Naoshima Art Island Hassle-free Luxury Tour from Kyoto

“Red Pumpkin” Yayoi Kusama,2006 Naoshima Miyanoura Port Square * No Reproduction

Naoshima Art Island Hassle-free Luxury Tour from Kyoto

Duration12h - 13h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 20 travelers

Overview

Photos courtesy of:
- “Red Pumpkin” Yayoi Kusama,2006 Naoshima Miyanoura Port Square * No Reproduction

Explore the art island of Naoshima with this hassle-free, luxury day tour accompanied by an English-speaking attendant.
In a single 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 a single logistical detail. The tour price includes all transportation, museum entrance fees and full English support from our attendant throughout the trip. Sit back and relax in our luxury vehicle as we escort you between attractions across the island.

- Complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks on board of our luxury bus
- Entrance fees for Naoshima museums included
- Round-trip Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets between Kyoto and Himeji
- Round-trip luxury bus transportation between Himeji and Naoshima

Options

Himeji departure

Himeji departure: This option begins and ends in Himeji and does not include a bullet train ticket.
Starting point:
姫路駅南貸切バス乗降場, Minamiekimaecho, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0962, Japan

Kyoto departure

Kyoto departure: This option begins and ends in Kyoto. Round-trip bullet train tickets (Kyoto → Himeji) are included.
Starting point:
京都駅八条口祭時計広場, Higashishiokoji Takakuracho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8214, Japan

What's included

English-speaking service attendant
USB plugs on board
WiFi on board
Naoshima New Museum of Art and Benesse House Museum entrance fees
Selection of complimentary sake, alcoholic and soft drinks on board
Amenities
Restroom on board
Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket : Kyoto→ Himeji and back

Lunch
Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to expect

Uno Port
Pass by

We will pass by Uno Port. If we have time, you'll be able to explore the area a bit before boarding the ferry.
1h 20m · Admission ticket included

After arriving at Uno Port, the bus will board the ferry to Naoshima and take you directly to the bus parking area near the Naoshima New Museum of Art, located in the Honmura district. Here, you will have around 90 minutes to explore the museum on your own.
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 special exhibitions with a primary focus on contemporary artists from across Asia and Japan.
Take your time to explore the architecture and artworks at your own pace.
*since the Naoshima New Museum of Art will be closed from May 11th to June 6th, in those dates we will visit the Art House Project instead.
Art House Project
1h 20m · Admission ticket included

*ONLY WHEN THE NAOSHIMA NEW MUSEUM OF ART IS CLOSED.
If the Naoshima New Museum is closed, we will visit the Art House Project instead. In that case, the attendant will purchase the tickets on the day of the tour. You may visit the art houses of your choice, except for 'Minamidera' and 'Kinza,' which require advanced reservations.
Pass by

We will pass by the iconic Yayoi Kusama's "Yellow Pumpkin".
Benesse House Museum
45m · Admission ticket included

Visit Benesse House, one of Naoshima Island’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.
15m · Admission ticket included

Designed by the legendary architect Tadao Ando, Valley Gallery is a serene sanctuary nestled in the lush valleys of Naoshima. As the ninth Ando-designed structure on the island, this "shrine-like" gallery seamlessly blends contemporary art with the surrounding nature. It features iconic installations such as Yayoi Kusama’s Narcissus Garden, where countless stainless steel spheres reflect the shifting light and seasons, creating a meditative experience for every visitor.
10m

After enjoying Benesse House Museum, we will accompany you to the famous Red Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama at Miyanoura Port.
You will have some time to take pictures and buy some souvenirs.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please exit via the South Gate of JR Himeji Station. Our attendant will be waiting for you there, holding a blue sign that reads 'Yui Prima Olivia'.

Meeting point

Meet at the MATSURI Clock Square at 7:40, just outside the JR/Shinkansen Hachijo East Exit near McDonald’s.
This exit is on the south side of the station, the opposite side of the JR Central Entrance. Once you reach the clock, look for our attendant who will be holding a blue "Yui Prima Olivia" sign

End point

Please exit via the South Gate of JR Himeji Station. Our attendant will be waiting for you there, holding a blue sign that reads 'Yui Prima Olivia'.

End point

Meet at the MATSURI Clock Square at 7:40, just outside the JR/Shinkansen Hachijo East Exit near McDonald’s.
This exit is on the south side of the station, the opposite side of the JR Central Entrance. Once you reach the clock, look for our attendant who will be holding a blue "Yui Prima Olivia" sign

Additional information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
If the Naoshima New Museum is closed, we will visit the Art House Project instead. In that case, the attendant will purchase the tickets on the day of the tour. You may visit the art houses of your choice, except for 'Minamidera' and 'Kinza,' which require advanced reservations.
For guests departing from Kyoto: We will be taking the 8:01 AM Shinkansen to Himeji. As the meeting point is a short walk from the platform, please ensure you arrive by 7:40 AM at the meeting point.
Please arrive 20 minutes before departure (the meeting time is at 7:40 in Kyoto and at 9:05 in Himeji)
As ferry boarding cannot be reserved, if the bus is unable to board due to high traffic, we will proceed to board on foot. We will then use local transportation for the tour on Naoshima.
If you are late for the tour start time, you will not be able to join the tour midway.
If you decide to leave the tour midway, we will not be able to give you the return Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket
We suggest buying lunch beforehand or at a service area to maximize sightseeing time (you can eat it inside the bus)
We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 20 years old and above. Minor travelers below 20 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
Visiting times at museums may be subject to slight shortening depending on traffic conditions
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (16)