Naoshima (Art Island) Complete Travel Guide
Naoshima is a small island covered in contemporary art museums, outdoor installations, and art houses tucked into an old fishing town, and although it administratively belongs to Kagawa Prefecture, most visitors reach it by ferry from Uno Port in Okayama, which makes it a natural stop on an Okayama itinerary.
Quick Facts
Best Things to Do
- See the Chichu Art Museum, built mostly underground by Tadao Ando, with works by Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell.
- Walk the Art House Project in Honmura, where several old houses have been converted into individual art installations.
- Visit Benesse House Museum, which combines a hotel, museum, and outdoor sculpture in one Ando-designed complex.
- Photograph Yayoi Kusama's yellow and red pumpkin sculptures near the waterfront, some of the island's most recognizable landmarks.
Tickets and Fees
Checked in July 2026: advance online booking is required for the Chichu Art Museum and for some Art House Project sites and galleries, and spring and autumn slots can sell out weeks ahead, so book through the official Benesse Art Site Naoshima website as early as you can. Other sites are more flexible about walk-in entry, but confirm current rules before you go.
How to Get There
From Okayama Station, take the JR Uno Line to Uno Station (about 1 hour), then a ferry to Miyanoura Port on Naoshima (about 20 minutes). Once on the island, get around by the town shuttle bus, the free Benesse area shuttle, or a rental bicycle.
Nearby Attractions
Before or after your ferry, Okayama City's Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden are both close to Okayama Station.
Book Before You Go
Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.