Shikoku

Naoshima

10 tours available

Why Visit Naoshima

Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea that has been transformed into one of the world's most extraordinary open-air art destinations. Spearheaded by the Benesse Art Site project, the island blends world-class contemporary art museums with the natural beauty of terraced hillsides and quiet fishing harbours.

Yayoi Kusama's iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture on the waterfront has become a symbol of the island, but Naoshima's appeal runs far deeper. Tadao Ando-designed museums are built into the landscape, the Art House Project turns abandoned homes into immersive installations, and the entire experience feels like walking through a gallery with the Inland Sea as its backdrop.

calendar_month

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March – May) — Comfortable temperatures and cherry blossoms around the harbour. The Setouchi Triennale art festival sometimes falls in spring, adding temporary installations.

Autumn (September – November) — Clear skies offer stunning views across the Inland Sea. Another Triennale season often runs in autumn.

Summer (June – August) — Warm enough for swimming at small beaches, but midday heat can make cycling tiring. Visit museums during peak sun.

tips_and_updates

Insider Tips

  • checkBook Chichu Art Museum timed-entry tickets online well in advance — walk-in availability is extremely limited.
  • checkRent an electric bicycle at the ferry port; the island is hilly and distances between sites are deceptive on foot.
  • checkMost museums close on Mondays. Plan your visit for Tuesday through Sunday to see everything.
  • checkDon't skip the Benesse House Museum — its terrace offers the best sunset view on the island.

Tours Visiting Naoshima

Scenic Japan: Culture & Countryside
GR00415 days
US$4,200 ~ US$5,900

Scenic Japan: Culture & Countryside

Golden Route Plus: Okayama,Shirakawa-go & Miyajima Hotel Standard

15-day grand tour: Tokyo to Hiroshima via Okayama and Shirakawago. See Miyajima's floating torii, rural villages, and Japan's finest castles.

Self-Guided Tours
View Details
Castles & Heritage of West Japan
GR00515 days
US$3,700 ~ US$5,400

Castles & Heritage of West Japan

Golden Route Plus: Himeji,Kanazawa & Miyajima Hotel Standard

15-day heritage tour: Tokyo to Hiroshima via Himeji Castle, Kanazawa, and Miyajima. Explore west Japan's samurai history and Seto Inland Sea.

Self-Guided Tours
View Details
Scenic Japan: Culture & Countryside – Deluxe
GR10415 days
US$5,100 ~ US$6,600

Scenic Japan: Culture & Countryside – Deluxe

Golden Route Plus: Okayama,Shirakawa-go & Miyajima Hotel Deluxe

15-day grand tour with deluxe hotels: Tokyo to Hiroshima via Okayama and Shirakawago. Miyajima Island and castle towns with premium stays.

Self-Guided Tours
View Details
Castles & Heritage of West Japan – Deluxe
GR10515 days
US$4,400 ~ US$5,800

Castles & Heritage of West Japan – Deluxe

Golden Route Plus: Himeji,Kanazawa & Miyajima Hotel Deluxe

West Japan's castles with deluxe hotels: 15-day Tokyo to Hiroshima via Himeji, Kanazawa, and Miyajima. Premium accommodation throughout.

Self-Guided Tours
View Details
Artful Setouchi & Japan's Timeless Hot Springs
SE00112 days
US$3,200 ~ US$4,400

Artful Setouchi & Japan's Timeless Hot Springs

Setouchi Island Hopping

Discover Setouchi's art islands, Himeji Castle, and onsen towns. 12-day self-guided tour with ryokan stays and scenic trains.

World Heritage & National Treasures Art & CultureHidden Gems Onsen & Relaxation
View Details
Setouchi Shores & Shikoku Heartlands
SE00215 days
US$4,400 ~ US$5,700

Setouchi Shores & Shikoku Heartlands

Setouchi Island Hopping

Island-hop through Setouchi's famous art islands, explore hidden gems like Tomonoura and Onomichi,and unwind in hot spring ryokans.15-day self-guided tour.

Art & CultureHidden Gems
View Details
Setouchi Garden Isles, Art Shores & Castle Towns
SE00411 days
US$2,500 ~ US$3,300

Setouchi Garden Isles, Art Shores & Castle Towns

Setouchi Island Hopping

Discover Japan's Setouchi art islands, historic Kurashiki, and beautiful gardens on this 11-day self-guided tour from Tokyo to Osaka.

World Heritage & National TreasuresArt & Culture
View Details
Sacred Izumo & Setouchi Sea Paths
SE00511 days
US$2,800 ~ US$4,000

Sacred Izumo & Setouchi Sea Paths

Setouchi Island Hopping

Stay in Tokyo, Himeji, Tottori, Matsue, Tamatsukuri Onsen, Kurashiki, Osaka

World Heritage & National TreasuresOnsen & RelaxationHidden GemsArt & Culture
View Details
SOLO Castles: Culture & Countryside
SL00415 days
US$4,600 ~ US$6,100

SOLO Castles: Culture & Countryside

Golden Route Plus: Okayama, Shirakawa-go & Miyajima Hotel Standard

15-day solo journey: Tokyo, Okayama, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, and Hiroshima. Travel independently with pre-booked hotels, trains, and 24/7 support.

Self-Guided Tours
View Details
SOLO Castles & Heritage of West Japan
SL00515 days
US$4,000 ~ US$5,400

SOLO Castles & Heritage of West Japan

Golden Route Plus: Himeji,Kanazawa & Miyajima

15-day solo journey: Tokyo, Okayama, Himeji Castle, Kanazawa, and Miyajima. Independent travel with pre-booked hotels, trains, and 24/7 support.

Self-Guided Tours
View Details

Recommended Reading

Related Destinations

More Destinations in Shikoku

Travel Information

Region

Shikoku

Location

Available Tours

10 tours

Black Friday Sale: 20% off tours you can book online

Book online by November 30 and 20% comes off your total, optional extras included, for departures until March 31, 2028.

schedule24hr responsethumb_upNo commitmentverifiedExpert advice