Stay Cool and Enjoy Naoshima: Summer Heat Tips and Tour Plan
Summer in Naoshima brings bright sunlight, blue skies, and the shimmering Seto Inland Sea.
It’s a season when the island’s art and nature shine the most — but it also comes with intense heat and strong sunlight. To fully enjoy your visit without getting overwhelmed, it’s important to plan ahead and stay cool.
Here’s a guide to help you beat the heat and explore Naoshima comfortably, along with a recommended summer-friendly tour plan.
How Hot Does It Get?
From July to September, temperatures in Naoshima often exceed 30°C (86°F). Humidity levels can be high, and with few shaded streets, the sun can feel relentless — especially during midday. That said, with a few smart choices, your summer trip can still be relaxed and refreshing.
Essential Summer Tips
- Stay Hydrated
Bring a reusable water bottle or extra drinks, as vending machines and stores are limited in some areas. - Wear Sun Protection
Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and UV-cut clothing help you enjoy outdoor art without burning out. - Use Indoor Spaces to Cool Down
Plan regular breaks in cafés or museums with air conditioning. - Rent an E-Bike
Naoshima has hills and long stretches between sites. An electric bike saves energy and keeps your pace flexible. - Avoid Peak Sun Hours
Try to explore early in the morning or late afternoon. Midday (11:00–15:00) is best reserved for indoor activities.
Sample Summer Tour Plan
9:30–10:00 – Arrive at Miyanoura Port & Rent a Bike
Start early while the air is still fresh. Take a quick look at outdoor pieces like Yayoi Kusama’s Red Pumpkin, then pick up your rental bike.
10:00–12:00 – Explore Honmura Area (Art House Project)
Focus on indoor-friendly sites like Ishibashi or Gokaisho, where traditional homes are transformed into quiet, shaded art installations.
12:00–13:00 – Lunch Break (Indoor Café or Restaurant)
Cool off indoors at cafés like Konichiwa Café or Aisunao, which offer refreshing drinks and light meals in relaxed settings.
13:00–14:00 – Benesse House Area
Head to Benesse House and enjoy its indoor galleries. If you explore outdoor works, do so briefly and stay in the shade when possible.
14:00–15:30 – Naoshima New Museum
This air-conditioned museum is the perfect place to spend the hottest time of day. Quiet, spacious, and ever-changing, it offers both comfort and inspiration.
16:00–17:00 – Return to Miyanoura Port / Relax at a Café
Drop by Akaito Coffee for an iced drink, recharge, and grab souvenirs.
After 17:00 – Ferry Back or Dinner by the Port
In the cooler evening, either catch your ferry or enjoy a seaside dinner before heading home.
Extra Tips
- Don’t Avoid the Bus
If the heat is too much, using Naoshima’s local buses is a smart move. They’re air-conditioned and efficient.
Follow the Cool
Choose artworks and locations that evoke coolness — shaded installations, dark interiors, or water-themed pieces — to make the heat feel less intense.
Final Thoughts
Naoshima in summer is vivid and alive, with strong contrasts of light and shadow that bring art to life in new ways. With the right mindset and some smart strategies, you can enjoy both the art and the island without wearing yourself out.
Plan slowly, stay cool, and let Naoshima unfold at your pace
About Our Tour called “Finding Naoshima Tour”
We also offer guided tours of Naoshima called “Finding Naoshima 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.