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Takamatsu
Naoshima Art Island: Full-Day Private Tour & Guide
435
Overview
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. 
Highlights
Private Guided Tour: Explore Naoshima Island with a personal English-speaking guide.
Art & Architecture: See famous art sites like the Benesse House Museum and Art House Project.
Convenient Transportation: Travel around the island in a private car.
All Inclusive: Ferry tickets and entrance fees are included.
Iconic Stops: Visit must-see destinations such as the Red Pumpkin and Naoshima Bath (I Love Yu)
Worry-Free Experience: Bottled water is provided during the tour
Sentiment Analysis
Most customers enjoyed their visit to Naoshima, highlighting the guide's expertise, the unique art experiences, and the convenience of private transportation. A few mentioned the high cost and limited time at some attractions.
Customers say the guide is very knowledgeable and helpful.
Visitors loved the art and architecture of Naoshima.
Many reviewers said having a private car made the tour easy and comfortable.
Travelers appreciated the flexibility of a private tour.
Some visitors felt the tour price was high.
A few people wished they had more time at certain art sites.
The Journey
Red Pumpkin
Greeted by the whimsical Red Pumpkin upon arrival at Miyanoura Port, visitors are immediately immersed in Naoshima's artistic spirit. Created by Yayoi Kusama, this iconic sculpture represents a red sunbeam transformed into a pumpkin by the sea. Its polka-dot exterior and accessible interior offer a playful introduction to the island's blend of contemporary art and natural beauty, making it a must-see for any visitor.
Naoshima Pavilion
The Naoshima Pavilion presents a unique architectural experience, appearing as a floating island constructed from approximately 250 stainless steel mesh triangles. Designed to represent a 28th island added to Naoshima’s archipelago, this pavilion invites exploration both inside and out. Illuminated at night, it offers a captivating display, showcasing the island's innovative approach to blending art with the environment.
Benesse House Museum
The Benesse House Museum, designed by Tadao Ando, is a fusion of museum and hotel based on the concept of 'coexistence of nature, art, and architecture'. Explore a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, and site-specific installations crafted by artists specifically for the space. Artworks extend beyond the galleries, scattered along the seashore and within the surrounding forest, offering a captivating integration of art and environment. Don't miss the Valley Gallery included within the museum entrance fee.
Art House Project
The Art House Project transforms Naoshima's Honmura district into an immersive art experience. Wander through seven locations, including Kadoya, Minamidera, Kinza, Go'o Shrine, Ishibashi, Gokaisho, and Haisha, where artists have repurposed empty houses into evocative art installations. These spaces echo the history and memories of their past, offering a poignant reflection on time, community, and the transformative power of art.
Naoshima Bath (I Love Yu)
I Love Yu, also known as Naoshima Bath, is an art installation functioning as a public bathhouse. While viewing from the outside is allowed, this vibrant and quirky structure designed by Shinro Ohtake, serves as a community hub, fostering interaction between residents and visitors. Its exterior showcases a vibrant collage of images, reflecting the playful spirit of Naoshima's art scene and offering a glimpse into the island's unique approach to integrating art into daily life.
Know Before You Go
This Naoshima tour includes admission to the Benesse House Museum (1300 JPY) and a multi-site ticket for six Art Houses Projects (JPY 1050). Bottled water, a round-trip ferry or boat between Takamatsu port and Naoshima, a private car for island transportation, and a private English-speaking guide are all included. The guide will meet you at Takamatsu station. Lunch is not included, and the English-speaking guide service ends at Naoshima; they will not accompany you on the return ferry.
Hot Tip
To make the most of your tour of Naoshima, plan your tour in advance so that you know exactly which stops you want to see on the island. Bring comfortable shoes for walking around the island, as there will be a good amount of walking. Allow plenty of time to take photos at your favorite spots, especially the Red Pumpkin.
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Naoshima Art Island: A Private Cycling Adventure from Osaka
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Naoshima Art Island: Private Car Tour from Takamatsu
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).
From
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