, easily accessible as a day trip from Okayama (岡山市). Famous for its contemporary art museums, outdoor installations, and its iconic pumpkin sculptures by the internationally renowned artist Yayoi Kusama, Naoshima is a unique destination in Japan for those looking to immerse themselves in world-class art while enjoying the island’s tranquil coastal scenery.
Below is the itinerary I followed to spend a day exploring Naoshima, along with my recommendations and travel tips to help you make the most of your visit to Japan's famous ‘art island’.
Why Visit Naoshima?
In my opinion, Naoshima is quite unlike anywhere else in Japan. This small island in the Seto Inland Sea has been transformed into a renowned cultural destination, where nature and art invite contemplation.
Naoshima began its artistic transformation in the late 1980s when the Benesse Corporation partnered with architect Tadao Ando to develop museums and art projects that harmonize with the island’s natural landscape. Today, you’ll find contemporary art museums, outdoor installations blending seamlessly with nature, and hidden artworks in old village houses. Whether you’re a passionate art lover or just curious to see something different, Naoshima’s mix of artistic expression, stunning coastal views, and laid-back island atmosphere makes it a unique and unforgettable visit.
How to Get to Naoshima
Getting to Naoshima from Okayama is easy:
First, take the JR Uno Line from Okayama Station to Uno Station, which takes about 50 minutes and costs ¥590.
From there, it's a short walk to Uno Port, where ferries depart for Miyanoura Port on Naoshima. The ferry ride takes around 20 minutes, and there are regular departures throughout the day (you cand find the ferry timetable here - in Japanese). A one-way ticket from the port of Uno to the port of Miyanoura costs ¥300 (¥570 for a return ticket).
For those coming from Takamatsu (高松市), there's also a direct ferry to Naoshima, making it accessible from both Honshu and Shikoku.
A Complete One-Day Itinerary to Explore Naoshima
Start Your Day By Exploring the Area around Miyanoura Port
Yayoi Kusama’s iconic Red Pumpkin at Miyanoura Port
As soon as you arrive at Miyanoura Port, you'll find plenty to see before heading deeper into the island. Start by checking out the Marine Station Naoshima (海の駅なおしま), where you’ll find lockers, a small shop selling local snacks and drinks, and some tourist information brochures and maps. Just outside, there's a bus stop, taxi stand, and several bike rental shops, making it easy to get around. (Note: I chose to explore Naoshima by bus and on foot, but there are other ways to get around Naoshima — see below in my travel tips section).
Before leaving the area, you’ll probably want to admire and photograph Yayoi Kusama’s iconic Red Pumpkin (赤かぼちゃ), a bright, polka-dotted sculpture that has become a symbol of Naoshima. Nearby, you’ll also find the Naoshima Pavilion (直島パヴィリオン), an interesting geometric structure by architect Sou Fujimoto, and the small Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社).
Sumiyoshi Shrine
Miyanoura Port
Cross the Island to the Naoshima Museum Area and Admire the Open-air Artworks and Coastal Views
After hopping on a town bus (bus stop n°2 next to Marine Station Naoshima) for a scenic ride across Naoshima, you can head to the island’s museum area while enjoying beautiful views of the countryside and coastline. You can get off at the Tsutsuji-so bus stop, opposite Gotanji beach (琴弾地海水浴場), where you’ll be greeted by fantastic views, with pristine water and the Ebisu Shrine Torii gate (恵美須神社 鳥居) standing against the backdrop of the sea.
Nearby, you can admire the iconic Yellow Pumpkin (南瓜), another of Kusama’s famous sculptures. I found the scenery here absolutely gorgeous, with the gentle waves and expansive views creating the perfect atmosphere to relax and take it all in.
Just a few minutes walk from the Pumpkin, you can admire a series of colourful sculptures by the Dutch artist Karel Appel, next to the Benesse House Shop and Spa. I really enjoyed walking around the area while admiring the magnificent views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Visit Contemporary Art Museums to Your Heart’s Content
Naoshima is a haven for contemporary art lovers. I decided to visit three of Naoshima’s contemporary art museums in the area, which I’ll introduce below in order.
First, the Benesse House Museum. Built in 1992, the museum was designed by Tadao Ando and includes both indoor galleries and outdoor facilities where you can admire a mix of sculptures, photography and paintings, and also offers panoramic views of the sea from its elevated position. The museum is open from 9am to 6pm and admission costs ¥1,500 if you buy your ticket on-site or ¥1,300 if you buy it in advance online.
Next is the Valley Gallery, a smaller but captivating place where you can admire Yayoi Kusama and Tsuyoshi Ozawa’s installations in another of Tadao Ando’s spaces. I’d say this was probably my favorite, as I was especially drawn to the way the sunlight reflected off the metal spheres and the striking contrast between nature and man-made spaces, as well as the blend of modernity and tradition. It is actually included as part of the entrance to the Benesse House Museum, so don’t miss this spot! Valley Gallery is open from 10am to 5pm and is closed on Mondays.
The third museum I visited, which I’d recommend as a must-see in Naoshima is the Chichu Art Museum (地中美術館), an architectural masterpiece that houses works by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria.
Although much of the structure is built underground to preserve the surrounding landscape, what makes it truly captivating is how natural light pours in. The ever-changing light transforms both the artworks and the ambiance of Tadao Ando’s concrete space throughout the day and across seasons. Note that pictures are not allowed inside.
The Chichu Art Museum is open from 10am to 5pm and is closed on Mondays. Admission costs ¥2,800 if you buy your ticket on the spot, or ¥2,500 if you buy it in advance online for a weekday visit (compared with ¥3,000 and ¥2,700 respectively at weekends and on public holidays).
IMPORTANT: If you’d like to visit the Chichu Art Museum, I’d strongly recommend that you book your ticket in advance, as you have to visit the museum at a specific time, with a limited number of visitors per slot. If you wait until you get there to buy your ticket, there may be no space available at the time you wish to visit, or you may have to wait a long time to get in.
Entrance to the Chichu Art Museum
I was very pleased with the three museums I visited, but if you have the time and interest, you can visit more of Naoshima’s museums in the area: the Lee Ufan Museum, which features minimalist artworks which resonate with Ando’s architecture, and the Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: Corridor of Time (advanced reservation is recommended), showcasing the artist’s thought-provoking photography and sculptures in a beautifully designed space.
Enjoy the Outdoor Art Installations and Beautiful Scenery as You Go
The walk between the art museums was one of my favourite parts of my visit to Naoshima. Between the beautiful coastal views, eerie art installations and random encounters with adorable cats, I really enjoyed this peaceful walk. I'd say the walk from Gotanji beach to the Chichu art museum takes around 40 minutes a leisurely pace. Private cars and bicycles are not allowed on this route, so the only alternative to walking is to take a free shuttle bus service between Tsutsuji-so and the Chichu Art Museum (approx. 1-2 per hour).
Cultural Melting Bath: Project for Naoshima
After walking back to the Tsutsuji-so bus stop, I took the town bus to the Honmura port area, the next destination on this Naoshima itinerary.
Explore Naoshima Honmura Port Area
The Honmura Port Area (本村) offers a peaceful escape, with its charming fishing town atmosphere, quiet streets, and old houses. If you’re coming by bus, you can stop at Yakuba-mae or Nokyo-mae bus stops.
I had a great time just walking around the area, which is perfect for photography lovers, with picturesque scenes around every corner. As a shrine and temple lover, I also enjoyed visiting the peaceful Gokurakuji Temple (極楽寺) and Hachiman Shrine Haiden (八幡神社). Don't miss the Honmura Lounge & Archive either, where you can find local souvenirs, get tourist information about the area and buy tickets for Honmura attractions. I also stopped off at Naoshima Plan 2019 ‘The Water’, a structure by architect Hiroshi Sambuichi that highlights the beauty of two ‘materials in motion’, wind and water.
Walk in Honmura Port Area
Gokurakuji Temple
Hachiman Shrine Torii Gate
Small shrine at Hachiman Shrine Haiden
I was content with a walk around the area, but you might be interested in other Honmura attractions, such as:
the Art House Project, where old houses have been transformed into immersive art installations. Each house is a unique work of art, created by different artists, and can be visited for a small fee. There are 5 art houses that can be visited if you buy a multi-site ticket (¥1,200 if bought online, ¥1,400 with on-the-spot purchase), including Kadoya, Go'o Shrine, Ishibashi, Gokaisho and Haisha. There are more house projects that can be visited for a separate fee, such as Minamidera (James Turrell’s exhibit) and Kinza.
the Ando Museum, a small museum where you can learn more about the work of the world-famous architect Tadao Ando (entrance costs ¥600 if bought online, ¥700 on-site).
Return to the Port of Minayoura to Depart for Your Next Destination
After this day of exploring Naoshima, it’s time to head back to Miyanoura Port for the ferry to your next destination.
If you have some time before your ferry departs, consider stopping by Naoshima Public Bath I Love Yu (直島銭湯「I♥︎湯」), a cozy bathhouse designed by artist Shinro Ohtake. This bathhouse features colorful mosaics and seems like an original and fun spot to unwind after a day of exploring. The sento is open from 1pm to 9pm but is closed on Mondays. Admission costs ¥600 and tattoos are allowed.
In my case, I collected my suitcase, which I'd left in the lockers, and enjoyed a magnificent sunset from the ferry as I was heading to my next destination, Takamatsu (which I’ll also write about in the future).
Top Travel Tips to Make the Most of Your Day in Naoshima
When to Go?
Naoshima can be visited all year round, but I recommend going there on a sunny (or at least rain-free) day to enjoy Naoshima's beautiful sceneries. I'd also recommend avoiding going on a Monday, as several of Naoshima's attractions are closed on that day.
If you’re planning your visit for 2025, you’ll want to time your trip with the Setouchi International Art Festival, which runs from April to November and is divided into three sessions, in spring, summer and autumn. This contemporary art festival brings together artists from around the world and features art installations throughout the Seto Inland Sea, including Naoshima. You can find more information about this festival here.
Also note that a new museum called Naoshima New Museum of Art, also designed by Tadao Ando, will open its doors in May 2025 on a hilltop near the Honmura district.
How to Get Around Naoshima
The island is small but hilly, and while you can explore on foot, it’s helpful to use local transport. You’ll find buses, taxis, and bike rental shops around Miyanoura Port, giving you easy access to the island’s main attractions. Though I personally prefer bus and walking, renting a bike is a popular choice for exploring the island at your own pace.
I’d highly recommend you to look at this Area Map by Naoshima Tourism Association, which provides a lot of information about how to get around Naoshima, so you can decide what suits you the best and adapt my suggested itinerary accordingly.
Activities to Book in Advance
Some of Naoshima’s art museums, like the Chichu Art Museum, require advance bookings, especially during peak travel seasons. You can book your tickets on the Benesse Art Site Museum’s website here.
Want to Stay Longer? My Hotel Picks in Naoshima
As you can see, there's plenty to see and do in Naoshima and you’ll need more than a day if you want to visit all of Naoshima’s attractions.
Naoshima offers a variety of accommodation options, from a stay at a luxurious ryokan like Naoshima Ryokan Roka, to a glamping experience at Sana Mane or a stay in a Japanese house or appartment like Hoshikuzu or Tsumuya for a more traditional and homely atmosphere. Moreover, the Benesse House is not only a museum but also a hotel, so it can be a great option for an upscale stay with access to the art museum included and other exclusive benefits for guests (more information here). There are also more budget-friendly options, like Minshuku Takenoya located in Honmura port, that offer convenient, affordable stays.
Final Thoughts on Naoshima
Naoshima is a one-of-a-kind destination where art, nature, and island life come together to create an unforgettable experience.
Whether you visit as a day trip from Okayama or Takamatsu, like I did, or choose to stay longer to soak in its peaceful atmosphere at a slower pace, Naoshima has a way of leaving you both inspired and refreshed.
Looking for more travel ideas in Japan? You can search my Japan articles by Destination, Season or Interest.
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