Skip to main content
Travel PlannerTrips
HomeExploreCommunityCreatePlan

Diploma thesis

Democritus University of Thrace

Department of Informatics

Kavala, Greece

Navigation

  • About us
  • Contact
  • Questionnaire
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of use
  • Support the project

Contact

Personal contact details are not shown publicly. The key information about the project is available on the relevant pages.

Get in touch via the form

Team profiles

  • LinkedIn: Christos Kerigkas
  • GitHub: Christos Kerigkas
  • LinkedIn: Evangelia-Maria Kaia
  • GitHub: Evangelia-Maria Kaia

© 2026 Christos Kerigkas and Evangelia-Maria Kaia

Democritus University of Thrace

Naoshima, Ιαπωνία - Travel Planner | Travel Planner
HomeExploreNaoshima
Naoshima, Ιαπωνία
Ιαπωνία

Naoshima

4.8(system estimate)

About Naoshima

Na岛是一个位于濑户内海的独特艺术岛屿,以世界级的博物馆、当代艺术装置以及散布在整个海岸线的草间弥生作品而闻名。它将传统的日本海岛生活与完美融入景观的前卫建筑结合在一起。

Popular activities

Visit Chichu Art Museum
Art House Project Tour
Yellow Pumpkin Photoshoot
Relaxation at I♥Yu Bath
Benesse House Museum Exploration
Lee Ufan Museum Visit

Travel tips

  • Book museum reservations well in advance.
  • Rent a bicycle to move around the island easily.

Top attractions

Chichu Art MuseumDuration: 2-3 hours

A pioneering underground museum designed by architect Tadao Ando, lit exclusively by natural light and housing works by Claude Monet and James Turrell.

Art House ProjectDuration: 3-4 hours

A series of old traditional houses and temples in Honmura village renovated and converted into art installations by prominent artists.

Benesse House MuseumDuration: 2-3 hours

A complex functioning as both a museum and hotel, filled with contemporary art both inside and scattered across the surrounding slopes and beaches.

Red and Yellow PumpkinsDuration: 30 minutes

Yayoi Kusama's iconic sculptures standing on the island's piers, serving as symbols of Naoshima's contemporary identity.

I♥Yu Public BathDuration: 1 hour

A fully functional sento designed by artist Shinro Ohtake, where visitors can bathe inside a work of art.

Lee Ufan MuseumDuration: 1-2 hours

A tranquil museum dedicated to minimalist artist Lee Ufan, integrated into a building by architect Tadao Ando.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1: Tadao Ando's Architecture and Underground Museums

Activities

Morning

Arrival at the Port and the Yellow Pumpkin

Miyanoura Pier, Naoshima · 30 minutes

Arriving by ferry to the island, you immediately encounter Yayoi Kusama's iconic sculpture standing on the pier. It is an ideal spot for your first photos against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea.

Why it's worth it: It is the classic starting point for any exploration in Naoshima.

  • •Arrive early to avoid crowds.

Visit to Chichu Art Museum

Chichu, Naoshima · 2-3 hours

Explore a pioneering underground museum designed by architect Tadao Ando, lit exclusively by natural light. There you will admire works by Claude Monet and James Turrell in absolute harmony with the environment.

Why it's worth it: Early reservation is required and it is best to visit in the morning when natural light is ideal.

  • •Book tickets online several weeks in advance.
Noon

Exploration of Benesse House Museum

South Coast, Naoshima · 2-3 hours

Discover a complex combining a hotel and contemporary art museum filled with exhibits inside and out. Walk the surrounding slopes and beaches to discover installations scattered in nature.

Why it's worth it: It connects smoothly geographically with the broader museum zone of the south coast.

Afternoon

Photos with the Red Pumpkin

Miyanoura Port, Naoshima · 30 minutes

Admire Yayoi Kusama's red pumpkin up close, which even allows visitors to enter its interior. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of the island's contemporary identity.

Why it's worth it: It is located next to the port and is a perfect stop as you head back west.

Evening

Relaxation at I♥Yu Public Bath

Miyanoura, Naoshima · 1 hour

Enjoy a unique relaxation experience in a fully functional Japanese sento designed by artist Shinro Ohtake. You can bathe inside a living work of art filled with original mosaics.

Why it's worth it: It is the ideal way to close your first day of hiking and art on the island.

Where to eat

Breakfast

Miyanoura Port, Naoshima

Miyanoura Port, Naoshima · local café and bakery

Start your day near the port with a light Japanese breakfast and coffee at a small local café.

Caption: Fresh coffee and local pastries

Lunch

South Coast, Naoshima

South Coast, Naoshima · contemporary Japanese and Western cuisine

Enjoy a meal with a view of the Seto Inland Sea inside the art-hotel complex.

Caption: Dishes with fresh local seafood

Dinner

Miyanoura Village, Naoshima

Miyanoura Village, Naoshima · traditional Japanese pub

Try local meze and dishes in a relaxed atmosphere near the port.

Caption: Sushi and grilled yakitori sticks

Day 2: The Tradition of Honmura and the Art Houses

Activities

Morning

Art House Project Tour

Honmura, Naoshima · 3-4 hours

Walk through the alleys of the traditional village of Honmura where old houses and temples have been converted into art installations. Discover unique works by prominent artists integrated into local architecture.

Why it's worth it: The morning offers the tranquility needed to enjoy the details of the houses.

  • •Get the combination ticket for the art houses.
Noon

Electric Bicycle Ride through the Villages

Central Naoshima · 2 hours

Rent an electric bicycle to easily move through the inclines and routes between Honmura and Miyanoura. Enjoy the landscape and nature of the Seto Inland Sea with comfort.

Why it's worth it: Electric bicycles are essential due to the uphill climbs towards the museum zone.

Afternoon

Visit Local Galleries and Cafés

Honmura, Naoshima · 1-2 hours

Stop at small independent art galleries and traditional renovated buildings operating as cafés. Meet local artists and see daily island life.

Where to eat

Café IRIS

café and restaurant · international and Japanese · €€

Coffee and light meals near Miyanoura port.

Shindo

traditional restaurant · local Japanese · €€

Fish from the Seto Inland Sea and traditional dishes.

Gotcha

casual restaurant · Japanese street food · €

Delicious udon and local snacks.

Benesse House Museum Restaurant

museum restaurant · contemporary French-Japanese · €€€

Gourmet dishes with sea views.

Little Plum

small café · snacks and drinks · €

Homemade cakes and tea in Honmura.

Getting around

Airport

The nearest airport is Okayama Airport, from where you can take a train to Uno Port and then a ferry to Naoshima.

Public transport

Ferries and passenger boats from Uno Port and TakamatsuLocal buses connecting Miyanoura port with Honmura

Rentals

Electric bicycle rentalConventional bicycle rental

Walkability

The island is accessible on foot or by bicycle, although the inclines towards the museum zone make electric bicycles essential.

Loading similar destinations…

⭐ Reviews

Rate and reply directly beneath each review, just like in a community.

Reviews and replies

Give ratings, share your experience, and reply in the right review thread.

Discussion per review

Log in to leave a review

Sign in
Loading weather…

Quick info

Best time to visit

April, May, October

Recommended duration

4 days

Estimated cost

15000-25000 JPY per person/day

Climate

Mild Mediterranean climate in the Seto Inland Sea, with warm summers and mild winters.

Language

Japanese

Safety and health

Safety tips

  • •Naoshima is extremely safe, but be careful when cycling on uphill roads.
  • •Wear sunscreen and a hat during outdoor walks.

Health information

There are basic medical facilities on the island, but for serious incidents transfer is made to the opposite mainland.

Emergency numbers

Police:110
Ambulance:119

Why it's worth it: It gives a more authentic picture of the community beyond the large museums.

Stroll Along the Shores of the Seto Inland Sea

Naoshima Coastal Zone · 1 hour

Walk along the coastline observing the sculptures scattered in nature. Calm down looking at the serene waters and surrounding islets.

Why it's worth it: It offers a moment of relaxation before finishing your tour.

Evening

Dinner at a Traditional Restaurant

Honmura, Naoshima · 1.5 hours

Dine at a small, family-run restaurant serving traditional island cuisine. Enjoy dishes made with local ingredients of the region.

Why it's worth it: It completes the experience of traditional Japanese island life.

Where to eat

Breakfast

Honmura, Naoshima

Honmura, Naoshima · traditional Japanese breakfast

Eat rice, miso soup, and grilled fish in a scenic spot of the village.

Caption: Traditional homemade breakfast flavors

Lunch

Honmura, Naoshima

Honmura, Naoshima · handmade noodles

Enjoy fresh Japanese noodles at a local shop between your visits.

Caption: Warm or cold handmade udon

Dinner

Miyanoura Port, Naoshima

Miyanoura Port, Naoshima · Japanese cuisine and seafood

Eat at a local restaurant near the port enjoying the nighttime tranquility.

Caption: Local catch of the day

Ready to explore Naoshima;

Weather nowUpdated 23:18 UTC

18°C

Light rain · Feels like 18°

Today 21° / 18°

Humidity 95%Wind 13 km/h
  • Tue

    24° 16°

  • Wed

    23° 15°

  • Thu

    23° 13°

Weather data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0)

Similar Destinations

Kanazawa, Ιαπωνία
Ιαπωνία
4.8 (system suggestion)
Suggestion

Kanazawa

Kanazawa offers an exceptional experience of traditional Japanese culture, featuring intact samurai districts, historic teahouses, and one of the country's most beautiful gardens. Nestled between mountains and the Sea of Japan, it combines the art of gold leaf with exquisite local seafood cuisine.

Photo byon

Season: Spring, Autumn
Nara, Ιαπωνία
Ιαπωνία
4.8 (system suggestion)
Suggestion

Nara

Nara offers a unique experience by combining ancient World Heritage temples with a lush green park where hundreds of sacred deer roam freely. This historic city was the first permanent capital of Japan and is home to exceptional museums, traditional wooden buildings, and outstanding local cuisine.

Photo byon

Season: Spring, Autumn
Santorini, Greece
Greece
4.8 (system suggestion)
Suggestion

Santorini

A majestic volcanic island renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and iconic whitewashed buildings with blue domes. Ideal for romantic getaways, island hopping, swimming, and beach relaxation.

Photo byon

Season: Autumn, Spring, Summer