Seto Inland Sea Islands: Charm of Teshima, Shodoshima, and Toyoshima Toured by Ferry

In the Seto Inland Sea offshore Kagawa Prefecture, distinctive islands including Shodoshima, Teshima, Megijima, Ogijima, and Naoshima are dotted throughout. Floating on a calm sea, these islands draw worldwide attention as venues for the Setouchi Triennale, held once every three years, and form an area where art, nature, and island life blend in harmony. Hopping from island to island by ferry or high-speed boat is a journey full of the special charm of the Seto Inland Sea, drawing countless travelers.

Islands Reborn Through Art

The islands once faced depopulation and aging, but through a project turning entire islands into stages for contemporary art, they were reborn as areas sending out new appeal. Old private houses and disused buildings were regenerated as artworks, creating original spaces that merge with the island's scenery and history. The Setouchi Triennale brought many visitors from Japan and abroad, restoring vitality to the islands. They are widely known as a successful case of regional revitalization in which the value of island life and nature was rediscovered through art. Many works sit quietly outdoors or within the villages, so casual chats with residents and simply walking the lanes become part of the journey.

Island Hopping Full of Character

Each island has its own personality. The largest, Shodoshima, is known for olive cultivation, soy sauce brewing, and as the setting of the film Twenty-Four Eyes, and offers the ravine beauty of Kankakei. Teshima gathers museums where nature and architecture merge, while Megijima is famous for its demon legend and a large cavern. Ogijima is a port town of pretty slopes and stone walls, with artworks scattered through the settlement. Naoshima, a main venue of the festival, brings together high-quality contemporary art such as the Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House, making the whole island feel like an open-air gallery. Because each island offers different art, scenery, and food, connecting ferries to visit several is recommended. The sea voyage across calm waters is itself a great appeal of a Setouchi journey.

Enjoying the Seasons

Mild spring and autumn are ideal for island hopping, but the islands can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings flowers and fresh greenery, summer offers sea leisure and refreshing breezes, autumn gives clear-air views of the many islands, and winter offers quiet island time with fewer crowds. The Setouchi Triennale is usually held across three sessions in spring, summer, and autumn; sessions bring more works and better access but crowd the islands and boats. Many islands display permanent works outside session periods too, so quieter visits are actually recommended for those seeking calm.

Access and Basic Information

The base for island hopping is Takamatsu Port, with ferries and high-speed boats to Naoshima, Teshima, Shodoshima, Megijima, Ogijima, and others. Naoshima and Teshima can also be reached from Uno Port in Okayama Prefecture, convenient from Honshu. Travel times vary by destination and service, roughly from tens of minutes to about an hour from Takamatsu. On the islands, travelers get around by community bus, rental bicycle, electric-assist bike, or on foot. Some islands have few sailings, so confirm timetables including the last boat back, not only the outbound trip.

Practical Travel Notes

• Limit yourself to one or two islands a day. Cramming in more eats into sightseeing time with transfer waits; slow walking reveals far more of each island's charm.
• Ferry times and last boats. Some islands have few sailings, and missing the last boat can strand you. Always note both outbound and return times.
• Carry cash. On small islands, eateries and shops may accept cash only. Bring plenty of small bills and coins.
• Closing days and festival passport. Museums often close on Mondays or other days, and popular sites may need reservations. During the Triennale a combined admission passport is cheaper.
• Comfortable gear. Many islands have slopes and unpaved paths. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection and, in summer, plenty of water.
• Island manners. Many works and lanes sit beside residents daily life. Do not enter private land or fields, and view quietly.

A Word of Advice

An island trip in the Seto Inland Sea is the kind of journey where riding the boat is itself a destination. Rather than forcing in many islands, slowly walking one or two while savoring village life and sea air makes for the most rewarding day. Session and sailing details change easily, so check the latest information from Takamatsu Port and each operator before you set out.

📚 Sources

Information on the highlights and museums of each island, including Shodoshima, Teshima, Megijima, Ogijima, and Naoshima, can be checked on the official websites of Kagawa Prefecture, each town, and the Setouchi Triennale. Ferry and high-speed boat timetables from ports such as Takamatsu are covered by each operator's public information. Details of the festival's common viewing passport are also announced on its official website. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please confirm the latest details on official sources before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: Limiting yourself to one or two islands a day lets you enjoy each island without being rushed by connection waits.
• What to bring: Small islands may have cash-only eateries and shops, so bring plenty of small bills and coins. Wear comfortable shoes for slopes and unpaved paths.
• Suggested route: Start from Takamatsu Port, cross to your chosen island, and combine a village stroll with outdoor works and museums. Keep the last return departure time in mind.
• Island etiquette: Works and paths adjoin residents' living areas, so do not enter private land or fields and view quietly.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Takamatsu to Teshima (Teshima Ferry, ferries and high-speed boats): Ieura Port to Takamatsu Port costs 1,450 yen for adults and 730 yen for children and takes about 35 minutes. Ieura Port to Naoshima's Honmura Port costs 820 yen for adults and 410 yen for children. The children's fare applies to elementary school pupils (aged 6-12), and one child under elementary school age travels free. Payment is by cash only
• Seasonal variation in the number of sailings: From March 20 to November 30 there are five round trips on Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays as well as on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and three round trips on Tuesdays (the closing day of the Teshima Art Museum). From December 1 to March 19 there are four round trips on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and three round trips on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Reservations: The Teshima Ferry has a passenger capacity of 70 on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved (groups should inquire)
• Takamatsu to Shodoshima, Tonosho Port: The ferry costs 700 yen for adults and 350 yen for children and takes about 60 minutes; the high-speed boat costs 1,400 yen for adults and 700 yen for children and takes about 35 minutes
• Teshima Art Museum: From March 1 to September 30 it is open 10:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30), and from October 1 to the end of February 10:00-16:00 (last admission 15:30). Admission is 1,800 yen online or 2,000 yen at the counter, free for those aged 15 and under. Admission is by timed reservation, and if the online tickets sell out there are no tickets sold at the counter on the day
• Closing days of the museum: Tuesdays from March 1 to November 30, and Tuesdays to Thursdays from December 1 to the end of February (open on public holidays, closed the following day instead)
• Transport on the island: The Teshima shuttle bus costs 400 yen for adults and 200 yen for children (free for those under 5) and runs every day except December 29 to January 3. Cash and transport IC cards are accepted (cash only when a microbus is in service). The bus gives priority to island residents. Bicycle and car rental are available near Ieura Port and Karato Port, but the number of vehicles is limited

(Sources: Teshima Ferry; Shikoku Ferry Group; Benesse Art Site Naoshima; Tonosho Town)