2025 Kagawa District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

#Spring0yenTrip Naoshima is a small island in Kagawa Prefecture, known as a treasure trove of contemporary art. When you arrive on the island by ferry, the first thing that catches your eye is Yayoi Kusama's "Red Pumpkin." The striking, vibrant yellow and black polka dots make you want to take a photo. There are art museums dotted around the island, run by Benesse Art Site Naoshima. At the Chichu Art Museum in particular, you can view Monet's Water Lilies masterpiece up close, and I was overwhelmed by its power. Not only the art, but the island's scenery is also attractive, with idyllic fishing villages and beautiful coastlines. At the local cafes, you can enjoy dishes made with fresh seafood, and the "Naoshima Burger" was particularly delicious. Naoshima, where art and nature come together, is a place where you will want to visit again and again, as there are new discoveries every time you visit.

Naoshima in Kagawa Prefecture. You can get there by ferry from both Okayama and Takamatsu. At the port, there is a red pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama to welcome visitors. The yellow pumpkin is at Benesse House. Naoshima is a small island, so you can get around on foot. There is also a bus, although it is a little inconvenient. The most convenient way is to use an electric kick scooter. It is cheaper than renting a car and is maneuverable. There is a place to rent one in front of the port. In front of the port, there is a work that uses a public bath ♨️, which is highly recommended. You can also take a bath. There is also an exhibition like the Statue of Liberty 🗽 in New York. All the works can be enjoyed as art, and you can take some great photos. Setogame is coming soon! #0yentravelFebruary2025 #Naoshima #Domestictravelstrategy #Naoshimaart #YayoiKusama

📍Address: Japan, 〒761-3110 Kagawa, Kagawa District, Naoshima, Tsumuura 3418 💰Average Cost: 1500 JPY The ticket includes a cup of hot tea and a Japanese-style confectionery The exhibition area mainly displays Hiroshi Sugimoto's photography works The gallery is divided into three areas One area is purely for exhibitions, one area is for dining, and the last area is an outdoor exhibition area

Key photo points on Naoshima, the island of art

When we first saw the giant polka dot pumpkin by the sea, we thought we had to visit it!! This island doesn’t just have pumpkins. There are many art works and museums to visit. It can be called an island of art. You can easily travel to it from Osaka and you can visit it for a whole day. ☁️🚢☀️ Atmosphere ☀️- When we went to the island, we took a boat that cars can also take you up. The upper floor of the boat has a really great view. But if it’s cold, you can sit downstairs because the passenger cabins are luxurious and have the same view and a bathroom.- When you arrive on the island, you will see the red pumpkin first at the pier. It was a pleasure to take pictures.- Our next goal was to find the yellow pumpkin, which is on the other side of the island. So we had to continue our journey.🚲 There are 2 ways to get on the island. 🚲- Taking the bus: Walk into the Information center and ask for a map.- Cycling: We used this method, it was super chill. ,, When you leave the pier, you’ll see a shop across from the staff who speak very good English and gave great advice on both routes and cycling methods. 👍🏻💥 Attraction Point 💥- The main goal is the yellow pumpkin. Cycle according to the map. Or pin at Yellow Pumpkin,, When I got there, it felt like a dream come true, very happy, very lucky that there weren't many people, so we could take pictures for a long time. But the wind was strong, my hair was damaged, lol. - Museums or other works of art, you can look at the tourist map. There are recommended spots, you can go and collect them. There are both paid and free admission. 🔰 Recommendations 🔰 - Choose an electric bike, it saves a lot of energy. This is the secret of Japanese housewives! - Cycling here is very safe. Ride on the left. If there is a car coming, it will keep a distance from us. Don't be afraid that it is not safe. 🚃 Getting to the Island 🚃1) Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Okayama Station 2) Take the train to Uno Station 3) Walk to the Miyanoura Pier to board the boat to Naoshima Island 🛎️ Costs 🛎️- Shinkansen and train tickets: We used the JR pass so we didn't have to pay extra.- Round-trip boat tickets to Naoshima Island: 570 yen per person- Electric bike rental fee: 880 yen per bike ⭐️ Score 100/10 Very chill #triptravelchina #traveljapan #traveltrip #japan #naoshima #japan #yayoikusama

Naoshima is known for Yayoi Kusama's iconic objects, the "red pumpkin" and the yellow "pumpkin." The "red pumpkin" is located near the port of Naoshima, and is installed to welcome visitors. The red and black polka dots are eye-catching, and you can go inside and enjoy it. The yellow "pumpkin," on the other hand, is installed at the end of a pier jutting out into the sea, and features a beautiful landscape with the calm Seto Inland Sea in the background. Both of these objects exude the unique worldview that is characteristic of Yayoi Kusama, and are extremely photogenic! Pumpkins with polka dots are painted on the buses, so you can feel Yayoi Kusama all over the island! If you visit Naoshima, this is a must-see art spot. #0yentravelNovember

Yayoi Kusama's yellow pumpkin, you'll see it a lot if you want to. I always wanted to see the real thing with my own eyes. Finally I saw it 😍😍 The weather is nice today. There are not many people taking pictures now. Wait in line for about 5 minutes to get a photo. I ended up in line twice 🤣🤣🤣 It's rare to come here, so I'm crazy about taking pictures There is a merchandise shop next to the pumpkin. There are many different pumpkin print products for sale. And there are many that are only available locally. If you don't buy it, you will miss it! ! *Into Naoshima Note: Ship time #November Good Places 2024 #Takamatsu Kanko #Naoshima #Nayo Kusama #Nayo Kusama Yellow Pumpkin

Every three years, art enthusiasts from around the world flock to the Seto Inland Sea region to admire the works of artists like Yayoi Kusama, Tadao Ando, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Cai Guo-Qiang. The festival not only showcases various outdoor and indoor art pieces but also includes craft markets, food festivals, and performances. As the 2025 Setouchi Triennale approaches, one of the most anticipated highlights is Tadao Ando's 10th architectural work on Naoshima. Another notable landmark is the artwork "Pumpkin" by Japan's avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, known as the "Queen of Polka Dots." The most popular spot on the island is the large yellow pumpkin by the sea, often referred to as the "Pumpkin at the End of the World" due to its location by the vast ocean. The yellow pumpkin has had its share of challenges; it was damaged by a typhoon in 2021, but Kusama's team has since recreated and reinforced it to withstand future storms. On Teshima, the "Heart Archive" allows visitors to listen to heartbeats from around the world and record their own, preserving evidence of existence in the most romantic way. This year, as in previous years, "Art Appreciation Passports" and "Cruise Tickets" are expected to be available. Filling an entire passport with stamps brings a sense of pride, while cruise tickets make island hopping convenient. Alternatively, visitors can opt for the Seto Inland Sea JR PASS, which offers unlimited reserved seat exchanges, providing great value. #Art #SetoInlandSea #SetouchiTriennale #Japan #Travel #ArtInspiration #ArtFestival

Before the Setouchi Triennale 2025, let's explore this sacred island, a pilgrimage site for many art enthusiasts. With limited time, there's a debate on whether to visit Naoshima or Teshima, or even attempt a whirlwind tour of both in one day. However, once on Naoshima, its charm convinced us to change to the latest ferry. The art installations, road designs, and graffiti corners are endless to explore. The most famous are Yayoi Kusama's red and yellow pumpkins, located at the start and end of the journey. A red polka-dotted pumpkin bus picks you up, adding to the fun. (Thanks to the driver for waiting for us to exchange money and even coming to find us!) Biking is also a great option due to the long bus intervals. Our route was casual, planning to wander and stop. We took a bus to "Art House Project," where a fascinating installation resembling a plastic bubble is actually a bike parking lot. A few steps away, you can taste Naoshima gelato from a small window shop run by one person, offering fruit sherbet and classic flavors like milk and matcha. Without many stops, we transferred at the station to visit the Chichu Art Museum. Initially, we didn't specifically look for the yellow pumpkin, but spotted it as a glowing dot in the distance during the bus ride, planning to visit on the way back. On the uphill journey, the driver pointed out a raccoon and cat eating together, which turned out to be a local tanuki. We rushed back to see this amusing pair, more fascinated by the journey than the art itself. We enjoyed blending in with the locals and wandering around. As the sun set, we walked along the beach to our last stop of the day. The yellow pumpkin glowed against the sea, but the backlight made it hard to capture. Instead, we sat on the grass, waiting for the sunset. Over half the visitors were Westerners, with bikini-clad women on the beach, people drinking beer in the sea, and a man swimming past the yellow pumpkin. Watching them, I realized I'm not that carefree, avoiding getting my shoes wet or swimming. Quoting "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "Sometimes, I don't 📷, I just stay, in it." Some moments can't be captured by a camera; it's better to enjoy them. #Takamatsu #SetouchiTriennale #Naoshima #YayoiKusamaPumpkin

ART SETOUCHI, the Setouchi Triennale, is held every three years with the aim of revitalization through art. Naoshima is the most densely packed island with museums and art installations, attracting art enthusiasts from around the world. My itinerary focused on the Benesse Art Site, spending half a day leisurely walking around the island. Highlights include the Yellow Pumpkin, animal sculptures, and the sea lawn. Visit the Hiroshi Sugimoto Time Corridors (online reservation required, souvenir shop available), Benesse House Museum (with restaurant and souvenir shop), Valley Gallery (ticket shared with Benesse House Museum), Lee Ufan Museum (outdoor installations), and Chichu Art Museum (online reservation required, with café and souvenir shop). At Miyanoura Port, take the ferry from Takamatsu Port at 10:14 AM, with a round-trip ticket costing 990 yen per person. The island bus costs 100 yen per person to Tsutsujiso, and there is a free shuttle bus in the Benesse area. Return on the last ferry at 5:00 PM from Miyanoura Port to Takamatsu. It is recommended to walk from the Chichu Art Museum to the port, taking about 30 minutes, to enjoy the beautiful sunset along the way. #SetouchiTriennale #JapanTravel #TakamatsuIslandHopping #Naoshima #ChichuArtMuseum #TadaoAndo #HiroshiSugimoto #BenesseHouse #YayoiKusama #JapaneseArt

📍Naoshima Day 2: Benesse House Museum - Yellow Pumpkin - Lee Ufan Museum 🏨 Stay in Takamatsu and take a ferry to Naoshima. Details on ferry and bike rental are in the previous post. 🚌 Island Transportation Rent a bike to the Lee Ufan Museum bike parking, or ride to the Chichu Art Museum parking. From there, take the free shuttle bus to Benesse House. Detailed routes and schedules are on. Our route: park the bike at Lee Ufan Museum - shuttle bus to Benesse House Museum - shuttle bus to Yellow Pumpkin - shuttle bus back to Lee Ufan Museum - bike back to the port. 2) Alternatively, take the 100 yen (cash only) town bus to the final stop at Tsutsujiso (Yellow Pumpkin location), and transfer to the Benesse House shuttle bus. 🏠Benesse House Museum The building itself is designed by Tadao Ando, facing the Seto Inland Sea. Besides the three indoor floors, don't miss the outdoor section! Photography and video recording are prohibited for some exhibits indoors (⚠️note). The cafe on the 2nd floor is highly recommended, offering views of the Seto Inland Sea while enjoying food. The cafe's drink cups are printed with Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin, very cute! Opening hours: 8:00～21:00, open year-round. Tickets: on-site purchase. 🎃 Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin Take the shuttle bus from Benesse House to Tsutsujiso, and you'll see a beach and the Yellow Pumpkin in the distance. There's also a small stone torii on the beach, very cute. Queue for the Yellow Pumpkin, and remember to check the bus schedule in advance. Lee Ufan Museum The venue is also designed by Tadao Ando, a treat for fans. It has indoor and outdoor sections; photography and video recording are prohibited indoors (⚠️note), but there are no restrictions outdoors. The outdoor works are visually striking, with a surreal feel. Opening hours: March 1 - September 30, 10:00~18:00 (last entry 17:30), October 1 - end of February, 10:00~17:00 (last entry 16:30). Closed on Mondays (※ if Monday is a holiday, open that day and closed the next day). #Naoshima #NaoshimaPumpkin #TravelPhotography #JapanTravel #SetoInlandSea #OffTheBeatenPath #TadaoAndo #SummerTravel #YayoiKusamaPumpkin #MustSeeExhibitions

I have been to so many countries, but the place with the most artistic atmosphere must be Naoshima, Japan. You can see different artworks everywhere. Whether in the park or on the road, there will be art elements🎨 This garden has several art installations. The artwork of Frog and Cat is very colorful (Figure 1) There is also a souvenir shop here. There are many Yayoi Kusama bags, key chains, clothes, etc. These limited edition souvenirs can only be purchased on this island, so don’t miss it! 📍Address: Benesse House Shop #GlobalTravel

After learning that Naoshima has yellow pumpkins, I've always wondered when to come and enjoy it. This year I can finally fulfill my wish. Naoshima can be reached by cruise ship from Takamatsu Port. Then I got off the boat and saw Yayoi Kusama's red pumpkins. It turns out there is also yellow pumpkin, but in a different location Near Naoshima Museum of Contemporary Art It takes about 15 minutes to drive from the port to the location of Yellow Pumpkin. This is a good place for young people of arts and culture to check in and make a pilgrimage If you want to take pictures of yellow pumpkins, it is recommended to come at noon. Because the sea water will be high in the morning or after 3 pm, it is not convenient to walk there 📍Address: Naoshima Yellow Pumpkin #GlobalTravel

#小岛 #100WAYS TO TRAVEL #seaview #AugustGood Place2024 #RegistrationAugustHotelTestSleeper #NanshanHotel It’s easy to think of the contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama when you see this pumpkin. Yes, this is the end of the Benesse Art Site on Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea. 🎨 It was raining that day, sometimes heavy and sometimes light, and it was still very cold at the beach. I wore a raincoat and walked a short distance on my bicycle to get here in order to take pictures with the yellow pumpkins. 🚲 ☔

Yellow pumpkins in Naoshima Yayoi Kusama's famous yellow pumpkin sculpture is located near the Benesse Museum in Naoshima. After getting off the boat, I took a town bus and headed towards the Benesse Museum, and went to see it while changing buses to the Benesse Museum. Be careful not to change buses and go all the way to the museum. It's a bit of a walk, but if you have time, why not stop by? It's a must-see spot in Naoshima!! #domestictrip

#Travelwithme Yayoi Kusama's Pumpkin is a landmark of Naoshima. It was close to Benesse House where I stayed, so I went there many times at different times. The contrast between the sky and the pumpkin was beautiful and wonderful 🥰See the Artwork at Different Time＊1pic 14:57＊2pic 8:55＊3pic 14:55＊4pic 15:52＊5pic 21:06 📍 Spot information━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🎃Name: Pumpkin🗺Address: 761-3110 Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa Prefecture #Naoshima #NaoshimaArt #Art #Kagawa #YayoiKusama

Am a girl from a tropical country who always wanted to experience walking around a place where you will not only see but feel the breeze of Fall. This place is located in Kagawa, Japan. A park full of Japanese Kochia. A plant known as 'hokigusa', meaning a plant for making brooms after drying. Kochia also produce edible nuts known as 'tonburi', a speciality of Akita Prefecture. Tonburi is also known as 'the caviar of the field' thanks to its similar shape, colour and texture. #fallingseason#fallingseason