Naoshima - island living and cafés

Seto Inland Sea

Boat access to the island and cruising on the Seto Inland Sea

Water transport is the only way to reach Naoshima. Regular ferryboats are available from Takamatsu Port of Kagawa Pref. and Uno Port of Okayama Pref. In Naoshima, there are two ports: Miyaura Port (which is larger) and Honmura Port. Nine round-trip services per day connect Takamatsu Port and Miyaura Port. Speedboats take about 30 minutes to Naoshima while the regular ferry takes an hour for a one-way trip. While you don’t have to make reservations for ferry tickets, it’s a good idea to check the service schedule in advance and wait for the boat at the port 30 minutes before departure. On the island, bus services and rental bicycles are available. However, since island geography is not flat, you need some stamina if you choose a rental bike.

Use local cafés for a break between art exhibition tours

The island is well-known for Benesse Art Site Naoshima. If you want a change of pace from enjoying the artworks, just take a break at one of the small cafés run by islanders. You may be able to meet residents and learn more about the island lifestyle. Honmura and Miyanoura areas in particular offer a good selection of cafés. For instance, we recommend Cafe Salon “Naka-Oku” — run like a “hideaway” at an old-fashioned house — and Aisunao, where you can enjoy a healthy lunch featuring steamed sprouted brown rice.

Get to know local culture in depth at guesthouses

Naoshima offers a number of guesthouses that are clean and reasonably priced. Guesthouse “Roji To Akari” is a self-catering accommodation operated by Mr. Kobayashi, who is also the owner of Cafe Salon “Naka-Oku.” This place offers an ideal opportunity to become familiar with the islanders’ lifestyle.

For reference

Cafe Salon “Naka-Oku”

Address

1167 Nakaoku, Honmura, Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa Pref.
Tel

087-892-3887
Open

• Lunch: 11:30-15:00
• Dinner: 17:30-21:00
Holiday

Tuesday

Aisunao

Address

761-1 Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa Pref.
Tel

087-892-3830
Open

11:00-17:30 (11:00-17:00 during winter)
Holiday

irregular

Guesthouse “Roji To Akari”

Address

729 Honmura, Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa Pref.
Tel

080-3058-3887
Holiday

Tuesday and other days
Price

one night stay per person in dormitory: 3,200 yen (4,000 yen during peak tourist seasons)

Access

Approx. 40 minutes by Kotoden Bus from Takamatsu Airport to Takamatsu Station. 5-minute walk from the station to Takamatsu Port. 30 minutes by high-speed vessel or 1 hour by ferry from Takamatsu Port to Miyaura Port. Town bus or rental bicycle is recommended from Miyaura Port to various venues.