Setouchi Art Islands from Uno Port Course

Uno Port in Tamano, Okayama, is the gateway to the contemporary art islands of the Seto Inland Sea. This island journey takes a ferry to enjoy the sea and the artworks.

Course Route

8:30 Start at Uno Port Head to the ferry terminal for the islands while viewing the art pieces around the port. The trip begins with a sea breeze. Uno Port itself is dotted with giant sculptures.

9:00 Ferry to Naoshima A boat ride of about twenty minutes across the Seto Inland Sea to Miyanoura Port on Naoshima. Enjoy the island scenery from the deck. At the port, Yayoi Kusama's Red Pumpkin greets you.

9:30 Tour Naoshima museums Take in the contemporary art scattered across the whole island, including the Chichu Art Museum and the Benesse House Museum. The Yellow Pumpkin sculpture standing by the sea is a popular photo spot.

13:00 Lunch at an island cafe Savor a lunch made with local ingredients at a cafe overlooking the sea. Old house cafes dotted through the villages are also recommended.

15:00 Ferry back to Uno Port Return to port while watching the sunset over the Seto Inland Sea, closing the island trip. If you have time to spare, extending your trip to Teshima is also recommended.

Highlights

The main attraction is the combination of islands floating on the calm Seto Inland Sea and the contemporary art that blends into them. Outdoor works change their expression with the sea and sky.

Access and Tips

Just a short walk from JR Uno Station to the port. On the islands, buses and rental bicycles are convenient. Checking the ferry timetable first when planning is reassuring.

A Quick Tip

Some popular museums may require advance reservations. Check the reservation status of the facilities you want to visit before you set out.

Practical Travel Notes

• The ferry between Uno Port and Naoshima (Miyanoura Port) is operated by Shikoku Kisen, takes about twenty minutes, and costs around 370 yen one way for adults. It is a short walk from JR Uno Station to the ferry terminal at Uno Port.
• From Uno Port there are also sailings to Teshima (Ieura Port), taking about forty minutes at around 780 yen one way for adults. Since operating days are limited by day of the week, checking the timetable in advance is essential.
• The Chichu Art Museum on Naoshima requires advance reservations for a specific date and time, is closed on Mondays (closing the following day when Monday is a holiday), and is open 10:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:00). If online tickets sell out, no same day tickets are sold.
• For getting around Naoshima, the town bus and rental bicycles are convenient. There are many slopes, so choosing an electric assist bicycle makes touring easier.
• Restaurants and ATMs on the island are limited. Prepare cash and drinks in advance, and be sure to check the time of the last ferry before planning.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Benesse House Museum: 8:00-21:00 (last entry 20:00), open all year round. Admission is 1,300 yen if bought online and 1,500 yen at the counter, and is free for those aged 15 and under and for guests staying at Benesse House
• Getting around the island (town bus): The bus links Miyanoura Port with Tsutsujiso via the Honmura district; the fare is 100 yen per ride for adults and 50 yen for children (age 5 to elementary school age)
• Free shuttle bus: A site shuttle bus linking Tsutsujiso, Benesse House Museum, the Lee Ufan Museum and the Chichu Art Museum runs free of charge about every 30 minutes (every 15 minutes on days when crowds are expected)
• Tamano Tourist Information Centre (inside JR Uno Station): 9:00-17:00, closed over the New Year period. As well as tourist information, it handles bicycle rentals. There is no free car park, and visitors are directed to coin-operated car parks nearby
• Inquiries: 0863-21-3546 (Tamano City Tourism Association / Tamano Tourist Information Centre) / 087-892-2299 (Naoshima Town Tourism Association) / 087-892-3104 (Shikoku Kisen)
• Official information: Benesse Art Site Naoshima official website, Naoshima Town official website, Naoshima Town Tourism Association official website, Setouchi Tamano Tourism Guide (Tamano City Tourism Association) official website

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.