Driving on Naoshima: Ferry Fees, Parking, and Car Rental Pros & Cons

While most travelers navigate Naoshima on electric bicycles or by local town buses, bringing a car onto the island or renting a car on the mainland is an option many travelers consider—especially those traveling in families, carrying heavy luggage, or on a wider road trip across Japan.

However, driving on Naoshima comes with unique logistics, car ferry transport fees, and narrow island roads.

In this complete guide by Finding Naoshima, we break down vehicle ferry costs from Uno and Takamatsu ports, parking availability at key art sites, and whether bringing a car is truly worth it for your trip.

Quick Overview: Should You Drive on Naoshima?

Before booking a car ferry ticket, here is a quick decision summary to help you evaluate if driving fits your travel style:

1. Car Ferry Vehicle Transport Fees & Schedules

To bring a vehicle onto Naoshima, you must take the Car Ferry operated by Shikoku Kisen (四国汽船). Passenger-only high-speed boats do not accept vehicles.

Car ferry fares depend on the length of your vehicle. Note that vehicle transport tickets include the fare for one driver. Additional passengers in the vehicle must purchase standard passenger ferry tickets.

Vehicle Ferry Fare Rates (One-Way)

Local Tip on Car Ferry Reservations:

Shikoku Kisen car ferries generally operate on a first-come, first-served basis for standard passenger vehicles. During peak travel periods (Setouchi Triennale, Golden Week, and autumn weekends), vehicle lanes line up early. Arrive at Uno Port or Takamatsu Port at least 30 to 45 minutes prior to departure.

2. Parking Options on Naoshima

Parking on Naoshima is generally straightforward near major ports, but restrictions apply near art installations.

1. Miyanoura Port Area Parking (宮浦港駐車場)

• Location: Directly adjacent to the Miyanoura Ferry Terminal (Udirect).
• Rate: Approx. ¥200 per day for standard passenger cars.
• Best For: Storing your vehicle if you plan to explore Miyanoura on foot or rent an electric bicycle for the day.

2. Chichu Art Museum & Museum Area Parking

• Location: Dedicated visitor parking lot located near the Chichu Art Museum Ticket Center.
• Rate:Free for museum ticket holders.
• Important Notice: Cars are strictly prohibited past the Chichu Ticket Center into the inner Benesse Art Site territory (towards Lee Ufan Museum and Benesse House Museum). Visitors must park at the designated lot and use the Benesse Free Shuttle Bus or walk to access inner galleries.

3. Honmura District Parking (Art House Project)

• Location: Public parking lots located near the Honmura Port Passenger Terminal and Nokyo-mae area.
• Rate: Free or low-cost municipal parking.
• Warning: The interior streets of the Honmura village are extremely narrow historic residential alleys. Driving inside the village is strictly restricted to local residents. Always park in the designated perimeter lots and walk through the village.

3. Important Driving Restrictions & Road Conditions

If you choose to drive on Naoshima, keep these vital local rules in mind:

1. The Benesse Area Traffic Prohibition:
   The coastal road connecting Tsutsujiso, Benesse House Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, and Chichu Art Museum is closed to private vehicles. Only authorized shuttle buses, local staff, and bicycles are permitted.
2. Narrow Roads & Pedestrians:
   Island roads are shared with hundreds of cyclists on electric bikes and walking pedestrians. Drive cautiously, especially around sharp coastal curves and residential corners.
3. Gas Station Availability:
   There are only a few small gas stations on Naoshima, and they often close early in the evening or remain closed on Sundays/holidays. Fill up your gas tank on the mainland before boarding the ferry.

Better Alternative: Mainland Parking & Day Trip Transit

For most travelers, leaving your car at the mainland port and crossing to Naoshima as a foot passenger is faster, cheaper, and less stressful.

Mainland Parking Rates:

• Uno Port Parking: Multiple municipal and private parking lots around JR Uno Station and Uno Port cost approx. ¥400 – ¥1,000 per 24 hours.
• Takamatsu Port Parking: Underground and surface parking garages near Takamatsu Station charge approx. ¥1,500 – ¥2,000 per 24 hours.

By parking on the mainland and taking the ferry as a foot passenger (¥370 from Uno / ¥680 from Takamatsu), you save thousands of yen in car transport fees while enjoying total freedom on the island via electric bicycle.

Onward Transit & Exploration Guides

Deciding on your transport style? Check out our other dedicated transit resources:

• Prefer cycling? Read our guide on Where to Rent Electric Bicycles at Miyanoura Port.
• Taking the bus instead? Read our Complete Naoshima Town Bus Route Map, Fares & Timetables.
• Storing luggage? View options in our Coin Lockers & Luggage Storage Options at Miyanoura Port.

Driving on Naoshima FAQ

Can I rent a car directly on Naoshima?

Car rental services on Naoshima itself are extremely limited (only a few local rental shops with small mini-cars). It is much more common to rent a car in Okayama, Uno, or Takamatsu.

Are there EV charging stations on Naoshima?

EV charging stations are limited on the island. It is best to charge your electric vehicle fully at Uno or Takamatsu before crossing.

Is parking free at Naoshima art museums?

Yes, designated visitor parking lots near the Chichu Art Museum and Honmura public lots are free, but private cars cannot enter inner museum zones.