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
- (Kaji)
- 08:12 Takamatsu Port
- by ferry
- 09:02 Naoshima Port (Miyanoura)
- (Julio & 2 adults)
- 10:00~10:30 JR Shin-Osaka Sta.
- by Shinkansen (bullet train)
- 11:00~11:30 JR Okayama Sta.
- 10:53 JR Okayama Sta.
- by local train
- 11:09 JR Chayamachi Sta.
- transfer train
- 11:12 JR Chayamachi Sta.
- by local train
- 011:36 JR Uno Sta.
- on foot (7~10 minutes)
- 11:55 Uno Port
- by high speed boat
- 12:15 Naoshima Port (Honmura)
- 12:47 Naoshima Port (Honmura) Bus Stop [Meet]
- by town bus
- 12:54 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
- 13:00 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
- by Benesse shuttle bus
- 13:07 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
- 13:15~14:25 Chichu Art Museum
- (The guests have already finished their lunch before coming to Naoshima)
- on foot
- 14:35~14:50 Lee Ufan Museum (outdoor art works)
- on foot
- 15:00~ 15:45 Benesse House Museum (including “Yellow Pumpkin”)
- on foot
- 15:45 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
- by town bus (special delivery bus)
- 15:58 Miyanoura (Miyanoura)Bus Stop
- 16:00 Naoshima (Miyanoura) Port [Say goodbye]
- (Julio & 2 adults)
- 16:02 Naoshima Port (Miyanoura)
- by ferry
- 16:22 Uno Port
- on foot
- 16:42 JR Uno Sta.
- by local train
- 17:05 JR Chayamachi Sta.
- transfer train
- 17:09 JR Chayamachi Sta.
- by local train
- 17:29 JR Okayama Sta.
- 18:00~18:30 JR Okayama Sta.
- by Shinkansen
- 19:00~19:30 JR Shin-Osaka Sta.
- (Kaji)
- 17:00 Naoshima Port (Miyanoura)
- by ferry
- 18:00 Takamatsu Port
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Takamatsu Port at 08:12, Naoshima Port (Miyanoura) at 09:02, JR Shin-Osaka Sta. at 10:00, JR Okayama Sta. at 11:00, JR Chayamachi Sta. at 11:09, Uno Port at 11:55, Naoshima Port (Honmura) at 12:15, Naoshima Port (Honmura) Bus Stop [Meet] at 12:47, Tsutsujiso Bus Stop at 12:54, Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop at 13:07, Chichu Art Museum at 13:15, Lee Ufan Museum (outdoor art works) at 14:35, Benesse House Museum (including “Yellow Pumpkin”) at 15:00, Tsutsujiso Bus Stop at 15:45, Miyanoura (Miyanoura)Bus Stop at 15:58, Naoshima (Miyanoura) Port [Say goodbye] at 16:00, Naoshima Port (Miyanoura) at 16:02, Uno Port at 16:22, JR Uno Sta. at 16:42, JR Chayamachi Sta. at 17:05, JR Okayama Sta. at 17:29, JR Shin-Osaka Sta. at 19:00, Naoshima Port (Miyanoura) at 17:00 and Takamatsu Port at 18:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Honmura Port (Naoshima) to Tsutsujiso by bus (100JPY); Tsutsujiso to Miyanoura Port (Naoshima) by bus (100JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 200JPY per person.
Title: Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Naoshima? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the group were friends, and one had lived in Japan for about ten years and could speak a little Japanese. They were staying at a luxury hotel in Osaka and had risen early for a day trip from Osaka to Naoshima. It was unclear exactly what time they would arrive on Naoshima; based on the information from the previous day, the only indication was that they might arrive around 10ish. As on my usual Naoshima route, I took the ferry departing Takamatsu Port at 8:12, arriving at Naoshima Miyanoura Port at 9:02, and waited for their messaging-app contact and their uncertain arrival time. Before we met, I inquired about their location roughly twice. I received replies each time and could tell they were steadily heading toward Naoshima. In my advance communication, I had emailed an itinerary stating "Ferry departing Uno Port at 12:15, arriving at Naoshima Miyanoura Port at 12:35, then meet" (naturally, I had assumed they would read that content carefully). However, they did not get off the 12:35 ferry, which left me puzzled. Shortly afterward, I received a message on the messaging app from one of the guests and learned that they had arrived at Naoshima Honmura Port (12:15) and were waiting there. Following the itinerary, I boarded the bus departing Miyanoura Port at 12:40, met the guests at the Honmura Port bus stop at 12:47, and as a result we were able to head to Tsutsujiso on the bus exactly as originally planned. There are both ferries and high-speed boats to reach Naoshima from Uno, and since the itinerary I had sent said "ferry" and listed the ferry timetable, I had assumed they would come by that route. In the end we were able to meet successfully, but I felt rushed and I think one of the guests was confused as well. Going forward, I felt that a little more confirmation is needed as to whether guests will choose the ferry or the high-speed boat. All three of the guests were friendly people, and after we met I believe I was able to guide them enjoyably. For guests on a Naoshima day trip from Osaka, care is required so that they do not miss the ferry, as they must smoothly use the JR local line between Uno and Okayama and catch the Shinkansen from Okayama, so this always requires attention and consideration. The weather was fine, and I believe they enjoyed the Naoshima day trip. Since the meeting time was still unclear as of the previous day, I consulted with Mr. Hirabayashi of [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). I am grateful that we were able to complete the tour without any trouble.
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 | Honmura Port (Naoshima)～Tsutsujiso | 100JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Tsutsujiso～Miyanoura Port (Naoshima) | 100JPY |
| Total | 200JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Takamatsu Port, Naoshima Port (Miyanoura), JR Shin-Osaka Sta., JR Okayama Sta., JR Chayamachi Sta., Uno Port, Naoshima Port (Honmura), Naoshima Port (Honmura) Bus Stop [Meet], Tsutsujiso Bus Stop, Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop, Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum (outdoor art works), Benesse House Museum (including “Yellow Pumpkin”), Tsutsujiso Bus Stop, Miyanoura (Miyanoura)Bus Stop, Naoshima (Miyanoura) Port [Say goodbye], Naoshima Port (Miyanoura), Uno Port, JR Uno Sta., JR Chayamachi Sta., JR Okayama Sta., JR Shin-Osaka Sta., Naoshima Port (Miyanoura) and Takamatsu Port.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 200JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Kaji is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kagawa itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
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!