Naoshima
10 tours available
Why Visit Naoshima
Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea that has been transformed into one of the world's most extraordinary open-air art destinations. Spearheaded by the Benesse Art Site project, the island blends world-class contemporary art museums with the natural beauty of terraced hillsides and quiet fishing harbours.
Yayoi Kusama's iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture on the waterfront has become a symbol of the island, but Naoshima's appeal runs far deeper. Tadao Ando-designed museums are built into the landscape, the Art House Project turns abandoned homes into immersive installations, and the entire experience feels like walking through a gallery with the Inland Sea as its backdrop.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March – May) — Comfortable temperatures and cherry blossoms around the harbour. The Setouchi Triennale art festival sometimes falls in spring, adding temporary installations.
Autumn (September – November) — Clear skies offer stunning views across the Inland Sea. Another Triennale season often runs in autumn.
Summer (June – August) — Warm enough for swimming at small beaches, but midday heat can make cycling tiring. Visit museums during peak sun.
Insider Tips
- Book Chichu Art Museum timed-entry tickets online well in advance — walk-in availability is extremely limited.
- Rent an electric bicycle at the ferry port; the island is hilly and distances between sites are deceptive on foot.
- Most museums close on Mondays. Plan your visit for Tuesday through Sunday to see everything.
- Don't skip the Benesse House Museum — its terrace offers the best sunset view on the island.
Tours Visiting Naoshima
Scenic Japan: Culture & Countryside
Golden Route Plus: Okayama,Shirakawa-go & Miyajima Hotel Standard
15-day grand tour: Tokyo to Hiroshima via Okayama and Shirakawago. See Miyajima's floating torii, rural villages, and Japan's finest castles.
Castles & Heritage of West Japan
Golden Route Plus: Himeji,Kanazawa & Miyajima Hotel Standard
15-day heritage tour: Tokyo to Hiroshima via Himeji Castle, Kanazawa, and Miyajima. Explore west Japan's samurai history and Seto Inland Sea.
Scenic Japan: Culture & Countryside – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Okayama,Shirakawa-go & Miyajima Hotel Deluxe
15-day grand tour with deluxe hotels: Tokyo to Hiroshima via Okayama and Shirakawago. Miyajima Island and castle towns with premium stays.
Castles & Heritage of West Japan – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Himeji,Kanazawa & Miyajima Hotel Deluxe
West Japan's castles with deluxe hotels: 15-day Tokyo to Hiroshima via Himeji, Kanazawa, and Miyajima. Premium accommodation throughout.
Artful Setouchi & Japan's Timeless Hot Springs
Setouchi Island Hopping
Discover Setouchi's art islands, Himeji Castle, and onsen towns. 12-day self-guided tour with ryokan stays and scenic trains.
Setouchi Shores & Shikoku Heartlands
Setouchi Island Hopping
Island-hop through Setouchi's famous art islands, explore hidden gems like Tomonoura and Onomichi,and unwind in hot spring ryokans.15-day self-guided tour.
Setouchi Garden Isles, Art Shores & Castle Towns
Setouchi Island Hopping
Discover Japan's Setouchi art islands, historic Kurashiki, and beautiful gardens on this 11-day self-guided tour from Tokyo to Osaka.
Sacred Izumo & Setouchi Sea Paths
Setouchi Island Hopping
Stay in Tokyo, Himeji, Tottori, Matsue, Tamatsukuri Onsen, Kurashiki, Osaka
SOLO Castles: Culture & Countryside
Golden Route Plus: Okayama, Shirakawa-go & Miyajima Hotel Standard
15-day solo journey: Tokyo, Okayama, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, and Hiroshima. Travel independently with pre-booked hotels, trains, and 24/7 support.
SOLO Castles & Heritage of West Japan
Golden Route Plus: Himeji,Kanazawa & Miyajima
15-day solo journey: Tokyo, Okayama, Himeji Castle, Kanazawa, and Miyajima. Independent travel with pre-booked hotels, trains, and 24/7 support.
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10 tours