This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • 1.09:42 Meet up @ Naoshima Miyanoura Port ferry terminal
  • 2.10:25 Cold drinks @ Benesse House Museum Cafe (Got up at 5 AM at a Hotel that morning, came to Naoshima via Uno. Want a drink.)
  • 3.11:30 Lee Ufan Museum, Valley Gallery
  • 4.13:00 Benesse House Museum
  • 5.13:20 Lunch @ Benesse House Museum Cafe
  • 6.14:20 Benesse House Museum outdoor works and Yellow Pumpkin
  • 7.15:45 Disband @ Benesse House Park Lobby

Title: Can You Do a Private Naoshima Art Island Tour from Kyoto by Bullet Train? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were kind and pleasant visitors from North America. They left their hotel in Kyoto at 5:00 in the morning, traveled by bullet train, transferred via JR Okayama Station to a local line to reach Uno Port, and then took a ferry to Naoshima, where we met at Naoshima Miyanoura Port at 9:42. Because of the early start, the guests were tired, and one of them mentioned neck pain. The other was in good spirits. Since they had not eaten anything that morning and strongly wished to have something to drink, we first headed to the cafe at Benesse House, which has a restaurant. After that, we visited the Lee Ufan Museum, the Valley Gallery, the Benesse House Museum, and outdoor art works including the Yellow Pumpkin. One of the guests did not have the energy to continue as far as the Yellow Pumpkin and rested on a bench. After viewing the Yellow Pumpkin together with the other guest, we discussed the situation and, since the guests were tired, decided to end the tour there for the day. The plan for the following day was to visit Teshima and the Chichu Art Museum. We were unable to see the Art House Project this time, but given the neck pain, I felt it could not be helped.

Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

Apr 19, 2026
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