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Takamatsu
Naoshima Art Island: Private Car Tour from Takamatsu
450
Overview
Naoshima Full Day Private Car Tour from Takamatsu offers a deep dive into the art and architecture of Naoshima Island. This island, part of Kagawa Prefecture, is famous for its modern art museums and unique buildings, especially during the Setouchi Triennale. The island is part of Seto Inland Sea National Park, so the art museums blend into the land.
During this tour, visitors explore Naoshima in a private car with an English-speaking guide. The tour includes visits to famous spots like the Red Pumpkin, a popular art piece, and the Benesse House Museum, which mixes art and nature. Another key stop is the Art House Project, where old houses have been turned into art spaces, and Naoshima Bath "I❤湯", a cool bathhouse designed as an art installation.
Included in the tour are the admission fee for the Benesse House Museum (1300 JPY), round-trip ferry or boat tickets between Uno Port and Naoshima, bottled water, a private car, a private English-speaking guide (who meets guests at Uno Station), and a Multi-Site Ticket for six Art House Projects (1050 JPY). Lunch is not included, and the guide's service ends at Naoshima, so they won't be on the return ferry. Please note that the Chichu Art Museum is not included due to time constraints and requires separate online ticket purchases (2100 JPY). 
Highlights
Explore Naoshima by Private Car: See all the art spots on Naoshima Island in a comfy, private car.
English-Speaking Guide: Learn about the art with a friendly guide who speaks English.
Visit Famous Art Sites: See the Red Pumpkin, Benesse House Museum, and Art House Project.
Round-Trip Ferry Included: Enjoy a boat ride to and from Naoshima Island.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoy the private car tour of Naoshima, praising the convenience and the informative guide. They appreciate seeing the art, but some wish for more time at each spot.
Customers love having a private car to see all the art.
The English-speaking guide makes the art easier to understand.
Many visitors enjoyed seeing all the unique art spots on the island.
The ferry ride to the island offers beautiful views.
Some visitors wished they had more time at each art site.
Lunch costs are not covered in the tour.
The Journey
Red Pumpkin
The Red Pumpkin, a whimsical sculpture by Yayoi Kusama, is an iconic symbol of Naoshima Island and the first sight that greets visitors arriving by ferry. This polka-dotted pumpkin, a testament to Kusama's distinctive artistic vision, invites exploration and contemplation, embodying the island's unique blend of art and nature. Visitors can step inside the pumpkin and view the harbor through the sculpture's polka-dot openings, creating a surreal experience. Its vibrant color and playful form against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea make it a must-see landmark and a perfect photo opportunity.
Benesse House Museum
The Benesse House Museum, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, seamlessly integrates art, architecture, and nature. This museum is more than just a building; it's an experience. Explore a diverse collection of contemporary art, including site-specific installations created by artists specifically for the space. The art isn't confined to the galleries; it spills out into the surrounding landscape, along the seashore, and into the nearby forest, blurring the lines between art and the environment. Visit the Valley Gallery, included in the entrance fee, to further immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art. The Benesse House Museum offers a unique and enriching experience for art lovers and anyone seeking inspiration.
Art House Project
The Art House Project in Naoshima's Honmura district is a transformative initiative where abandoned houses and spaces are reborn as unique art installations. Wander through seven distinct locations – Kadoya, Minamidera, Kinza, Go'o Shrine, Ishibashi, Gokaisho, and Haisha – each offering a captivating glimpse into the island's history and culture. Artists have meticulously transformed these spaces, weaving in memories and stories from the buildings' past lives. This project offers a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the power of art to revitalize and reimagine spaces. A multi-site ticket grants access to six of the art houses, excluding Kinza.
Naoshima Bath "I❤湯"
Naoshima Bath "I❤湯" (I Love Yu), is a fully functional public bathhouse designed as an immersive art installation. Created by artist Shinro Ohtake, this vibrant and eclectic bathhouse is a place for locals and tourists alike to relax, rejuvenate, and interact. Even if you only view it from the outside, the bathhouse's colorful exterior and quirky details are a feast for the eyes. The interior is equally captivating, filled with found objects, mosaics, and unexpected artistic touches. It embodies Naoshima's ethos of blending art with everyday life. Note: While viewing from the outside is an option, experiencing the bath itself offers the full artistic immersion.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes admission to the Benesse House Museum (1300 JPY), a round-trip ferry or boat ticket between Uno Port and Naoshima, bottled water, a private car, and a private English-speaking guide who will meet you at Uno Station. It also includes admission to the Multi-Site Ticket for six Art Houses Projects (1050 JPY). Lunch is not included in the tour price, and the English-speaking guide's service ends at Naoshima, so they will not accompany you on the return ferry.
Hot Tip
To make the most of the trip, it's a good idea to pack snacks and drinks, as lunch is not included. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, as there will be walking involved, and consider bringing an umbrella in case of rain. Finally, make sure to purchase your Chichu Art Museum ticket online in advance if you would like to visit.
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Naoshima Art Island: Full-Day Private Tour & Guide
Discover Naoshima, the art island, on a full-day private tour. This island is part of a group of twenty-seven islands in the Seto Inland Sea, known for amazing art museums. It's a special place where art and nature come together. A private car and English-speaking guide will take you around Naoshima to see all the cool spots. What to expect on the Naoshima tour? The tour visits places like the Red Pumpkin, a giant sculpture, and the Naoshima Pavilion, a cool building to explore. You'll also go to the Benesse House Museum, which has art inside and outside. The Art House Project shows art in old houses, and Naoshima Bath (I Love Yu) is a fun bathhouse that is also art. This tour includes tickets to the Benesse House Museum and the Art House Project. You'll also get water, a ride on the ferry, and a private car to get around. The guide will meet you at Takamatsu Station. Lunch is not included, and the guide will not be with you on the return ferry.
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