About Us

Welcome to Finding Naoshima! We are a small team of Naoshima natives and long-time residents dedicated to sharing the authentic beauty, art, and timeless island culture of our home with travelers from around the world.

Whether you are planning your dream trip to the Chichu Art Museum, seeking hidden coastal paths, or looking for private guided experiences, our mission is simple: to help you discover, navigate, and fall deeply in love with Naoshima.

Born and Raised on Naoshima: Our Story

Naoshima is widely celebrated today as Japan’s premier “Art Island”—a world-renowned cultural destination home to iconic installations like Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin, the breathtaking architecture of Tadao Ando, and the subterranean wonders of the Chichu Art Museum.

For us, however, Naoshima is much more than an international gallery. It is where we grew up.

Before the art renaissance took hold, our childhoods were shaped by the gentle rhythm of the Seto Inland Sea. We grew up running along the beaches of Tsutsujiso, navigating the narrow wooden alleyways of the historic Honmura district, catching local town buses, and taking daily ferries to the mainland for school and shopping. We watched as our quiet fishing community transformed into a beacon of global art and creativity—a harmonious blend of traditional heritage and modern expression.

Why We Started “Finding Naoshima”

As Naoshima gained global fame, hundreds of travel websites, blogs, and international guidebooks began publishing articles about our island. However, when we read these external guides, we noticed a major gap: almost none of them were written by people who actually live here.

Many generic travel sites simply recycled superficial information, resulting in outdated ferry schedules, incorrect transit advice, and a surface-level focus that overlooked the true heart of our community. They missed the quiet morning light at Miyanoura, the stories behind old wooden houses in Honmura, and the warm hospitality of local islanders who have lived here for generations.

We realized that no media platform dedicated solely to Naoshima was being run by actual local residents.That is why we launched Finding Naoshima.

We wanted to create an authentic, local voice—a platform created by insiders who truly understand the island’s rhythm, seasonal nuances, and practical logistics. By providing accurate timetables, step-by-step transit cards, clear luggage storage advice, and genuine insider perspectives, we aim to bridge the gap between global curiosity and local reality.

Our Promise to You: Authentic, On-the-Ground Expertise

When you read a guide on Finding Naoshima, you are not reading rewritten content from a distant editorial office. You are receiving real-time, verified advice directly from people who walk these streets every single day.

The Finding Naoshima Difference

100% Local

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On-the-Ground Verification

We regularly double-check ferry schedules, bus routes, coin locker availability, and ticket booking policies in person at Miyanoura and Honmura ports.

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Deep Community Roots

We maintain close relationships with local ferry operators, bicycle rental shop owners, cafe hosts, and island residents, bringing you trustworthy insights directly from the source.

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Sustainable & Respectful Tourism

We love our island community and actively promote respectful, eco-friendly travel practices to preserve Naoshima’s unique lifestyle and natural beauty for generations to come.

Crafted with care in Naoshima, Japan

Experience Naoshima Like a Local: Private & Guided Tours

While our free online guides provide everything you need to navigate the island independently, exploring Naoshima with a local guide opens up a whole new layer of discovery.

From customized private walking tours through the Art House Project in Honmura to tailored island-hopping itineraries across Teshima and Inujima, our local guides take care of all the logistics, museum bookings, and secret vantage points so you can immerse yourself completely in the island’s art and nature.

Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or traveling in a private group, let our local team design an unforgettable, hassle-free journey crafted around your personal interests.

👉 Explore Our Private Naoshima Tours & Custom Itineraries →

Our Vision: Helping You Create Unforgettable Memories

For us, success is not just about page views or traffic. It is about the smile on a traveler’s face when they board the ferry back to Takamatsu or Uno, carrying a lifetime of warm memories from our island home.

We hope our platform serves as your friendly local companion—giving you the confidence to explore beyond the main tourist hubs, discover quiet seaside cafes, engage with friendly local residents, and experience the magical tranquility that makes Naoshima so special.

Thank you for visiting Finding Naoshima. We wish you a safe, inspiring, and truly wonderful journey!

Start Finding Naoshima

Ready to plan your trip? Here are some of our essential local guides to get you started:

Luggage & Arrival:Coin Lockers & Luggage Storage Options at Miyanoura Port, Naoshima
Island Transit:Complete Naoshima Town Bus Route Map, Fares & Timetables
Ferry Connections:Uno Port to Naoshima Ferry Guide & Takamatsu Port to Naoshima Ferry Guide
Late-Night Emergency Transit:Water Taxi in Naoshima: Prices, Booking, and Late-Night Options