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Popular as an art island along the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, Naoshima houses the work of some of Japan's most iconic contemporary artists, and is a must see destination for all art, architecture and design lovers. Discover the eclectic work of Yayoi Kusama art and sculptures and the beauty in the simplicity of renowned architect, Tadao Ando's designs. Spend two nights at Benesse House. This is a perfect trip for an arts and cultural weekend getaway.
Commonly known as Japan's art island, Naoshima is a tiny island in the Seto Inland Sea. Just a short ferry ride from Japan's main island of Honshu, the island has an atmosphere like nowhere else. The island was included in National Geographic’s '19 Places to Indulge Yourself'. In addition to sandy beaches, sunny weather, ...
Commonly known as Japan's art island, Naoshima is a tiny island in the Seto Inland Sea. Just a short ferry ride from Japan's main island of Honshu, the island has an atmosphere like nowhere else. The island was included in National Geographic’s '19 Places to Indulge Yourself'. In addition to sandy beaches, sunny weather, and tiny traditional fishing villages such as Miyanoura and Honmura, you'll find stunning architecture by Tadao Ando, museums, colourful galleries, installations, and charming cafes - all in a laid-back atmosphere amid beautiful scenery. The island also serves as a main venue of the Setouchi Triennale art festival held every three years.
The tour includes 2 nights accommodation, meals as mentioned in the itinerary, train and ferry tickets to and from Miyanoura Port.
This is one of the world’s most unique destinations for art lovers and travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.
Departure Dates
Departs daily year round on request.
Price
FROM/TO OKAYAMA: from $1,300 AUD per person, twin share
FROM/TO KYOTO: from $1,550 AUD per person, twin share *
* Departures during weekends, peak season, and Japanese public holidays will be subject to supplementary charges.
Optional Extra- Art Walk With An Expert (Half Day)
The accompanying expert is a renowned art curator, associated with the Setouchi Triennale Art Festival. Follow the expert through some of the most unique museums and galleries in Asia. Explore with an art curator some of the curiosities of the island, wandering through museums showcasing all kind of arts from local artists. In this unique environment, the guide provides precise insights and context, and answers any question regarding the pieces and collections on this unique island. Extra: $1,500 AUD per person
Optional Extra- Art Island Yachting (Half Day)
There is also the option to extend this trip with a visit to Bizen in Okayama, to explore and learn how to make the traditional pottery Bizen-yaki, famous throughout the world.
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.
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You have the choice to start your Naoshima tour from Okayama or Kyoto/Osaka/Tokyo, train and ferry tickets are included. After a few train rides to Uno station, catch a ferry from Uno Ferry Port to Miyanoura Port, one of the two main ports on Naoshima Island.
Upon arriving in Miyanoura Port, stop by the Tourist Information Center to obtain maps. Afterwards, board the local bus to visit some of the most famous museums.
Start with the Chichu Art Museum, another signature work of Tadao Ando known for its manifestation of the relationship between mankind and Mother Nature. Ando designed the museum in a way that does not disrupt the natural beauty of Seto region, constructing the entire building almost completely underground. Aside from the impressive architectural design, the works of James Turrell, Claude Monet, and Walter de Maria can also be enjoyed.
Next is the Lee Ufan Museum, the result of the collaboration between Lee Ufan and Tadao Ando. The theme of this museum circles the tranquility and stillness of life and its harmonious existence with nature.
Spend your first day winding down to island time at one of the lovely cafes or restaurants around the island.
Note: Most of the museums and art galleries on Naoshima are closed on Mondays. You have free access to the Benesse House Museum, which is open from 08:00 to 21:00 every day.
You check into Benesse House, which is a facility based on the concept of coexistence among nature, architecture, and art. Your room is within one of the rare wooden buildings designed by Ando, built on a gentle slope and surrounded by the natural beauty of Setouchi. From the verandas of the room, you can enjoy lush green lawn dotted with open-air artwork to the Inland Sea, with the mountains of Shikoku standing against the blue sky on the far shore.
Room Style: Western
Bed Type: Twin Shared
Toilet: Ensuite western style
Today, continue your self exploration of the island on foot. You can also rent a bike and take in the many hidden galleries and artworks the island has to offer.
Visit the iconic red pumpkin, one of the outdoor sculptures by the Japanese contemporary artist, Yayoi Kusama. Stop by I Love You, a combination of art and public bathhouse (sento) that showcases various styles of wall art and design.
On the eastern side of Naoshima is Ando Museum. The world-renowned architect who designed the interior of the museum used his signature, plain concrete structure to contrast the museum's façade which is a traditional Japanese-style house.
From Nokyo-mae, take the local bus to Tsutsuji-so and find another iconic work of Yayoi Kusama or relax for a while on the beach before catching the bus to the Benesse House.
Today you depart from Naoshima for your next destination. You can ferry and train back to Okayama or Kyoto/Osaka/Tokyo.
Alternatively, you can enjoy island hopping and boat to Inujima & Teshima and continue island art exploration. Firstly, Boat to Inujima. View the artworks at the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum and Inujima "Art House Project”. Next, boat to Teshima, walk to Teshima Yokoo House and view the artworks. Further, you can visit Teshima Art Museum. Walk to view the artworks at the Les Archives du Coeur. Lastly, take the small passenger boat from the Ieura Port to Takamatsu, or stay overnight on Teshima.
Due to high demand of Benesse House, please contact us to confirm the availablity and price. Departures during weekends, peak season, and Japanese public holidays will be subject to supplementary charges. Please contact us for group bookings.
- The departure point is either Okayama or Osaka/Kyoto/Tokyo- The finishing point is Miyanoura PortHow to travel between Osaka/Kyoto/Tokyo to Miyanoura PortBy TrainCatch Shinkansen to Okayama station, change Kaisoku lines to Chayamachi station, then change to JR Uno lines to Uno station, and 5 mins walk to Uno port. Last, hop on the ferry for 15 mins ride to Miyanoura Port. It takes 2 hours 15 mins depart from Osaka, 2 hours 30 mins from Kyoto and 3 hours 15 mins from Tokyo for the entire trip.By AirCatch domestic flight to Okayama domestic airport, then Limousine bus to Okayama station, change to Kaisoku lines to Chayamachi station, next change to the JR Uno lines to Uno station, and 5 mins walk to Uno port. Last, hop on the ferry for 15 mins ride to Miyanoura Port. It takes 3 - 4 hours from Tokyo for the entire flight and train trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Naoshima IslandDay 2: Explore Naoshima Island either on foot or wheelsDay 3: Depart from Naoshima Island or continue island art exploration
Japan's weather and climate features four distinct seasons.Spring is from March to May. It's perhaps one of the very best times to visit Japan as temperatures are pleasantly warm without being too hot, with daytime temperatures ranging between 21°C to 26°C. The country is ablaze with beautiful white and pink cherry blossom and plenty festivals to enjoy.Summer is from June to August and the country experiences a three to four-week rainy season. It is hot and humid during this time and temperatures are often in the high 30’s. If you plan on visiting Japan during the summer weather, northern areas such as Hokkaido or the mountains of Tohoku or Chubu are the most comfortable places to escape the heat.Autumn is from September to November and is characterised by light breezes and cooler temperatures of around 8-10°C. It is also a wonderful time to visit Japan. The country turns into a haven of red and scarlet leaves which contrast strikingly against the deep blue clear skies and almost as impressive as the stunning cherry blossoms.Winter is from December to February. It is a magical time to visit as the landscape is turned white with snow. It's the perfect time to go skiing or check out the hot springs, especially venture to the ski slopes of Hokkaido or Nagano. It's Okinawa is a great place to visit during the winter as it is not quite as cold as the rest of Japan’s weather.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.