Naoshima Island Bus Tour from Kyoto Osaka Hiroshima Okayama

About this experience

IMPORTANT NOTICE: OPTIONAL VISIT TO CHICHU ART MUSEUM ・Free time is available in the Benesse Area from 1:00 PM to 3:25 PM (includes Benesse House Museum, Valley Gallery, and time for lunch at your own expense). ・Chichu Art Museum tickets are NOT included in this tour. ・If you wish to visit during free time, please book online in advance via the official website. ・Recommended Entry Slot: 14:30 Escape to Naoshima, Japan’s world-renowned art island, on an all-in-one guided tour! Designed for seamless travel, this tour includes round-trip Shinkansen tickets for guests departing from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima, as well as a direct join option from Okayama. Once on the island, travel in total comfort aboard our chartered bus, allowing you to maximize your time. Marvel at Yayoi Kusama’s iconic Yellow and Red Pumpkins, visit world-class galleries like the Benesse House Museum and Valley Gallery, and stroll through the charming historic streets of the Honmura area.

Itinerary

English information from the provider

1. Stop 1

   Duration: 40 min

   Stroll through a charming seaside village filled with traditional wooden houses and narrow, picturesque alleys. In this area, you will find the Art House Project—a unique initiative transforming vacant traditional houses and temples into art spaces—as well as the newly opened Naoshima New Museum of Art. Please note that admission tickets to these sites are not included in the tour price. If you wish to explore inside these spaces, tickets can be purchased online on the day of the tour by creating an official Benesse account in advance (please note that certain sites require advance reservation). Operating hours for Art House Project sites: Haisha, Kadoya, Ishibashi: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Go'o Shrine, Gokaisho: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

2. Stop 2

   Duration: 170 min

   Discover an extraordinary fusion of world-class contemporary art and beautiful coastal nature. Enjoy included entry to inspiring indoor and outdoor museum exhibits seamlessly integrated into the natural seaside landscape at Benesse House Museum and Valley Gallery. During your stay in this area, you will also have free time to enjoy lunch at the museum cafe at your own expense. For guests wishing to visit the Chichu Art Museum independently during free time, please see the Important Notice above.

3. Stop 3

   Yayoi Kusama's world-famous yellow polka-dot pumpkin sculpture sitting right by the ocean.

4. Stop 4

   A modern gallery designed by Tadao Ando, housing mirrored spheres set against the surrounding nature.

5. Stop 5

   Duration: 25 min

   Spend 25 minutes around Miyanoura Port to visit Red Pumpkin, Naoshima Pavilion, and Sea Station 'Naoshima'. An interactive sculpture by Yayoi Kusama where visitors can step inside and view the ocean through its dots.

6. Stop 6

   A geometric white mesh structure resembling a floating island.

7. Stop 7

   A modern, stylish ferry terminal housing local souvenir shops and cafes. A great spot to shop for gifts and relax by the sea.

What's included

English information from the provider

• Round-trip Shinkansen tickets (Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima departure plans only)
• English-speaking guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Round-trip ferry tickets between Uno Port and Naoshima
• Entrance fee for Benesse House Museum and Valley Gallery

What's not included

English information from the provider

• Lunch
• Admission fee for Art House Project (Single-site ticket: 700 JPY to be paid on-site)
• Admission fee for Chichu Art Museum
• Admission fee for Naoshima New Museum of Art

Additional information

English information from the provider

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This is not a private tour, you will enjoy the tour with other guests together.
• We might cancel the tour if we do not have at least 20 participants by 2 weeks before the scheduled departure.
• Please arrive at the meeting location 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
• IMPORTANT: The bus will depart according to the schedule and will not wait for late arrivals.
• The schedule is subject to change without prior notice.
• Due to traffic or other reasons, the duration of visits at each destination may be shortened, and arrival times may be delayed.
• Refunds will not be provided if you fail to arrive at the meeting location on time (no show).
• In the event of a natural disaster, such as a typhoon, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued.
• Wearing your seatbelt is mandatory while the bus is in motion due to legal regulations.
• Please personally take responsibility for your valuables.
• We can accommodate your luggage and keep it in the bus luggage compartment during the tour.

Cancellation policy

English information from the provider

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