Itinerary · Japan
Naoshima day trip by boat from Takamatsu Port
A day trip from Takamatsu Port to the art island of Naoshima: getting to the port, what to check before sailing, bikes, and city sights back in town.
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From Takamatsu Port to the art islands in a day
Takamatsu, a port city in Kagawa on Shikoku, is the gateway to the Seto Inland Sea art islands of Naoshima and Teshima. Takamatsu Station sits beside the ferry terminal, which makes it the easiest base for the islands.
Our guide's island day is 'morning boat to Naoshima, museums and outdoor art, back to Takamatsu in the late afternoon'. This post follows that day, with boat times and fares, and adds what to see back in the city. Timetables change by season, so check the official timetable.
- Morning: boat from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima
- Midday: Naoshima's museums and outdoor works
- Late afternoon: boat back to Takamatsu
- Evening: Tamamo Park, udon or honetsuki-dori, an arcade stroll
Getting to Takamatsu Port
Boats leave from Takamatsu Port. Takamatsu Station sits right beside the ferry terminal, so staying near the station makes a morning boat easy.
Takamatsu Airport (TAK) is south of the city. A limousine bus takes about 45 minutes to Takamatsu Station and costs about ¥1,000. Flights from Incheon can vary by season, so check airline schedules.
From Okayama Airport (OKJ), take the airport bus to Okayama Station, then a rapid train across the Seto Ohashi Bridge to Takamatsu Station. It takes about 1.5-2 hours and costs about ¥2,500-3,000.
- Right beside Takamatsu Station: the ferry terminal
- Takamatsu Airport (TAK) to Takamatsu Station: limousine bus, about 45 min, about ¥1,000
- Okayama Airport (OKJ) to Takamatsu Station: about 1.5-2 hours, about ¥2,500-3,000
What to check before you sail
Shikoku Kisen (四国汽船) runs ferries and fast boats to Miyanoura Port on Naoshima. The ferry takes about 50 minutes (about 60 minutes on the way back) and costs ¥680 adult one-way; the fast boat takes about 30 minutes and costs ¥1,590. Fast-boat tickets are sold only at the counter, for cash only. Some Teshima Ferry (豊島フェリー) fast boats stop at Honmura Port (about 30 minutes, ¥1,450, cash only); which sailings stop there depends on the day and season.
Boarding is first come, first served, with no reservations. Takamatsu Port's boarding points are numbered: ferries use 1 and 2, fast boats use 3, and Teshima Ferry uses 4. The return boat matters most. Check the return sailing first and plan your island time around it. Check the official timetable for sailings and suspension days.
Islands and ferries get busy in Setouchi Triennale years. The festival is held on the islands every three years in spring, summer and autumn; check official information for years and dates.
- Departs from: Takamatsu Port, about 5 min walk from JR Takamatsu Station
- Ferry (Shikoku Kisen): about 50 min to Miyanoura, ¥680 adult one-way
- Fast boat (Shikoku Kisen): about 30 min, ¥1,590, cash only at the counter
- Sailings and suspension days: check the official timetable
A day on Naoshima
Naoshima is the art island famous for museums and outdoor works. Some museums need reservations or close on set days, so check official information before you go.
Island buses are infrequent, so renting a bike helps. Bikes and e-bikes are available on the islands.
To enjoy the museums and island mood at leisure, some people stay a night on the island. Rooms are few, so book early.
- Museum reservations and closing days: check official information
- Getting around: rent a bike or e-bike
- Staying a night? Book early
Choosing another island: Teshima or Shodoshima
Teshima is a quiet island with a museum set among terraced rice fields and sea views. Buses are few, so bikes help. Its museum may also need reservations or close on set days, so check official information.
Shodoshima is a large island known for its olive park, sea views and gorge scenery, and makes a good day trip. You can try dishes and olive oil products made with Shodoshima olives.
- Teshima: terraced rice fields, sea and a museum; bikes recommended
- Shodoshima: olive park, sea views, gorge scenery; a full day
Back in town: Tamamo Park and dinner
Back at Takamatsu Port in the late afternoon, Tamamo Park is close by. These Takamatsu Castle ruins have a moat fed by seawater and are a short walk from the station. Check official information for opening hours.
For dinner, try sanuki udon or honetsuki-dori. At self-service udon shops you take your noodles, add toppings and pay; it is about ¥300-800. Popular udon shops may close in the early afternoon or run out of noodles. Honetsuki-dori is roasted chicken leg on the bone; prices vary by place.
After dinner, end the day with a stroll through the long covered arcades of Kawaramachi.
- Tamamo Park: castle ruins with a seawater moat, a short walk from the station
- Sanuki udon: about ¥300-800; popular shops may close early
- Kawaramachi arcades: evening stroll
One more day: Ritsurin Garden and Yashima
Ritsurin Garden is a vast Japanese garden of pines, ponds and a backdrop hill, with boat rides on the pond. It is a short Kotoden ride from downtown, and IC cards work.
Yashima is a flat-topped plateau with views over the city and the Inland Sea islands, with a temple and lookouts. Get there by JR or bus.
For island trips, March-May and October-November are good for walking, with calm seas. Summers are hot and humid. Check official Japanese government information on entry procedures (such as online registration) before you travel.
- Ritsurin Garden: by Kotoden, boat rides on the pond
- Yashima: by JR or bus, views of the city and islands
- Best months: March-May, October-November
- Entry procedures: check official information
Plan your Takamatsu trip
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FAQ
Where do I catch the boat to Naoshima?
At Takamatsu Port. The ferry terminal is right beside Takamatsu Station. To Miyanoura Port, the Shikoku Kisen (四国汽船) ferry takes about 50 min (adult one way ¥680) and the fast boat about 30 min (¥1,590). Check the official timetable for sailings and suspension days.
Can I do Naoshima as a day trip?
Our guide's plan is a morning boat out and a late-afternoon return to Takamatsu. Sailings are limited, so check the return boat first. Some people stay a night on the island, but rooms are few, so book early.
Do Naoshima museums need reservations?
Some museums need reservations or close on set days. Check official information before you go.
When is the best time to go?
March-May and October-November are good for walking, with calm seas. Islands and ferries get busy in Setouchi Triennale years, so check official information for its years and dates.
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