Naoshima Island 2 Days Tour for JR Passholders

Discover the enchanting Naoshima Island over a two-day guided tour exclusively designed for Japan Rail Pass holders. From the starting points of either Osaka or Kyoto, you'll embark on a seamless journey by Shinkansen, experiencing the thrill of Japan's bullet train, followed by a picturesque ferry ride to the island set in the tranquil Seto Inland Sea. An English-speaking guide will be at your side, providing insights and assistance throughout your adventure, making it an effortless and enjoyable experience.

On Naoshima, you'll explore the island's scenic beauty and artistic treasures on a power-assisted bicycle, an eco-friendly way to enjoy your surroundings. The tour includes access to key cultural landmarks, including the Benesse House Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, Ando Museum, and Art House Projects, offering a deep dive into the island's vibrant art scene. This tour is a perfect mix of cultural exploration and leisurely travel, specifically catered to those with a Japan Rail Pass, looking for a curated and distinctive island experience.

Tour Highlights

• Exclusive two-day Naoshima Island tour for Japan Rail Pass holders

• Shinkansen and ferry transport to the island

• Guided exploration with an English-speaking guide

• E-bike adventure around the island

• Visits to Benesse House Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, Ando Museum, and Art House Projects

• Overnight accommodation in Naoshima

What’s Covered

• Drinking water

• Ferry fees

• Bicycle use

• Entrance fees to specified museums

• English-speaking guide

• One-night hotel stay in Naoshima

• Breakfast on the second day

What’s Extra

• Bullet and local train tickets

• Meals except for the second day's breakfast

• Chichu Museum entrance (optional extra: 2500 JPY)

• Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery (optional extra: 1800 JPY)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Itinerary

• 7:00–7:30: Meet customer at the hotel of your choice. (Hotel pick-up time will be confirmed later.)

• Travel: Nozomi3 Kyoto → Shin Osaka → Okayama Station

• 9:27: Arrive at Okayama Station.

• 10:13: Chayamachi Station to Uno Station (Ordinary train, arrival time: 10:37 am).

• 11:00: Uno Port ⇒ Miyaura (Naoshima) Port (Ferry, arrival time: 11:20 am).

• 11:30: Visit Red Pumpkin and Naoshima Pavilion on foot (30 minutes).

• 12:00: Rent bicycles at Ougiya (Alternative: local bus if unable to ride bicycles; departure around 12:30 pm). Lunch is on your own.

• 13:00: Art House Project (Includes multi-site ticket for six art houses, excluding Kinza, duration: 3.5 hours).

• Haisha, Kadoya, Ishibashi of Art House Project (13:00–16:30)

• Ando Museum (10:00–16:30, last admittance: 16:00. Admission fee included.)

• Minamidera (10:00–16:30, last admittance: 16:15)

• Gokaisho of Art House Project (14:00–16:30)

• Go'o Shrine (Open 24 hours)

• 17:00: Hotel check-in (Stay at Hotel Light Style or similar).

Day 2 Itinerary

• 9:30: Meet your guide at the hotel lobby.

• 10:00: Benesse House Museum (Admission fee included, duration: 60 minutes).

• 11:00: Valley Gallery (Admission fee included, duration: 30 minutes).

• Yayoi Kusama's Narcissus Garden 1966/2022.

• Tsuyoshi Ozawa's Slag Buddha 88-Eighty-eight Buddha Statues Created Using Slag from Industrial Waste at Teshima 2006/2022.

• 11:30: Stroll around the Benesse outdoor exhibition area (30 minutes). Lunch is on your own.

• Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery Time Corridors (Entrance ticket fee not included; book entrance time in advance if interested).

• 13:00: Lee Ufan Museum (Admission fee included, duration: 40 minutes).

• Chichu Art Museum (Entrance ticket fee is not included; book entrance time in advance if you are interested).

• 16:00: Return bicycle at Ougiya. View Naoshima Bath "I♥︎湯" from the outside.

• 16:35: Miyaura (Naoshima) Port ⇒ Uno Port (Ferry, arrival time: 16:55 pm).

• 17:06: Uno Station ⇒ Okayama Station (Ordinary train, arrival time: 17:59 pm).

• 18:23: Nozomi50 Okayama → Shin Osaka → Kyoto Station.

• 19:07: Arrive at Shin Osaka Station.

• 19:22: Arrive at Kyoto Station.

Essentials to Know Before Booking

• Digital voucher sent via email; must be shown upon arrival.

• Ensure capability to use an electric bicycle; check luggage compatibility.

• Alternative bus transport is available if unable to bike; group must choose one mode.

• Fixed ferry schedules must be adhered to.

• Infants under two may join but require lap seating.

• The tour uses public transport without reserved seating.

• Expect crowds on weekends, holidays, and event days.

• The schedule is subject to change due to traffic or unforeseen events.

• No refunds for late arrivals or no-shows.

• Tours canceled due to natural disasters are fully refunded.

• Valuables are your responsibility throughout the tour.

Meeting Point

Kyoto Station (Shinkansen Central gate)

Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyōto Prefecture Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book this tour if I don't have a Japan Rail Pass?

This tour is specifically designed for Japan Rail Pass holders. If you do not have a JR Pass, you'll need to acquire one before booking the tour as train travel costs are not included in the tour price.

What should I do if I can't ride an electric bicycle?

If you're unable to ride an electric bicycle, there's an alternative option to use bus transportation. However, please note that the entire group must choose the same mode of transport, as the tour cannot accommodate both biking and bus options simultaneously.

How customizable is the tour itinerary?

The tour is highly customizable. You can discuss your preferences with the guide in advance or even make changes on the day of the tour. However, any additional spots may incur extra charges, and skipping spots does not result in a refund.

What happens if I am late for the designated meeting time?

Punctuality is crucial for the tour's schedule. If you are late and miss the group, refunds cannot be provided. It's essential to arrive at the meeting point on time to ensure you don't miss out on the tour experience.

Are meals included in the tour?

The tour does not include meals except breakfast on the second day. You'll be free to explore local dining options, and your guide can provide recommendations based on your preferences.

What if I want to visit a site that's not included in the tour itinerary?

You can request to add new sites to your itinerary. If these additions are feasible, you'll need to cover the entrance fees and any additional transportation costs incurred.

What should I do with my luggage during the bike tour?

It's recommended that your luggage fits in a backpack or the bicycle's front basket. Large suitcases are discouraged as they're not feasible to carry on bicycles and the tour includes overnight accommodation.

What happens in case of bad weather?

In the event of severe weather conditions like a typhoon, the tour may be canceled for safety reasons. If this occurs, you will receive a full refund.

Related Read: Exploring Setouchi's Stunning Archipelago: An Island Adventure