Seto Inland Sea

Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, turned into a world-famous art destination: Tadao Ando museums built into the hills, Yayoi Kusama's polka-dot pumpkins by the sea and old village houses converted into art installations. Drive to Uno Port in Okayama, leave the car, and take the 20-minute ferry.

If you would rather skip the ferry, Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter, about an hour from Uno, is an easy alternative: white-walled storehouses and willows along a canal. Either way, this is a long day. Many visitors prefer to stay a night.

Where to go

1Chichu Art Museum 地中美術館Ando-designed museum buried in the hillside, showing Monet's Water Lilies and works by James Turrell and Walter De Maria in natural light.1.5 hr · Online: ¥2,500 weekdays / ¥2,700 weekends and holidays (more on site); 15 and under free, but everyone must reserveMap ↗

2Benesse House Museum & Yellow Pumpkin ベネッセハウスミュージアム / 南瓜Museum-hotel of contemporary art overlooking the sea. Yayoi Kusama's yellow 'Pumpkin' stands on a pier nearby (rebuilt in 2022 after typhoon damage).1–1.5 hr · Museum ¥1,300 online / ¥1,500 on site; 15 and under freeMap ↗

3Lee Ufan Museum 李禹煥美術館Quiet Ando-designed space for Korean artist Lee Ufan's minimalist stone and steel works.45 min · ¥1,200 online / ¥1,400 on site; 15 and under free (reservation needed)Map ↗

4Art House Project, Honmura 家プロジェクトOld houses, a shrine and a temple in Honmura village turned into art installations.1.5–2 hr · Multi-site ticket ¥1,200 online / ¥1,400 on site; Minamidera not for children 5 and underMap ↗

5Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (alternative) 倉敷美観地区Canal lined with willows and white-walled storehouses, home to the Ohara Museum of Art. An alternative day if you skip the ferry.2–3 hr · Free to strollMap ↗

A day there

6:30Leave south Osaka; about 2 hr 45 min to Uno Port
9:30Park near Uno Port; take the ferry to Miyanoura (no reservations, first come first served)
10:30Island bus to your reserved Chichu Art Museum time slot
12:30Lunch, then Lee Ufan Museum and Benesse House Museum; see the Yellow Pumpkin
15:00Art House Project in Honmura, then back to Miyanoura for the red pumpkin
17:00Ferry back to Uno and drive home (about 2.5–3 hours)

What to eat

Seafood set meals and simple island cafésAround Miyanoura Port and Honmura village on Naoshima

Okayama white peaches and Muscat / Pione grapes (in season)Shops and stalls around Okayama and Kurashiki

Barazushi (Okayama scattered sushi)Kurashiki Bikan Quarter and central Okayama

With kids

Most Naoshima museums are free for 15 and under, but everyone needs a reservation. Minamidera does not admit children 5 and under. The pumpkins and seaside are the highlights for small children.

Good to know

Naoshima museums (including Chichu) close on Mondays, or the next day when Monday is a public holiday. Don't plan a Monday.
Book Chichu Art Museum time slots online before you go; slots sell out.
The ferry takes no reservations. Arrive early on weekends and keep an eye on the last ferry time.