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Himeji Castle
30m
Himeji Castle, the famous "White Heron Castle," is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site known for its brilliant white walls and grand architecture. Even without entering the main keep, you can fully enjoy its majesty. Strolling through the outer grounds offers breathtaking, photogenic views of this historic samurai fortress from the outside.
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Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
1h 30m
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a picturesque area famous for its beautifully preserved 17th-century storehouses with white walls and black tiles. A scenic canal lined with weeping willows flows through the heart of the district, where visitors can enjoy peaceful boat rides. Mixing traditional Edo-period architecture with modern cafes and museums, it offers a delightful, nostalgic journey back in time.
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Manekineko Museum of Art
1h 30m · Admission ticket included
Located in the peaceful countryside of Okayama, this unique museum houses a wonderful collection of over 800 manekineko (lucky beckoning cats). The best part of the visit is joining the popular workshop where you get to paint your very own lucky cat figurine! It is a fun, creative experience that lets you take home a personalized souvenir filled with good fortune.
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Okayama Korakuen Garden
1h · Admission ticket included
Okayama Korakuen is celebrated as one of Japan’s three greatest traditional gardens. Designed in the Edo period, this vast landscape features peaceful ponds, winding streams, and beautiful lawns. The ultimate highlight is the breathtaking view of the nearby black Okayama Castle, which rises majestically beyond the trees, creating a perfect harmony between the garden and the fortress.
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Uno Port
15m
Located in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, Port of Uno is a scenic port town facing the Seto Inland Sea. It is famously known as the main gateway for catching the ferry to Naoshima, Japan's world-renowned contemporary art island. The port area itself is a fun place to explore, featuring unique outdoor art installations, cozy cafes, and convenient access right next to Uno Station.
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Miyaura Port
15m
Miyanoura Port is the main marine gateway to Naoshima, welcoming visitors arriving by ferry from Uno Port or Takamatsu Port. The moment you step off the boat, your art journey begins—the port area is famously home to Yayoi Kusama’s iconic "Red Pumpkin" and the architectural passenger terminal designed by SANAA. It is the perfect starting point to explore this world-renowned contemporary art island.
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Naoshima-cho
15m
・Yellow Pumpkin
Created by world-famous artist Yayoi Kusama, the Yellow Pumpkin is the iconic symbol of Naoshima. Sitting at the end of an old pier that stretches out into the sea, its bright yellow color and bold black polka dots create a stunning contrast with the blue waters of the Seto Inland Sea. It is a magical sight where avant-garde contemporary art meets the serene beauty of nature, making it one of the most photographed and beloved spots in Japan.
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Benesse House Museum
1h 45m · Admission ticket included
Benesse House Museum on Naoshima uniquely blends a contemporary art museum with a luxury hotel. Designed by the famous architect Tadao Ando, the building features striking concrete architecture that seamlessly integrates into the scenic landscape. Here, artworks are displayed not only in the galleries but also throughout the surrounding forests and along the seashore. It offers a rare, immersive experience where art, nature, and architecture coexist in perfect harmony.
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1h · Admission ticket included
Tucked away in a lush, green valley on Naoshima, the Valley Gallery is another brilliant architectural masterpiece by Tadao Ando. The gallery features a minimalist concrete building shaped like a trapezoid, beautifully integrated into the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy an immersive art experience that flows seamlessly between the indoor space and the outdoor valley, highlighted by Yayoi Kusama's striking Narcissus Garden installation of reflective mirror balls. It is a peaceful sanctuary where modern art, dynamic architecture, and seasonal nature breathe together as one.
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Naoshima-cho
1h 30m
・Free Exploration of the Honmura Area
The Honmura area is a charming coastal village where history and contemporary art beautifully intertwine. Walking through its narrow, maze-like streets, you will encounter beautifully preserved wooden houses dating back to the Edo period. The ultimate highlight here is the Art House Project, which transforms empty traditional homes and temples into stunning modern art installations. Strolling through this neighborhood at your own pace offers a delightful discovery of local island life, tranquil vibes, and hidden artistic treasures around every corner.
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Naoshima Pavillion
25m
Designed by architect Sou Fujimoto, the Naoshima Pavilion is a stunning, diamond-shaped structure made of white metal mesh. Resembling a floating translucent island, it looks beautiful during the day and glows magically when illuminated at night. Visitors can actually step inside the structure to experience its unique sense of space. Conveniently located near Miyanoura Port, a short walk around the area also allows you to see Yayoi Kusama’s famous Red Pumpkin, making this coastal spot an absolute must-visit for art lovers.
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Umi no Eki Naoshima
20m
Located right at Miyanoura Port, Marine Station Naoshima is the ultimate spot for souvenir shopping before or after your island adventure. The spacious shop inside this ultra-modern, glass-walled terminal features a fantastic selection of exclusive Naoshima goods, including Yayoi Kusama-inspired art merchandise, local sweets, and unique island crafts. It is the perfect, convenient place to pick up memorable gifts while enjoying a quick bite at the cafe and taking in the beautiful ocean views.
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Miyaura Port
15m
Depart Miyanoura Port for Uno Port. From there, we will head to Hiroshima Station, our final destination.
