Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour — Guide Kaji
November, 2024
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
- 1.07:30 Meet @ Hotel Takamatsu lobby
- 2.08:12~09:02 Ferry from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima Miyanoura Port
- 3.09:25~9:55 Yellow Pumpkin
- 4.10:30~11:30 Chichu Art Museum
- 5.11:45~12:45 Lee Ufan Museum, Valley Gallery
- 6.13:00~13:30 Lunch @ Benesse House Museum Cafe
- 7.13:30~14:50 Benesse House Museum and outdoor works
- 8.15:15~15:50 Art House Project (Ishibashi, Gokaisho, Kadoya)
- 9.16:05~16:40 Outdoor art works near Naoshima Miyanoura Port (Red Pumpkin, Naoshima Pavilion)
- 10.17:00~18:00 Ferry from Naoshima Miyanoura Port to Takamatsu Port
- 11.18:00 Dismissal @ Takamatsu Port
Title: What Is a Private Naoshima and Takamatsu Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a retired group visiting from Europe. They were pleasant and easy to guide. On this trip to Japan, they were spending 17 days visiting Osaka, Himeji, Takamatsu and the Oboke Gorge, Naoshima, a pilgrimage in Tokushima, and Tokyo. They planned to visit roughly temples number 1 through 10 of the 88 sacred sites in Tokushima Prefecture, and they were strong walkers who moved around Naoshima with ease. The guests spoke about their interests, one connected to railways and the other to art. Although originally from Europe, they had lived in Oceania for many years through railway-related work and were now living in Europe. I learned a great deal from them about the River Avon in England, which relates to Richard Long's work at the Benesse Museum. I also learned about the tradition of afternoon tea from one of the guests. Guiding is enjoyable because it allows not only my own explanations but also a genuine exchange of cultures. At Takamatsu Port I recommended a good udon restaurant and we parted ways. I believe they enjoyed the full day.
Click here for more details: Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Naoshima Miyanoura Port～Tsutsujiso | 100JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Tsutsujiso～Nokyo-mae | 100JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Nokyo-mae～Naoshima Miyanoura Port | 100JPY |
| Section 4 | Ferry | Takamatsu Port～Naoshima Miyanoura Port | 990JPY |
| Total | 1,290JPY | ||
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
2Pippin2
Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A day to remember
Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
added so…
Apr 19, 2026
2Pippin2
Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A day to remember
Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
added so much valuable information and guidance. It was a rewarding experience and
one we will remember fondly.
Oct 23, 2025
C
Calli_C
This was a great day tour…
Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was a great day…
Oct 23, 2025
C
Calli_C
This was a great day tour…
Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was a great day tour to explore Naoshima. Our guide was very knowledgeable about
the area and provided additional history of the area where he grew up. He also was very
thoughtful and helped us figure out how to get to the island from Osaka.
Oct 12, 2025
Vanessa_A
Lovely day on Naoshima Island
Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
It was great to relax and leave…
Oct 12, 2025
Vanessa_A
Lovely day on Naoshima Island
Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
It was great to relax and leave the organising of our day on Naoshima to our very
experienced guide,Kaji. He speaks excellent English and tailored the day very well to our
needs. We had a lot of fun with him!
Jun 1, 2025
Pamela_F
Highly recommend the half…
Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Highly recommend the half day tour and our…
Jun 1, 2025
Pamela_F
Highly recommend the half…
Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Highly recommend the half day tour and our wonderful guide, Hisao Kaji. He
accommodated our requests and was very knowledgeable with excellent English. Thank
you Hisao!