Culture & Art tour in Shodoshima – Naoshima 2 Days

Discover the charm of the Setouchi region on this 2-day tour departing from Okayama, experience Japan’s unique blend of art, nature, and tradition.
The journey begins in Shodoshima, an island known for its olive groves, scenic coastlines, and peaceful atmosphere. You can experience the unique Japanese culture and cuisine of this island.
Next, visit Naoshima, a world-famous art island featuring contemporary museums and outdoor installations set in a beautiful natural environment.
Travel comfortably and discover Japan more deeply with the support of English-speaking guides.
We offer stress-free journeys that eliminate the challenges of local transportation and language barriers unique to regional areas.
Relax and enjoy authentic Japanese culture, cuisine, and art experiences that can only be found in the Setouchi region.

Itinerary(model course)

Day1：Shodoshima
09:15 Depart from Okayama Station(40min by Private car)―Arrive at Shin-Okayama Port 〜 Ferry ride～
11:20 Arrive at Shodoshima / Tonosho Port (Travel by Private car)
　　・Goma Fire Ritual Experience
　　・Shodoshima Sake Brewery
　　・Yamaroku Soy Sauce
　　・Shodoshima Olive Park
17:00 Check-in at Shimahaku (Japanese dinner included) 　　　

Day2：Naoshima
08:20 Depart from the hotel after breakfast 〜 Ferry ride 〜
10:09 Arrive at Uno Port ― Enjoy a short art walk around Uno Port
11:00 Depart from Uno Port 〜 Ferry ride～
11:20 Arrive at Naoshima/Miyanoura Port (Travel by Private car)
　　・Chichu Art Museum
　　・Valley Gallery and Benesse House Museum
　　・Yellow Pumpkin
　　・Art House Project
17:35 Depart from Miyanoura Port 〜 Ferry ride 〜
17:55 Arrive at Uno Port
19:00 Arrive at Okayama Station

Detail information

Reference Price:
From JPY 280,000 (tax included) per person
Reservations accepted for a minimum of 2 guests.

The price includes：
・private hire car service (Day1 : Okayama st.-Shin Okayama port, Shodoshima, Day2 : Naoshima, Uno port-Okayama st.)
・English-speaking guide
・ferry fares (Day1:Shin Okayama port-Shodoshima , Day2 : Shodoshima-Uno, Uno-Naoshima round trip)
・accommodation (twin room use)
・meals (Breakfast:1, Lunch:2, Dinner:1)
・admission fees (Goma Fire Ritual Experience, Chichu Art Museum, Valley Gallery and Benesse House Museum, Art House Project )

Shodoshima

Goma Fire Ritual Experience
Deep within the cave temple hall, the sacred Goma fire ritual creates an otherworldly atmosphere, where flickering flames and the echo of Buddhist chants transport visitors beyond everyday life into a spiritual realm. From the approach to the temple, breathtaking panoramic views of Uchiumi Bay and the Harima Sea unfold, showcasing some of the most beautiful scenery in the Seto Inland Sea.
Escape the demands of daily life and restore your mind and body through the tranquil landscapes of Setouchi and the mystical power of this ancient Buddhist ritual. Slow down to the gentle rhythm of island life and embark on a journey of self-discovery that resonates deeply with the heart and soul.

Shodoshima Sake Brewery
Shodoshima is famous for olives and soy sauce, but hidden in its lush interior lies a boutique gem for culinary adventurers: Shodoshima Shuzo, the island’s sole remaining sake brewery.
Embracing the island’s unique terroir, this artisanal brewery crafts distinctive, small-batch sake using pristine mountain spring water and regional rice. Their most innovative creation features exclusive wild yeast harvested from local olive fruits. This unique “olive yeast” imparts a wonderfully fruity aroma and a crisp, refreshing acidity designed to pair beautifully with Setouchi’s fresh seafood and olive-infused cuisine.
The highlight is visiting Mori-kuni, their atmospheric café and bar housed in a renovated 70-year-old warehouse. Here, travelers can savor a guided tasting flight of these rare, olive-yeast brews. It is an unmissable, authentic culinary stop found nowhere else in the world.

Yamaroku Soy Sauce
Step back in time at Yamaroku, a legendary brewery preserving the disappearing art of traditional Japanese soy sauce. While most modern soy sauce is mass-produced in steel tanks, Yamaroku ages theirs for up to four years in giant, 150-year-old wooden barrels (kioke).
Walking into the atmospheric, dark brewing storehouse, you can feel the magic—the walls and beams are covered in centuries of beneficial, living microbes that give the sauce its incredibly rich, complex flavor. For culinary travelers, touring this living heritage site and tasting their luxurious, smoky brews offers an unforgettable glimpse into pure, uncompromised Japanese craftsmanship.

Naoshima

Chichu Art Museum
Located on the art island of Naoshima, Chichu Art Museum is a breathtaking architectural wonder designed by the legendary Tadao Ando. Built almost entirely underground to avoid disrupting the stunning Seto Inland Sea scenery, this subterranean masterpiece relies exclusively on natural light to illuminate its exhibits.
Inside, independent travelers will experience a profound harmony between concrete, light, and space, framing permanent masterpieces by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria. The changing daylight ensures that no two visits are ever the same, offering a deeply contemplative and unforgettable artistic journey.
Due to its immense popularity and strict visitor caps, advance reservations are absolutely essential to secure entry.

Benesse House Museum
Benesse House Museum is a spectacular architectural masterpiece designed by Tadao Ando, where world-class contemporary art seamlessly blends with nature. This unique venue serves as both a museum and a boutique luxury hotel, offering a rare, immersive experience.
You will love the freedom to explore thought-provoking indoor galleries alongside site-specific outdoor sculptures overlooking the serene Seto Inland Sea. Best of all, overnight guests enjoy exclusive, 24-hour access to the galleries, allowing you to contemplate breathtaking artworks in total tranquility long after the day-trippers have left.

Art House Project
The Art House Project in Naoshima’s historic Honmura district beautifully transforms centuries-old abandoned residences and shrines into immersive contemporary art installations. This project offers a fascinating glimpse into rural Japanese history blended with avant-garde creativity.
You can wander the charming streets at your own pace, entering traditional wooden structures to discover striking works by world-renowned artists like James Turrell. It is a deeply authentic experience where architectural heritage, local island life, and modern art co-exist.

Why We Recommend This 2-Day Shodoshima & Naoshima Tour

If you would like to experience the very best of the Setouchi region in a limited amount of time, this 2-day Shodoshima and Naoshima tour is an excellent choice. Combining two of Japan’s most fascinating islands, the journey offers a unique blend of breathtaking coastal scenery, contemporary art, local culture, and authentic island life.

One of the greatest advantages of this tour is that it is fully supported by a private vehicle and an accompanying guide throughout the trip. Traveling between ports, attractions, and accommodations on the islands can be complicated for first-time visitors, but with dedicated transportation and expert guidance, you can simply relax and enjoy the experience. Your guide will share local stories, cultural insights, and practical knowledge that help bring each destination to life.

On Naoshima, discover world-famous contemporary art and architecture surrounded by the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. On Shodoshima, enjoy stunning landscapes, traditional culture, and the island’s rich history, including its famous olive cultivation and scenic coastal views. The combination creates a well-balanced itinerary that appeals to art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to Japan alike.