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Details of our special Naoshima tour here.

A Relaxed Trip to Naoshima

An Artful Journey with Room to Breathe

Naoshima is famous for the Benesse Art Site and the Art House Project—major attractions for art lovers from around the world. But when you’re on an island like this, rushing from one “must-see” spot to the next just to check things off a list misses the point.

Instead, we suggest a journey that embraces intentional slowness—a trip with space for reflection, atmosphere, and moments that linger.

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First Principle: Dare to Skip Some Things

Naoshima isn’t just about art museums and famous installations. The breeze from the Seto Inland Sea, the curves of quiet roads, the colors of sky and water—these are part of the island’s magic.

You don’t need to see everything. In fact, seeing less can help each experience sink in more deeply. It all starts with planning for space in your schedule.


Day 1

● 10:00|Arrive at Miyanoura Port → Rent a Bicycle

The atmosphere around the port is calm and gentle. After disembarking, switch into “island mode” by renting a bike. Rather than taking the bus, cycling lets you feel the sea breeze as you move at your own pace.

● 10:30–11:30|Art House Project (excluding Minamidera)

In the Honmura area, traditional houses have been transformed into art installations. Don’t aim to see them all. Pick one or two—like Ishibashi, known for its quietude—and take your time. Visiting earlier in the day also helps you avoid crowds.

● 11:30–12:30|Slow Local Lunch

Honmura has a variety of cafés and casual eateries with large windows that let in the island light. Enjoy simple meals that highlight local ingredients, and don’t rush—this is your time to settle in.

● 13:00–14:00|Benesse House Museum

This museum has space—not just in its architecture, but between each work of art. It invites you to pause, breathe, and reflect. Take your time, even sitting down for a while to simply be with the works.

● 14:30–15:30|Explore the Outdoor Art Near Benesse

Art installations dot the coastline near Benesse House. Walking among them—with the sea beside you—helps digest what you’ve seen and makes room for the impressions to settle.

● 17:00|Dinner Near Miyanoura Port

Back near the port, you’ll find quiet local spots where you can enjoy a relaxed dinner. If you strike up a conversation with someone from the island, it may become one of your most vivid memories.

Day 2

● 10:00–11:00|Chichu Art Museum (reservation required)

Morning is the best time to visit, before the museum gets too busy. Focus on the space and light itself—not just the artworks. Try not to take photos. Let the experience live in your memory instead.

● 12:30|Return to Miyanoura Port

By not packing your afternoon with more plans, you give yourself time to linger—and bring the peace of the island back with you into everyday life.

Final Thought: A Journey That Soaks In,Not One You Just Get Through

Many visitors to Naoshima focus on how much they can see. But this island’s true power lies in stillness, space, and its gentle rhythms. Let your goal be not the number of things you’ve seen, but the quality of what you’ve felt.

When you allow room in your journey, it becomes truly your own.

About Our Tour called “Ohana Tour”

Ohana Tour①
Ohana Tour②

We also offer guided tours of Naoshima called “Ohana Tour”, a private tour service led by locals born and raised on Naoshima.

With deep roots in the island, we share Naoshima’s unique history, rich culture, and breathtaking scenery from a local perspective.

Whether it’s hidden photo spots, stories behind the artworks, or the charm of island life, we guide you through it all.

Each tour is fully private, allowing for a personalized and relaxed experience at your own pace.

Let us show you the real Naoshima—beyond the museums and into its heart.

👉 Click here for more details about our tours.

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