• Art House Project - Nestled in the quaint fishing village of Honmura on Naoshima’s eastern side, the Art House Project features a series of repurposed houses and workshops, along with a temple and shrine, transformed into art venues by both Japanese and international artists.

The Art Houses are conveniently located within walking distance of each other throughout the village. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, pausing for a coffee or lunch at one of the delightful cafes operated by locals and newcomers from cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

• Chichu Art Museum - A highlight for many on Naoshima is Tadao Ando’s breathtaking Chichu Art Museum. Mostly situated underground, Ando designed the museum to allow ample natural light, which changes the appearance of the artworks throughout the day.

Chichu boasts a small yet remarkable collection of pieces by artists such as Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria. On most Friday and Saturday evenings, the museum offers the Open Sky Night Program, a special sunset viewing of James Turrell’s “Open Sky.”

• Benesse House Museum - After exploring the nearby Lee Ufan Museum, head to Benesse House, often considered the island’s centerpiece.

Previously mentioned, Benesse House is a museum-hotel showcasing works by Hiroshi Sugimoto, Gerhard Richter, Shinro Ohtake, Richard Long, David Hockney, and many others.

Another must-see is Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s iconic “Kabocha” (Pumpkin) sculpture, located a short walk from Benesse House’s Park building.

• Naoshima Bath - I♥YU
  If time and energy allow, conclude the day with a relaxing soak at Naoshima’s charming and quirky bathhouse, “I♥YU” (yu means hot water, or bath, in Japanese).

Designed by Shinro Ohtake, this vibrant bathhouse offers a unique opportunity to experience art and Japanese culture. Visitors may need to bring their own towel and soap, although these are sometimes available for purchase at the bathhouse front desk.

• Teshima Art Museum - The serene island of Teshima is about a thirty-minute ferry ride from Naoshima.

At the island’s core is the extraordinary Teshima Art Museum, an awe-inspiring structure resembling a water droplet, created by architect Ryue Nishizawa and artist Rei Naito.

The Teshima Art Museum alone is worth the visit, but the island also features other attractions, including Christian Boltanski’s “Les Archives du Cœur” and the Teshima Yokoo House.

Traveling to and around Teshima can be challenging. Ferries to and from the island are somewhat limited, and the Teshima Shuttle Bus operates on a restricted schedule, requiring a fair amount of walking.

• Inujima Seirensho Museum - The small island of Inujima is about a forty-minute ferry ride from Naoshima, or just ten minutes from the mainland port of Hoden.

This lesser-known art island hosts the Seirensho Art Museum, its own “Art House Project,” and the Seaside Inujima Gallery.

Once on Inujima, visitors can easily explore the island on foot.

• Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Naoshima area
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• Private vehicles. No Bicycles allowed.
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

This exceptional trip, led by a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking tour guide, offers a wonderful and efficient way to discover Naoshima!

Naoshima, once a rural island on the brink of becoming a ghost town, has transformed into a world-renowned hub for contemporary art, thanks to contributions from Japan’s leading architects. The island now boasts museums, a boutique hotel, and a bathhouse, creating a mesmerizing fusion of avant-garde art and rural natural beauty.

During this tour, participants can visit 3 to 4 sites from the ‘what to expect/itinerary list’. It is recommended to discuss with the guide after booking to decide which sites to explore.

Please note that bicycles are not permitted on this tour.

• This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot. Bicycles cannot be used.

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