Takamatsu Port to Naoshima Ferry Guide: Complete Timetable, Ticket Prices & Fast Boats

Connecting the mainland island of Shikoku to the artistic sanctuaries of the Seto Inland Sea, the ferry journey from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima is one of Japan’s most scenic water crossings.

Whether you are arriving from Takamatsu Airport, exploring Kagawa’s legendary udon culture, or embarking on an island-hopping tour, Takamatsu serves as a major gateway to Naoshima’s world-famous museums.

Navigating ferry terminals, understanding vessel types, and timing your transit around gallery openings can feel daunting. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know: complete timetables, current ticket prices, terminal directions, and local transit tips curated by the team at Finding Naoshima.

At a Glance: Key Route Information

Two distinct vessel types operated by Shikoku Kisen connect Takamatsu Port with Naoshima (Miyanoura Port):

Option	Travel Time	Adult One-Way Fare	Departure Frequency	Best For
Car Ferry (Large Passenger Boat)	~50 mins	¥620	5 departures / day	Budget travelers, panoramic sea views, large luggage
High-Speed Passenger Boat	~30 mins	¥1,590	5–8 departures / day	Quick transit, catching early museum slots

Finding Naoshima Local Tip: Unlike domestic train routes, ferry tickets cannot be booked in advance online for general foot passengers. Tickets go on sale at the terminal roughly 30 minutes before each departure on a first-come, first-served basis.

Takamatsu Port to Naoshima Timetable

Schedules are operated by Shikoku Kisen and remain consistent throughout the year, though frequency adjustments may occur during the Setouchi Triennale.

1. From Takamatsu Port to Naoshima (Miyanoura Port)

Car Ferry (Large Passenger Boat)

• Travel Time: ~50 minutes
• Fare: Adult ¥680 / Child ¥340

Takamatsu Departure	Miyanoura Arrival	Travel Time	Recommended For
08:12	09:02	50 mins	Top Choice: Arrives in time for 10:00 AM museum slots
10:14	11:04	50 mins	Mid-morning arrival, perfect for a local lunch start
12:40	13:30	50 mins	Early afternoon exploration
15:35	16:25	50 mins	Afternoon arrival for overnight stays
18:05	18:55	50 mins	Evening arrival for dinner and hotel check-in

High-Speed Passenger Boat (Small Boat)

• Travel Time: ~30 minutes
• Fare: Adult ¥1,590 / Child ¥800

Takamatsu Departure	Miyanoura Arrival	Travel Time	Notes
07:20	07:50	30 mins	Early bird service for maximum island time
09:20	09:50	30 mins	Fast mid-morning connection
20:30	21:00	30 mins	Final service of the day

2. Return: Naoshima (Miyanoura Port) to Takamatsu Port

Car Ferry (Large Passenger Boat)

• Travel Time:~50 minutes

Miyanoura Departure	Takamatsu Arrival	Travel Time	Recommended For
07:00	08:00	50 mins	Early morning departure
09:07	10:07	50 mins	Morning departure
11:30	12:30	50 mins	Noon return
14:20	15:20	50 mins	Early afternoon departure
17:00	18:00	50 mins	Top Choice: Standard return ferry after museum closes

High-Speed Passenger Boat

• Travel Time:~30 minutes

Miyanoura Departure	Takamatsu Arrival	Travel Time	Notes
06:45	07:15	30 mins	Early morning service
08:40	09:10	30 mins	Morning service
19:45	20:15	30 mins	Final return service

Ticket Prices & Fares

Ticket purchasing is straightforward. Fares vary depending on whether you take the standard car ferry or the high-speed boat.

[ Takamatsu Port Ticket Window / Vending Machines ]
       │
       ├──► Standard Ferry Ticket ──► ¥520 (Adult) / ¥260 (Child)
       │
       └──► High-Speed Boat Ticket ──► ¥1,220 (Adult) / ¥610 (Child)

1. Passenger Fares

Passenger Category	Car Ferry (One-Way)	High-Speed Boat (One-Way)
Adult (12+ years)	¥680	¥1,590
Child (6–11 years)	¥340	¥800
Infant (0–5 years)	Free	Free

2. Vehicle & Bicycle Transport Fares (Car Ferry Only)

Vehicles and bicycles can only be accommodated on the large Car Ferry. High-speed boats are strictly for foot passengers.

Transport Type	One-Way Fare	Notes
Bicycle	¥410	Plus standard adult passenger fare
Motorbike (<125cc)	¥840	Plus standard adult passenger fare
Motorbike (125cc+)	¥1,270	Plus standard adult passenger fare

How to Find & Navigate Takamatsu Port

Takamatsu Port is exceptionally convenient and sits right next to JR Takamatsu Station and the Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikkō Station.

Step-by-Step Boarding Process:

1. Arrive early: Aim to arrive at Takamatsu Port 25 to 30 minutes before departure.
2. Buy Tickets: Locate the Shikoku Kisen (四国汽船) ticket counter inside the main passenger building. You can pay using cash or major credit cards at automated ticket vending machines.
3. Queue at the Dock: Head out to Boarding Dock 1 or 2. Stand in the designated lane for foot passengers.
4. Board: Show your physical paper ticket to the staff as you step onto the vessel.

What to Pack: Naoshima Essentials

Packing for Naoshima is all about mobility and practicality. You will be transitioning from ferries to bicycles, local buses, and footpaths across museum grounds.

Clothing & Footwear

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Non-negotiable. You will easily walk 10,000+ steps across uneven outdoor terrain, gravel paths, and polished museum galleries.
• Weather Layers: Sea breezes make ocean crossings cooler than mainland temperatures. Pack easy-to-remove layers.
• Rain Gear: A compact, foldable umbrella or packable rain shell.

Electronics & Practical Gear

• Portable Battery Pack: You will rely heavily on your phone for digital tickets, photo taking, and checking local bus schedules.
• Physical Cash (Japanese Yen): While major museums accept credit cards, small island cafes, bus fares (¥100 per ride), and local ticket kiosks require cash.
• Small Daypack: Leave heavy luggage at Takamatsu Station or your hotel. A lightweight backpack keeps your hands free while cycling or boarding the boat.

How to Get Around Naoshima Upon Arrival

Once your ferry docks at Miyanoura Port (宮浦港) on Naoshima, you have three primary ways to explore the island:

1. By Electric Bicycle (E-Bike)

• Why Choose It: Naoshima is deceptively hilly. An e-bike makes riding up the hills to Chichu Art Museum effortless.
• Where to Rent: Rental shops sit directly across the street from Miyanoura Ferry Terminal.
• Cost: Approximately ¥1,000 – ¥1,500 per day. Reserve upon arrival or book ahead during peak season.

2. By Town Bus & Benesse Art Site Free Shuttle Bus

• Route: Connects Miyanoura Port to the Honmura District (Art House Project) and Tsutsujiso (the shuttle transfer hub for Benesse House Museum and Lee Ufan Museum).
• Fare: Flat rate of ¥100 per adult (cash only).
• Tip: Buses align closely with arriving ferries, but space is limited. Step off the boat promptly if you plan to catch the bus!

Special Considerations for the Setouchi Triennale

Held once every three years across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, the Setouchi Triennale brings high volumes of global art enthusiasts. If traveling during festival years:

1. Book Museum Tickets Months Ahead: Entry to Chichu Art Museum and Art House Project sites require timed-entry digital reservations that sell out quickly.
2. Catch the First Ferry: Take the 07:20 high-speed boat or 08:12 car ferry from Takamatsu to beat the heaviest tourist crowds arriving mid-morning.
3. Purchase the Triennale Passport: If visiting multiple islands (such as Teshima or Shodoshima), the official festival passport provides discounted access to dozens of art sites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use my Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) on the Takamatsu ferry?

No. The ferries between Takamatsu and Naoshima are operated by the private company Shikoku Kisen, so JR Passes are not valid. However, your JR Pass covers the train ride to JR Takamatsu Station!

What happens if the weather is stormy?

Car ferries generally run in light-to-moderate rain. However, high winds or typhoon conditions can cause high-speed passenger boats to be suspended first. Check the official Shikoku Kisen status updates on stormy days.

Is there luggage storage at Takamatsu Port?

Yes. JR Takamatsu Station and the Takamatsu Port terminal building offer coin locker facilities. Storing large suitcases on the mainland before boarding the ferry makes island travel far more enjoyable.

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!

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