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
- 07:45 JR Clement Inn Takamatsu [Meet]
- on foot
- 08:12 Takamatsu Port
- by ferry
- 09:02 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)
- 09:07 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
- by Triennale Express Bus
- 09:17 Benesse House Museum Bus Stop
- 09:20~10:25 Benesse House Museum & Outdoor Artworks
- 10:33 Benesse House Museum Bus Stop
- by Benesse bus
- 10:37 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
- 11:15~12:30 Chichu Art Museum
- 12:47 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
- by Triennalle Express Bus
- 12:55 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
- lunch at Naoshima Shokudo
- visit “Yellow Pumpkin”
- 13:54 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop (13:45 bus arrived 9 minutes behind)
- by Triennale Express Bus
- 13:58 Naoshima New Museum of Art Bus Stop (Momoyama)
- 14:05~15:20 Naoshima New Museum of Art
- on foot
- 15:30~15:50 House Art Project (look around Minamidera, Kadoya from outside)
- 15:56 Nokyomae Bus Stop
- by town bus
- 16:03 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
- Stand in line for the ferry to Takamatsu (the ferry is so crowded that we need to do it at least 1 hour before the departure)
- 17:05 Naoshima(Miyanoura) Port
- by ferry (the special delivery one)
- 18:05 Takamatsu Port
- on foot
- 18:15 JR Clement Inn Takamatsu [Say Goodbye]
What Is a Private Naoshima Art Tour Like During the Setouchi Triennale? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest was a visitor from South America. They had chosen Naoshima because they love art and it had been recommended to them. This was their first visit to Japan, arriving in October and departing in November. During this time, they planned to travel through Tokyo, Nikko, Takayama, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, seeing Naoshima last before returning home from Tokyo. They had a calm demeanor. Whereas most guests want their photo taken with the yellow pumpkin in the background, this guest was happy simply to photograph the yellow pumpkin itself. Naoshima was in the middle of the Setouchi Triennale, which runs until November 9, and despite the rain the crowds were extraordinary. At Takamatsu Port, we had to line up one hour in advance to buy tickets, and at Naoshima Port, boarding the ferry to Takamatsu also required lining up one hour ahead. On this day as well, an extra ferry to Takamatsu was added, and although we had been waiting in line for an hour, we were suddenly redirected to board the additional ferry. The arrival time in Takamatsu was only about 5 to 10 minutes late, so there was no real problem. Even though it was a rainy day and Naoshima was crowded, the guest was very pleased, and I was glad we were able to complete the tour safely.
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 | Ferry | Takamatsu (Kagawa Prefecture)～Miyanoura Port (Naoshima) | 680JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Benesse House Museum / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture | 300JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Chichu Art Museum / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Tsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture | 300JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Tsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Naoshima New Museum of Art / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture | 300JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Nokyomae / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture | 100JPY |
| Section 6 | Ferry | Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Takamatsu (Kagawa Prefecture) | 680JPY |
| Total | 2,360JPY | ||
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!