Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour — Guide Kaji
October, 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
- 1.09:42 Meet up @ Naoshima Miyanoura Port
- 2.10:45~11:45 Chichu Art Museum
- 3.12:00~12:45 Lee Ufan Museum, Valley Gallery
- 4.13:00~14:20 Lunch @ Benesse House Museum Cafe, Benesse House Museum and outdoor art works (including Yellow Pumpkin, etc.)
- 6.14:40~15:45 Art House Project: Ishibashi → Minamidera (reserved 15:05~15:35) → Gokaisho → Kadoya
- 7.16:05~16:15 Red Pumpkin
- 8. 16:20 Disband @ Naoshima Miyanoura Port Ferry Terminal Building

What Is a Private Naoshima Art Island Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
It was a little warm, but we were blessed with clear autumn skies, and I was able to enjoy guiding for the whole day. It may have been partly flattery, but the guests told me they felt fortunate that I was their guide, and I believe they were satisfied. Naoshima was crowded with international visitors during this season, and the bus from Miyanoura Port heading toward Tsutsujiso was full, so we could not board. Fortunately, an extra bus came 15 minutes later. Our entry to the Chichu Art Museum was delayed by about 15 minutes, but I adjusted the rest of the schedule and we were able to visit all the planned destinations as intended. The guests were a lively group from North America, and I could guide them without worrying about walking or going up and down stairs. They listened attentively to my explanations, and one of the guests in particular was interested in art, which made guiding very rewarding. Having heard about James Turrell's works from a friend, they were interested, so they enjoyed the pieces at the Chichu Art Museum and Minamidera. The guests mentioned it was difficult to book Benesse's hotel on Naoshima, so they stayed in Osaka instead. They were on a trip to Japan covering Tokyo and Hakone, followed by Naoshima, Osaka, and Kyoto. They said they were enjoying their travels in Japan very much. I think they were fortunate to have a good environment.
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 | Miyanoura Port~Tsutsujiso | 100JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Tsutsujiso~Nokyo-mae | 100JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Nokyo-mae~Miyanoura Port | 100JPY |
| Total | 300JPY | ||
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!
