Water Taxi in Naoshima: Prices, Booking, and Late-Night Options
While standard passenger ferries and high-speed boats are the primary ways to reach Naoshima, they operate on strict schedules with the last departures ending around 20:25–20:30.
If your flight into Takamatsu arrives late, your train to Uno Station is delayed, or you want to island-hop directly between Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima without backtracking, a water taxi (海上タクシー / Marine Taxi) is your ultimate solution.
In this comprehensive guide by Finding Naoshima, we cover official route prices, late-night surcharges, booking methods for non-Japanese speakers, and major operator details.
Quick Summary: Naoshima Water Taxi Options
Here is a quick overview of water taxi services connecting Naoshima (Miyanoura Port / Honmura Port) with the mainland and surrounding islands:
1. What is a Naoshima Water Taxi and When Should You Use One?
A water taxi (marine taxi) in the Seto Inland Sea is a private chartered boat service licensed to carry up to 12 passengers per vessel. Unlike public scheduled ferries, water taxis depart according to your requested time and route.
Best Situations to Use a Water Taxi:
- Missed the Last Ferry: The final ferry from Uno Port to Naoshima leaves around 20:25, while Takamatsu’s last ferry departs around 20:30. If you miss these, a water taxi is the way to reach the island that night.
- Late Dinner & Night Sightseeing: Enjoying dinner or nighttime installations on Naoshima while staying on the mainland in Takamatsu or Uno.
- Direct Island Hopping: Traveling directly between Naoshima, Teshima (Karato/Ieura), and Inujima without transferring via mainland ports.
- Group Travel Value: Since water taxi fares are priced per boat (flat rate) rather than per person, splitting the charter cost among a group of 4 to 8 travelers makes it surprisingly affordable.
2. Water Taxi Price Breakdown & Route Rates
Water taxi prices depend on the distance, time of day (daytime vs. nighttime), and total charter duration.
Typical Route Pricing (Factual Estimates)
| Route | Estimated Travel Time | Daytime Charter Fare (Per Boat) | Nighttime / Late-Night Rate (Per Boat) |
| Uno Port ⇔ Naoshima (Miyanoura) | ~15 mins | ¥5,000 – ¥8,000 | ¥7,000 – ¥10,000 (+20–40%) |
| Takamatsu Port ⇔ Naoshima | ~25–30 mins | ¥12,000 | ¥14,000 – ¥20,000 (Midnight) |
| Uno Port ⇔ Teshima (Ieura) | ~20–25 mins | ¥12,000 – ¥14,000 | ¥16,000 – ¥18,000 |
| Naoshima ⇔ Teshima (Ieura/Karato) | ~20 mins | ¥10,000 – ¥12,000 | ¥14,000 – ¥16,000 |
| Uno Port ⇔ Inujima | ~45 mins | ¥25,000 | Custom quote required |
Nighttime Surcharge Rules (日没後・深夜割増):
- Sunset to 22:00: Standard daytime rate + 20% surcharge.
- 22:00 to Sunrise: Standard daytime rate + 40% surcharge (or flat midnight rate of ¥20,000 for Takamatsu/Naoshima).
3. Major Water Taxi Operators & Contact Info
There are two primary marine taxi services operating around Naoshima, Uno, and Takamatsu:
1. Kawanishi Marine Service (川西マリンサービス)
The primary marine taxi service based near Uno Port and Naoshima. They operate small passenger vessels capable of reaching any island pier.
- Base Ports: Uno Port (Dedicated pier near 玉野産業振興ビル) / Naoshima
- Phone Contact:
+81-80-1646-2063(080-1646-2063 within Japan) - Official Website:Kawanishi Marine Service
2. Takamatsu Marine Taxi / Taco Taco Marine Taxi (高松港 海上タクシー)
Primary operator servicing Takamatsu Port transfers to Naoshima, Megijima, Ogijima, and Teshima.
- Base Port: Takamatsu Port
- Phone Contact:
+81-87-802-5720 - Official Web Guide:Takamatsu Marine Taxi Rates
4. How to Book a Water Taxi (Step-by-Step)
Option A: Advance Online / Phone Booking (Recommended)
If you know your travel schedule, booking at least 24 to 48 hours in advance ensures boat availability, especially during peak seasons (Setouchi Triennale or Golden Week).
- Call or Contact: Dial the operator’s phone line directly or submit a request via their web inquiry form.
- Provide Details: Departure port, destination port, requested time, number of passengers, and luggage count.
- Confirmation: Confirm the quoted flat fee and boarding location (e.g., Uno Small Passenger Boat Pier).
Option B: Emergency / Same-Day Booking (Missed Ferry)
If you miss the last ferry:
- Call Directly: Phone Kawanishi Marine Service (
080-1646-2063) or Takamatsu Marine Taxi. - Language Barrier Tip: If you do not speak Japanese, ask your hotel front desk staff, train station staff, or a local tourist office representative to place the phone call on your behalf.
- Head to the Pier: Go to the designated small passenger boat pier at Uno Port or Takamatsu Port.
Essential Late-Night Survival Tips for Travelers
- Prepare Cash (JPY): Most water taxis require cash payments (Japanese Yen) directly to the captain upon arrival. Do not rely on credit cards or mobile IC payments.
- Know Your Boarding Pier: Water taxis depart from small passenger vessel piers (小型旅客船乗り場), which are separate from the large car ferry terminals. At Uno Port, the water taxi pier is located near the Tamano Industrial Promotion Building (玉野産業振興ビル東), about 5 minutes on foot from JR Uno Station.
- Weather Dependency: Marine taxis are small vessels. In cases of extreme high winds or heavy rain, operations may be suspended for safety.
Naoshima Water Taxi FAQ
- Is the water taxi fare per person or per boat?
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Fares are charged per boat (flat charter rate), not per person. Up to 12 passengers can ride for the same charter price.
- Can I book a water taxi late at night after 21:00?
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Yes, water taxis operate 24 hours upon request, but nighttime surcharges (+20% to +40%) apply.
- Where do I meet the water taxi at Uno Port?
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Water taxis depart from the dedicated small passenger boat pier next to the Tamano Industrial Promotion Building. This is a 5-minute flat walk from JR Uno Station.
Experience Naoshima with Finding Naoshima
Navigating ferry docks and bus connections is just the first step of your island adventure. At Finding Naoshima, we help international travelers unlock the deepest cultural stories, architectural wonders, and hidden culinary gems across the Seto Inland Sea.
Whether you need private guided tours, customized itineraries, or recommendations for local seaside dining, explore our full suite of digital guides at Finding Naoshima to plan your trip!