Hassle-free Naoshima: A Curated Art Journey via Luxury Transport and English-speaking Guide
Tour Information
- 7:40Kyoto Station
Shinkansen (bullet train) - 9:05Himeji Station
Yui Prima Olivia luxury bus
Ferry crossing to Naoshima
Naoshima Island
・Naoshima New Museum of Art （80 min）
・Benesse House Museum – Museum visit (55 min)
・Miyanoura Port – “Red Pumpkin” (about 20 min) - 18:45Himeji Station
Shinkansen (bullet train) - 20:00Kyoto Station Arrival
Enjoy an elegant day tour to Naoshima, a serene island in the Seto Inland Sea renowned for its contemporary art.
Here, world-class artworks are scattered across the island and coexist harmoniously with nature and local life.
In this one-day, you will have the opportunity to explore Naoshima’s premier highlights, including the Benesse House Museum, the Naoshima New Museum of Art and the iconic Red Pumpkin without worrying about the hassle of public transportation within the island.
Your journey begins at Kyoto Station, where our attendant will accompany you during the Shinkansen (bullet train) ride to Himeji. From there, board our luxury bus and relax with complimentary drinks as we head to Uno Port. The bus will board the ferry directly, carrying you across the Seto Inland Sea to the open-air gallery of Naoshima.
Our first stop will be the newly opened Naoshima New Museum of Art. We will continue to the Benesse House Museum to explore Tadao Ando’s iconic architecture, which blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature.
Finally, we will return to Miyanoura Port to view the island’s symbol, the Red Pumpkin, against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea. After a day of inspiration, enjoy a relaxing drive back to Himeji station. Here, our attendant will provide a return Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket to Kyoto.
The Naoshima New Museum of Art is a newly opened space designed by Tadao Ando, the world-renowned architect who helped reshape the island by building many iconic structures, such as the Benesse House Museum. The museum features exhibitions with a primary focus on contemporary artists from across Asia and Japan.
The building itself is part of the experience. Spread across three floors, the museum features a long, straight staircase connecting the ground floor to the basement, illuminated by natural light pouring in from a skylight above. On the ground floor, you can admire the Seto Inland Sea from a terrace café. From here, you can see the nearby island of Teshima and watch local fishing boats drifting by, providing a peaceful moment to reflect on the art.
Benesse House Museum is one of Naoshima’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Designed by Tadao Ando in 1992, Benesse House serves as both a hotel and a museum, hosting various artworks and exhibitions.
The building itself is a masterpiece, featuring large open spaces that seamlessly connect the structure with the surrounding nature. Its position on high ground overlooks the picturesque scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. Artworks are found not only within the galleries but throughout the entire building, as well as along the seashore and in the nearby forest.
YUI PRIMA OLIVIA VEHICLE
Designed by renowned industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, the YUI PRIMA OLIVIA vehicle is crafted to deliver the utmost in comfort. In contrast to conventional 45-seat sightseeing coaches, it offers an exclusive 21-seat layout, creating a spacious and refined atmosphere. Its vivid blue exterior evokes the majestic beauty of the Seto Inland Sea, heightening anticipation for the journey ahead.
The spacious interior is finished with warm wood accents, while the ceiling is adorned with individually hand-painted artwork, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury.
Wide windows set high within the tall coach offer a unique, elevated view of the scenery—distinct from everyday perspectives.
A dedicated bar counter is also featured on board, where you can unwind and enjoy complimentary drinks at a leisurely pace.
BUS ATTENDANT
During your bus ride, you will be accompanied by our Bus Attendant. Similar to a flight attendant, they are dedicated to ensuring your most comfortable travel experience. They will serve soft drinks and alcoholic beverages and provide announcements and travel tips in English, enhancing your YUI PRIMA OLIVIA experience. Should you have any questions about Setouchi or Japan, please feel free to ask our Attendants; they will be delighted to assist you.
| Duration | 1 day |
| Minimum number of travelers | 2 people |
| Confirmation date | 7 days before departure |
| Tour Conductor | English-speaking Bus Attendant |
| Number of Included Meals | Breakfast × ・Lunch × ・Dinner × |
| Payment method | Credit card only |
| Cancellation Policy | In the event of cancellation by the customer after application, the following cancellation fees will apply. 10-8 days before departure: 20% of the travel fee 7-2 days before departure: 30% of the travel fee 1 day before departure: 40% of the travel fee On the day of departure: 50% of the travel fee No-show without notice or cancellation after departure: 100% of the travel fee ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ *Cancellation dates are determined by our office business hours (Japan Standard Time). *For more details, please refer to the “General Conditions of Travel Agency Business”: https://setouchi-shinkibus.com/yakkan.pdf *If you wish to cancel, please contact us by e-mail as soon as possible. ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ E-mail: yui-olivia@shinkibus.co.jp Business hours: 10:00-17:00 Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, Japan National Holidays |
Meeting Point
Exit the JR Lines (Hachijo East Side) ticket gates and leave the station. Cross the street and proceed straight towards KYOTO AVANTI. Turn left and cross the street again, heading towards the Tourist Bus Terminal. Our bus attendant will be waiting for you in front of our blue bus.
