Travel Course
Course No.7003
Explore ART ISLAND NAOSHIMA with YUI PRIMA OLIVIA
This one-day tour will take you to the charming Naoshima, the island of Art!
By using our luxury bus service, you can save time that you would otherwise spend changing numerous trains or other forms of transit on the island. All you need to do is get on the bus, and you will be comfortably transported from Kobe Sannomiya to Naoshima, and around the island itself (except in areas not specified).
・Do not worry about any transportation!
・Enjoy both the destination AND the journey inside our luxury bus with airline business class-like service!
・Explore the House Project and Benesse House Museum at your leisure.
・Receive English support and assistance inside the bus (our attendants will not accompany you outside the bus).
・The admission tickets to the museums will be bought by our attendants and given to you before your free time.
Travel Tips
- 1.A comfortable space designed to relax
- There are a total of 21 seats arranged in 7 rows, featuring both single and double independent seats, allowing you to relax even when traveling long distances. Furthermore, a “service corner,” reminiscent of a bar counter, is located at the rear of the vehicle. An attendant will be ready to serve drinks and light snacks, bringing them directly to your seat. The bus is also equipped with a toilet, ensuring a secure and comfortable environment. (Local Sake and specialty sweets from the Setouchi region are also provided on the bus.)
- 2.A Dedicated Attendant Accompaniment Throughout the Tour (English/Japanese Support)
- Our dedicated attendants, serving as “travel concierges,” ensure not only safety but also a comfortable journey. They meticulously select delicious food from around Japan served on the bus, including exclusive sake from renowned breweries in Setouchi, available only during specific seasons. Our attendants will support you in making your trip more enjoyable and memorable.
- 3.Eco-Friendly Initiatives (Zero Carbon)
- YUI PRIMA OLIVIA is committed to offsetting its CO2 emissions through J-Credit. A portion of the emission credits is included in the travel cost, with a segment of the additional funds dedicated to initiatives supporting environmental conservation in the Setouchi region. By allocating resources to local environmental efforts, we strive to collaboratively advance environmental activities with the community while contributing to the sustainability of the area.
| Duration & Destination | 1 day trip Kagawa Prefecture, Naoshima |
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| Travel Price | 39,000 yen |
| Departure Dates For Confirmed Departures we will use this sign: ◎ | August 21st◎/28th◎ September 11th◎/18th/25th October 2nd◎/9th/16th◎/23rd/30th November 6th/20th/27th December 4th/11th/18th/25th *The departure dates are all on Wednesdays. |
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Recommendations for this trip
YUI OLIVIA’s trips allow you to experience Japanese traditions and local uniqueness.
- ①Naoshima’s House Project
After arriving at Uno Port (Takamatsu), the bus will board the ferry to Naoshima and transport you directly to the meeting point on the island, the parking area near the House Project. Here, you will have around 1 hour and an half of free time to explore the houses on your own, all of which are reachable walking from the bus location.
The House Project in Naoshima consists of seven houses that have been transformed into art installations by different artists and are scattered around the Honmura district of the island. Each house offers a unique experience, blending contemporary art with the traditional architecture of the old houses.
Make sure to return to the meeting point by 14:30.
1 hour 30 minutes・Admission Ticket inlcuded - ②Benesse Art Museum
Enjoy one hour of free time inside the Benesse Art Museum. Experience the fusion of the museum with the surrounding nature and the works of renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama and Andy Warhol.
Make sure to return to the meeting point by 15:10.
1 hour・Admission Ticket inlcuded - ③Naoshima Yellow Pumpkin (Pass by)
You will be able to enjoy the beautiful view of the Yellow Pumpkin from inside the bus and take pictures with the Seto Inland Sea in the background. - ④Free time at the Port
During this brief pause before boarding the ferry to return, you will have time at Miyanoura Port to admire the famous Red Pumpkin or shop for souvenirs.
around 10 minutes
“Naoshima” Honmura Photo: Ken’ichi Suzuki
Naoshima, also known as the island of art, is a must-see destination for art lovers in Japan! Located approximately 30 minutes by ferry from Takamatsu Port, it may be a small island, but it is incredibly rich in things to see. On the island, you can enjoy various artworks, such as Yayoi Kusama’s iconic piece, the Red Pumpkin, which welcomes you at Miyanoura Port and the Art House Project, where various artists have revitalized the area by renovating vacant houses with their artworks. In addition to appreciating the art itself, Naoshima is also a joy to explore, with its hidden spots and numerous cozy cafes and restaurants waiting to be discovered!
2006, Naoshima Miyaura Port Green Space, Photo by Daisuke Aoji ©YAYOI KUSAMA (No image reproduction allowed)
Yayoi Kusama’s “Red Pumpkin,”
If you are an art lover, you have probably heard of Yayoi Kusama’s Red Pumpkin. This artwork, a large red pumpkin with black dots and round holes, is located on the coast of Naoshima and is the first thing that catches your eye when the ferry approaches the port, signaling that you have finally arrived at the island of art! The Red Pumpkin has also become a phenomenon on social media, with many people trying to take pictures inside or near it with the Seto Inland Sea as a background.
Benesse House Museum
Benesse House Museum is a fusion of a hotel and a museum that opened in 1992, designed by the architect Tadao Ando. True to Ando’s style, it interacts with the rich natural surroundings of the Seto Inland Sea. In fact, its concept is to combine nature, architecture, and art. You can enjoy different artworks from various artists inside the structure, but they are not limited to the exhibition spaces; they are installed throughout the building, along the coastline surrounding the facility, and within the forests!
Art House Project “Ishibashi”, Photo: Ken’ichi Suzuki
“Ishibashi,” literally meaning “Stone Bridge,” is an art facility situated in the Honmura district of Naoshima. It was constructed within the former residence of the Ishibashi family, who prospered during the Meiji Era through salt production and the property served as a private residence until 2001. Renowned Nihonga painter Hiroshi Senju took charge of revitalizing the space with his art, dedicating five years to its renovation.
Art House Project “Haisha” Shinro Ohtake＂Dreaming Tongue/ BOKKON-NOZOKI”, Photo: Ken’ichi Suzuki
“Haisha” is a facility that opened in 1994 and has an interesting name, meaning literally “dentist,” derived from its former use as a dental clinic.
Haisha is a very colorful house, both inside and outside. Inside, you can appreciate the diversity in the styles of the rooms, which combine a touch of traditional Japanese house architecture, colorful paintings, and a gigantic statue resembling the Statue of Liberty in New York.
It’s an extremely creative space that combines various elements, and it’s fun to try to think about the meaning the artist, Shinro Ohtake, wanted to convey through it.
Art House Project “Gokaisho”, Photo: Osamu Watanabe
This building, known as “Gokaisho” in Japanese, derives its name from its original purpose, a place where people played Go (a strategic board game that utilizes a wooden board and playing pieces called stones). Inspired by “Meijuchiritsubaki,” a significant work by the Japanese artist Hayami Gyoshu, it displays real and artificial camellias inside the house and in the garden.
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Travel Itinerary
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Day trip
- Duration of the Trip
- Day trip
- Destination
- Kagawa Prefecture, Naoshima
Included Meals
Breakfast Lunch Dinner – – – ①Departure from Shin-Kobe (8:30)
②Uno Port (ferry) Miyanoura Port
③House Project (free time, approx. 1h30)
④Benesse House Museum (approx. 1h)
⑤Miyanoura Port (ferry) Uno Port
⑥Arrive at Shin-Kobe Station (around 20:20)
Departure date/boarding route
| August 21st/28th September 11th◎/18th/25th October 2nd◎/9th/16th◎/23rd/30th November 6th/20th/27th December 4th/11th/18th/25th | ■【Shin-Kobe】Shinkansen Exit (2F) ■ For those using the Shinkansen to arrive at Shin-Kobe: Kyoto 7:41 AM → Shin-Osaka 7:56 AM → Shin-Kobe 8:08 AM ■ All tours depart from Shin-Kobe (8:30/20:20) |
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*On the day of the trip, we recommend that you bring your own lunch or purchase it at a service station due to the limited time available at the destination. We suggest enjoying your meal on board before arriving at Uno Port.
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