Naoshima Island 2 Days Tour From Osaka or Kyoto

Naoshima Island, a renowned artistic haven, beckons travelers to enjoy its captivating blend of contemporary art, striking architecture, and serene natural landscapes. This 2-day tour from Osaka or Kyoto promises an enriching experience, whisking guests via bullet train to explore the island’s renowned galleries, unique accommodations, and delectable regional cuisine. With a knowledgeable guide, visitors can seamlessly navigate the island, uncovering its hidden gems and discovering why this small slice of Japan has become a cultural epicenter. The stage is set for an unforgettable adventure – one that unveils the boundless creativity and tranquility that define the essence of Naoshima Island.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best 2 Day Tours In Kyoto.

Key Points

• This 2-day tour offers an immersive experience on Naoshima Island, known for its renowned art installations, architecture, and natural landscapes.
• The tour includes round-trip bullet train transportation from Kyoto or Osaka, an English-speaking guide, and a 1-night stay at a Wright-style hotel.
• Guests can explore the island using rental bicycles or local buses, with admission to various art venues like the Arts House, ANDO Museum, and Benesse House.
• The tour features traditional Japanese breakfast, and lunch or dinner with seasonal, regional specialties, accommodating special dietary requirements.
• Transportation options include bullet train, rental bicycles, local buses, and round-trip ferry service to the art installations.

Tour Overview

The Naoshima Island tour is a 2-day immersive experience that takes visitors from Kyoto or Osaka on a journey through the island’s renowned art installations, architecture, and natural landscapes.

During the tour, guests will enjoy round-trip bullet train transportation, an English-speaking guide, a 1-night stay at a Wright-style hotel, and the use of a rental bicycle to explore the island.

For those unable to ride a bicycle, a local bus will be provided.

The tour also includes admission fees to various art museums and galleries, as well as breakfast and lunch/dinner for the two-day duration.

Guests can customize the tour based on their preferences, and the guide will be happy to adjust the schedule even on the tour day.

Included Experiences

According to the tour details, the Naoshima Island tour includes:

• A round-trip bullet train from Kyoto or Osaka
• An English-speaking guide to lead the experience
• A 1-night stay at a Wright-style hotel on the island

Visitors can explore the island using:

• A rental bicycle
• The local bus, if they are unable to ride a bicycle

The tour also includes admission fees to various art venues, such as:

• The Arts House projects
• ANDO Museum
• Benesse House Museum
• Lee Ufan Art Museum
• Chichu Art Museum
• Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery

Meals, including breakfast and lunch or dinner, are provided for the two-day tour.

Guests should confirm their ability to ride an electric bicycle, as large luggage isn’t allowed on the tour.

Admission Fees

Admission fees cover access to various art venues on Naoshima Island, including the Arts House projects (1050 JPY), ANDO Museum (520 JPY), Benesse House Museum (1300 JPY), Lee Ufan Art Museum (1050 JPY), Chichu Art Museum (2100 JPY), and Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: Time Corridors (1500 JPY). These admission fees provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the island’s rich cultural heritage and appreciate the thought-provoking works of art. The admission prices are reasonable and offer excellent value for money, allowing guests to fully explore the diverse array of art installations and museums that Naoshima Island has to offer.

Museum/Gallery	Admission Fee (JPY)
Arts House	1050
ANDO Museum	520
Benesse House	1300
Lee Ufan	1050
Chichu Art	2100
Sugimoto	1500

Meal Arrangements

The tour package includes breakfast and either lunch or dinner for the two-day duration, providing a convenient and satisfying dining experience throughout the Naoshima Island exploration. Meals are carefully curated to offer a taste of the local cuisine, showcasing the island’s culinary heritage:

• Breakfast features a selection of traditional Japanese dishes, such as miso soup, grilled fish, and fresh produce, ensuring a hearty start to the day.

Lunch or dinner incorporates seasonal ingredients and regional specialties, allowing visitors to savor the flavors that define Naoshima’s unique gastronomic identity.

Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, ensuring that all participants can fully enjoy the meals and focus on the art and natural beauty of the island.

Transportation Options

Getting to and around Naoshima Island is made easy through the comprehensive transportation options included in the tour package. Participants can enjoy a seamless journey by bullet train from Kyoto or Osaka, with an English-speaking guide accompanying them throughout the trip.

Upon arrival, the tour provides rental bicycles, allowing visitors to explore the island at their own pace. For those who prefer not to bike, a local bus service is available.

To reach the various art installations, the package also includes round-trip ferry transportation, ensuring a stress-free experience.

With these well-organized transportation arrangements, travelers can focus on seeing the captivating art and natural beauty that Naoshima Island has to offer.

Customization Possibilities

For those looking to tailor their Naoshima Island experience, the tour offers a range of customization possibilities.

Travelers can work with the guide to adjust the schedule even on the day of the tour, allowing them to personalize their itinerary and explore additional art spots if desired.

While the package includes a comprehensive set of attractions, visitors have the flexibility to add new locations, though additional fees may apply for such customizations.

Personalize your schedule with the help of the knowledgeable guide.

Explore extra art installations or museums beyond the included attractions.

Adapt the tour to your preferences, even during the tour itself.

Itinerary Flexibility

One of the standout features of this tour is the incredible flexibility it offers, allowing visitors to personalize their Naoshima experience even on the day of the tour.

The expert guide is well-versed in the island’s attractions and can help you adjust the schedule to suit your interests, whether that means spending more time at a particular museum or exploring an off-the-beaten-path art installation.

If you find you’re unable to ride the provided electric bicycle, the guide can arrange for local bus transportation instead.

And while the ferry schedule is fixed, the guide will ensure you make the most of your time on the island.

This level of customization is a hallmark of this exceptional Naoshima tour.

Important Considerations

Travelers should confirm their ability to ride an electric bicycle, as the tour’s primary mode of transportation, as large luggage isn’t permitted on the island.

Plus, visitors should be aware that the ferry schedule is fixed and can’t be extended, so punctuality is crucial for maximizing one’s time on Naoshima.

Admission fees for the various art museums and installations can quickly add up, so travelers should plan their itinerary accordingly to maximize their experience within their budget.

Meal options on the island may be limited, so it’s recommended to inquire about the dining arrangements ahead of time to ensure one’s dietary needs are met.

Flexibility is key, as the tour guide can help modify the schedule even on the day of the tour, but additional fees may apply for adding new spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute the Hotel With a Traditional Ryokan?

Yes, you can substitute the hotel with a traditional ryokan. The tour provider can arrange for a ryokan stay instead of the Wright-style hotel, which would provide a more authentic Japanese cultural experience. Additional fees may apply for this substitution.

Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?

The tour generally doesn’t offer discounts for seniors or students. However, the guide can help arrange discounted admission fees at some museums if needed. It’s best to inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Is There a Flexible Start Time for the Tour?

The tour offers flexible start times, with the guide able to adjust the schedule even on the tour day. Visitors can communicate their preferences to the guide, who will accommodate requests within the tour’s logistical constraints.

Can I Bring My Own Bicycle Instead of Renting One?

Yes, you can bring your own bicycle instead of renting one. The tour allows for personal bicycles, as long as they’re suitable for the island’s terrain. However, there may be an additional fee for using your own bike.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography at the Art Museums?

Photography is generally allowed at the art museums on Naoshima Island, though visitors should check for any restrictions or flash photography rules at each individual museum. Visitors are encouraged to capture the artworks and scenic views during their visit.

Recap

This Naoshima Island 2-day tour from Osaka or Kyoto offers a captivating blend of art, architecture, and nature.

Guests can enjoy the island’s renowned installations, stay at a Wright-style hotel, and explore the landscapes by bike or local bus.

The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, and traditional meals, providing a comprehensive and flexible experience to discover Naoshima’s unique charm.