Day 1
Depart on a private cruise from the port of Osaka, some 40 minutes from Kansai Airport by private vehicle. Enjoy the 60-minute cruise as it takes you almost directly below the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which, at 3,991 meters (13,093 ft.), is the second longest suspension bridge in the world. Until 2022, it was the longest such bridge. Disembark at a pier close to the bridge and head to a locally run restaurant immediately in front of the pier for fresh sushi.
After marveling at the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and enjoying a lunch made with carefully selected local ingredients, return to the boat and continue the cruise. As you head to Naoshima, a journey of about 2.5 hours, enjoy drinks made from locally produced fruit and alcoholic beverages while taking in the scenery on the famously placid waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
Upon arrival at Naoshima, travel by private vehicle to Benesse House, an accommodation facility designed by world-famous architect Tadao Ando. After checking in, enjoy the art museum within Benesse House until late into the night, when the art looks very different to during the day.
Day 2
On your second day, discover the many works of art dotted around Naoshima that have been created by both artists and islanders. Don’t be surprised to be approached by the locals as you walk around the island—interacting with the islanders is just one of the many pleasures of the trip.
(Recommended Route for Benesse Art Site Naoshima : Art House Project, Ring of Fire - Solar Yang & Lunar Weerasethakul, Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, Benesse House Museum)
As the many artworks look quite different at night, feel free to roam the island at your own pace. Seeing the artworks at night is a privilege reserved for overnight guests.
Day 3
From Naoshima, travel by chartered cruise to Teshima, some 30 minutes away. The beauty of nature and art coexisting can be more fully appreciated on Teshima, which has only 700 residents. There are views of the sea from the spectacular rice terraces and, if you visit during the time of harvesting, it’s possible to join the farmers in bringing in the rice. Amidst the serenity of the landscape and art, leave behind your daily concerns and enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility
(Recommended route: Teshima Art Museum, Terraced Rice Field Project, Les Archives du Coeur)
After enjoying the beauty of Teshima, return to the pier and board your chartered cruise boat to Takamatsu, a journey of about 60 minutes. While onboard, enjoy drinks and a sumptuous lunch of locally sourced ingredients chosen by the onboard chef. From Takamatsu Port, travel by private vehicle either to Takamatsu Airport or Takamatsu Station for your next destination.
Floating in the Seto Inland Sea, the beautiful islands of Naoshima and Teshima have been developed by prominent architects, foundations and local residents into art islands where nature and art coexist. Today, they attract art-lovers from around the world and play host to numerous international art events.
As the islands are dotted with artworks created by both artists and local residents, art can be found at every turn. New artworks are added frequently, attracting many repeat visitors to the islands.
A cruise on the calm and beautiful Seto Inland Sea and a trip around the art islands are sure to be some of the most memorable experiences you will ever have.