Setouchi Triennale: The Ultimate Guide to Naoshima!

In late April, I visited the Setouchi Triennale during its spring session, and the most impressive and highly recommended island is Naoshima! However, I didn't do much research beforehand and ended up taking some detours. So, I'm sharing my experience to help everyone have a joyful journey! First, if you're going to the Setouchi Triennale, I recommend downloading the official app and purchasing a passport, which costs 4,200 yen for the spring session. With the passport, you can freely view the artworks. Transportation: You can take a ferry from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima. There are high-speed ferries and regular ferries. The most cost-effective option is to buy an unlimited 3-day ferry pass. The earliest ferry from Takamatsu departs at 8:12 AM, and the latest return is at 5:00 PM. You can check the specific schedule at the ferry boarding area. Island Transportation: On the island, you can take a bus or rent a bicycle at the port. Buses are infrequent and not very convenient for getting around. Although the island is small, there is a hilly area, so I recommend renting an "electric bicycle"! Riding a bike on the island is really enjoyable. Route: Miyanoura Port 👉 Honmura Area 👉 Museum Area 👉 Return to Miyanoura Reservations Needed: Chichu Art Museum (additional ticket: 2,100 yen) and Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: Time Corridor (additional ticket: 1,500 yen, includes wagashi and tea) I-House Project Minamidera (requires a ticket from the Honmura service center) Shopping: The port at Naoshima has the most comprehensive selection of souvenirs and goods. If you find something you like, don't assume you can buy it on another island because other islands really don't have it! Art Appreciation: Around Miyanoura Port: One of Naoshima's most famous artworks is Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin. The red pumpkin at Miyanoura Port is still there, but the yellow pumpkin, which was blown away by a typhoon, hasn't been repaired yet, so it's absent this time. Nearby is a three-dimensional work by Sou Fujimoto, perfect for photos. There's also a bathhouse renovated by Shinro Ohtake, where you can enjoy the feeling of bathing in an art museum if you have time! In Honmura: The Honmura area is scattered with various I-House Projects! Each one is worth visiting! Museum Area: The museum area feels like Tadao Ando's exclusive domain! Chichu Art Museum, Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: Time Corridor, Lee Ufan Museum, Sakura Labyrinth, Benesse House Museum, and Valley Gallery are all must-sees! #SetoInlandSea #Naoshima #SetouchiTriennale #Japan #LifeInJapan #StudyInJapan #JapanTravel #Art