Naoshima Art Island Hassle-free Luxury Tour from Kyoto

Photos courtesy of: - “Red Pumpkin” Yayoi Kusama,2006 Naoshima Miyanoura Port Square * No Reproduction Explore the art island of Naoshima with this hassle-free, luxury day tour accompanied by an English-speaking attendant. In a single day, you will have the opportunity to explore Naoshima’s premier highlights, including the Benesse House Museum, the Naoshima New Museum of Art, and the iconic Red Pumpkin, without worrying about a single logistical detail. The tour price includes all transportation, museum entrance fees and full English support from our attendant throughout the trip. Sit back and relax in our luxury vehicle as we escort you between attractions across the island. - Complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks on board of our luxury bus - Entrance fees for Naoshima museums included - Round-trip Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets between Kyoto and Himeji - Round-trip luxury bus transportation between Himeji and Naoshima

1. 1

   Uno Port

   Pass by

   We will pass by Uno Port. If we have time, you'll be able to explore the area a bit before boarding the ferry.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   1.3 hours

   After arriving at Uno Port, the bus will board the ferry to Naoshima and take you directly to the bus parking area near the Naoshima New Museum of Art, located in the Honmura district. Here, you will have around 90 minutes to explore the museum on your own. The Naoshima New Museum of Art is a newly opened space designed by Tadao Ando, the world-renowned architect who helped reshape the island by building many iconic structures, such as the Benesse House Museum. The museum features special exhibitions with a primary focus on contemporary artists from across Asia and Japan. Take your time to explore the architecture and artworks at your own pace. *since the Naoshima New Museum of Art will be closed from May 11th to June 6th, in those dates we will visit the Art House Project instead.

3. 3

   Art House Project

   1.3 hours

   *ONLY WHEN THE NAOSHIMA NEW MUSEUM OF ART IS CLOSED. If the Naoshima New Museum is closed, we will visit the Art House Project instead. In that case, the attendant will purchase the tickets on the day of the tour. You may visit the art houses of your choice, except for 'Minamidera' and 'Kinza,' which require advanced reservations.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   Pass by

   We will pass by the iconic Yayoi Kusama's "Yellow Pumpkin".

5. 5

   Benesse House Museum

   45 min

   Visit Benesse House, one of Naoshima Island’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Designed by Tadao Ando in 1992, Benesse House serves as both a hotel and a museum, hosting various artworks and exhibitions. The building itself is a masterpiece, featuring large open spaces that seamlessly connect the structure with the surrounding nature. Its position on high ground overlooks the picturesque scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. Artworks are found not only within the galleries but throughout the entire building, as well as along the seashore and in the nearby forest.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   15 min

   Designed by the legendary architect Tadao Ando, Valley Gallery is a serene sanctuary nestled in the lush valleys of Naoshima. As the ninth Ando-designed structure on the island, this "shrine-like" gallery seamlessly blends contemporary art with the surrounding nature. It features iconic installations such as Yayoi Kusama’s Narcissus Garden, where countless stainless steel spheres reflect the shifting light and seasons, creating a meditative experience for every visitor.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   10 min

   After enjoying Benesse House Museum, we will accompany you to the famous Red Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama at Miyanoura Port. You will have some time to take pictures and buy some souvenirs.

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• If the Naoshima New Museum is closed, we will visit the Art House Project instead. In that case, the attendant will purchase the tickets on the day of the tour. You may visit the art houses of your choice, except for 'Minamidera' and 'Kinza,' which require advanced reservations.
• ※Please note that the Naoshima New Museum will be closed from Nov. 24 to Dec. 12. As an alternative, we will provide tickets for the Art House Project (excluding 'Kinza' and 'Minamidera').
• Please arrive 10 minutes before departure.
• If you are late for the tour start time, you will not be able to join the tour midway.
• If you decide to leave the tour midway, we will not be able to give you the return Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.