Tours/Kyoto/Naoshima Art Island Hassle-free Luxury Tour from Kyoto
Viator · group up to 20 pax

Naoshima Art Island Hassle-free Luxury Tour from Kyoto

4.9(16)Kyoto1 hour
TRIPADVISOR4.9(16)

Description

Photos courtesy of: - “Red Pumpkin” Yayoi Kusama,2006 Naoshima Miyanoura Port Square * No Reproduction Explore the art island of Naoshima with this hassle-free, luxury day tour accompanied by an English-speaking attendant. In a single day, you will have the opportunity to explore Naoshima’s premier highlights, including the Benesse House Museum, the Naoshima New Museum of Art, and the iconic Red Pumpkin, without worrying about a single logistical detail. The tour price includes all transportation, museum entrance fees and full English support from our attendant throughout the trip. Sit back and relax in our luxury vehicle as we escort you between attractions across the island. - Complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks on board of our luxury bus - Entrance fees for Naoshima museums included - Round-trip Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets between Kyoto and Himeji - Round-trip luxury bus transportation between Himeji and Naoshima

Tour Options

Himeji departure
  • Himeji departure: This option begins and ends in Himeji and does not include a bullet train ticket. Starting point: 姫路駅南貸切バス乗降場, Minamiekimaecho, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0962, Japan
Kyoto departure
  • Kyoto departure: This option begins and ends in Kyoto. Round-trip bullet train tickets (Kyoto → Himeji) are included. Starting point: 京都駅八条口 祭時計広場, Higashishiokoji Takakuracho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8214, Japan

Itinerary

Pass by

We will pass by Uno Port. If we have time, you'll be able to explore the area a bit before boarding the ferry.

Admission included80 min

After arriving at Uno Port, the bus will board the ferry to Naoshima and take you directly to the bus parking area near the Naoshima New Museum of Art, located in the Honmura district. Here, you will have around 90 minutes to explore the museum on your own. The Naoshima New Museum of Art is a newly opened space designed by Tadao Ando, the world-renowned architect who helped reshape the island by building many iconic structures, such as the Benesse House Museum. The museum features special exhibitions with a primary focus on contemporary artists from across Asia and Japan. Take your time to explore the architecture and artworks at your own pace. *since the Naoshima New Museum of Art will be closed from May 11th to June 6th, in those dates we will visit the Art House Project instead.

Admission included80 min

*ONLY WHEN THE NAOSHIMA NEW MUSEUM OF ART IS CLOSED. If the Naoshima New Museum is closed, we will visit the Art House Project instead. In that case, the attendant will purchase the tickets on the day of the tour. You may visit the art houses of your choice, except for 'Minamidera' and 'Kinza,' which require advanced reservations.

Pass by

We will pass by the iconic Yayoi Kusama's "Yellow Pumpkin".

Admission included55 min

Visit Benesse House, one of Naoshima Island’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Designed by Tadao Ando in 1992, Benesse House serves as both a hotel and a museum, hosting various artworks and exhibitions. The building itself is a masterpiece, featuring large open spaces that seamlessly connect the structure with the surrounding nature. Its position on high ground overlooks the picturesque scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. Artworks are found not only within the galleries but throughout the entire building, as well as along the seashore and in the nearby forest.

10 min

After enjoying Benesse House Museum, we will accompany you to the famous Red Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama at Miyanoura Port. You will have some time to take pictures and buy some souvenirs.

Highlights

English-speaking service attendant
USB plugs on board
WiFi on board
Naoshima New Museum of Art and Benesse House Museum entrance fees
Selection of complimentary sake, alcoholic and soft drinks on board
Amenities
Restroom on board
Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket : Kyoto→ Himeji and back

What's included

Included
English-speaking service attendant
USB plugs on board
WiFi on board
Naoshima New Museum of Art and Benesse House Museum entrance fees
Selection of complimentary sake, alcoholic and soft drinks on board
Amenities
Restroom on board
Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket : Kyoto→ Himeji and back
Not included
Lunch
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Traveller Ratings

4.9
16 reviews
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15
4
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Important Information

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • If the Naoshima New Museum is closed, we will visit the Art House Project instead. In that case, the attendant will purchase the tickets on the day of the tour. You may visit the art houses of your choice, except for 'Minamidera' and 'Kinza,' which require advanced reservations.
  • Please arrive 10 minutes before departure.
  • If you are late for the tour start time, you will not be able to join the tour midway.
  • If you decide to leave the tour midway, we will not be able to give you the return Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket
  • We suggest buying lunch beforehand or at a service area to maximize sightseeing time (you can eat it inside the bus)
  • We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 20 years old and above. Minor travelers below 20 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Visiting times at museums may be subject to slight shortening depending on traffic conditions
  • Are infants required to sit on laps?
  • Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues.

Reviews(16)

T
tichakundag2016
June 13, 2026
An amazing tour to beautiful Naoshima!

I really enjoyed the bus tour! The staff are highly professional and everything was well organised! The schedule was easy to follow and there was a lot of free time to admire the artwork around the island. The bus itself is highly luxurious with charging ports, reclining seats and drink service. I can definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to spend a relaxing day in Naoshima! The weather was perfect and the staff provided sun umbrellas to protect us from the heat. They engaged in small talk with me throughout the tour and the trainees on duty did a stellar job!

Operator response

"Dear customer, thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are so glad you had a great time on our Naoshima tour. We hope to see you again soon!

N
Nick_YeahJP
May 30, 2026
A wonderful luxury bus trip

This was a wonderful experience I was able to have on a day off from my life as a guide in Osaka. Working in the same field, this tour exceeded my high expectations. Upon reaching the departure point, I was greeted by Moe, who was my personal attendant for the day. I was the only English speaking guest on the tour that day and Moe made sure to announce everything in English as well as Japanese. He attended to the other guests as well, but when we left the bus and were walking around, he gave extra attention to me while the Japanese guests had another local attendant. The bus was extremely clean and comfortable. I have a larger build and I'm rather tall by Japanese standards, but I found the seat to be very comfortable. As expected everything was very clean and orderly. I was able to use Wi-Fi and connect my charger to the USB port in front of my seat.The staff frequently anticipated my needs by bringing water, damp towels and other amenities before I asked for them. This is all in addition to the coffee and delicious sake I was able to request. The other staff, Sharma, Delia and Ms. Kida were also very professional and warm. The driver was also very on point. Naoshima was a very interesting place. I had wanted to go for a long time and had considered renting a bicycle on the island. This bus tour was a much more efficient and convenient way of doing things and thanks to the comfort of the bus and the guidance of everyone involved, I could enjoy my time looking at various artwork instead of being rushed, sweaty and exhausted. All the museum & ferry tickets were paid for and purchased by the staff, so I didn't have to lift a finger. I highly recommend this high-class experience to anyone considering a trip to Naoshima. It is worth the expense to have a relaxing day while taking in some beautiful scenery and unique art. Thank you, Moe!

Operator response

Dear customer, thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour to Naoshima. As a fellow tour guide in Osaka, your feedback is incredibly valuable to us. We are so pleased that you noticed the effort we put into our service and our commitment to taking close care of our guests. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

S
Sightsee765597
May 28, 2026
Naoshima lsland Tour - Wonderful Experience!

My experience with Yui Prima Olivia Bus Tour was truly wonderful from beginning to end. The staff were already waiting at the station on time, welcoming with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. They introduced themselves professionally, although l can recall the name from a prior courtesy call of a the trip ontroduction and wished me a pleasant journey, which immediately created a positive atmosphere. The bus itself was exceptionally clean, luxurious, and thoughtfully designed in every detail. The spacious legroom, comfortable leather seats, adjustable seating positions, and supportive pillows for the head and back made the journey incredibly relaxing. The foldable tables attached to the seats were very convenient for eating, drinking, or reading during the trip. In addition, USB charging ports in front of each seat allowed passengers to charge their phones or tablets comfortably throughout the journey. Passengers could also order drinks from the onboard menu and enjoy small snacks, making the trip even more enjoyable. One of the unique touches was the special basket prepared by the company, containing Japan-themed games, cultural introduction books, and even an origami set. These thoughtful additions reflected Japanese hospitality beautifully and made the journey feel enjoyable and memorable. The scenery along the route was breathtaking. Watching the lush green landscapes from the comfort of the bus while passing through Hinase which is town blessed by the beautiful Seto Inland Sea and famous for its oyster farming made the trip more interesting. Passing by the oyster farms while enjoying the surrounding nature created a truly relaxing travel experience. Of course, the main highlight of the journey was visiting Naoshima Island, a place where art, nature, and architecture exist in perfect harmony. Experiencing the island and witnessing works of famous architect Tadao Ando, several art projects as well as worldwide known artist Yayoi Kusama's famous pumpkins was truly unforgettable. Benesse House Museum's concrete architecture blending seamlessly with the sea, light, and surrounding landscape created a peaceful and almost spiritual atmosphere. The island was a wonderful experience, definetely a must-see place in Japan. l am fully delighted about the tour, staff were extremely kind and thoughtful. Overall, Yui Prima Olivia offers a highly comfortable, thoughtful, and uniquely Japanese travel experience. I would gladly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable bus journey in Japan. Thank you very much for organizing this tour!

Operator response

Dear customer, thank you very much for your review. We are so grateful that you took the time to share such a detailed description of your experience and the things of the tour you enjoyed. We are glad to hear that you had a great time on Naoshima Island and were happy with our service! We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.

B
billhL5406NF
May 24, 2026
Naoshima Art Island, Benesse Chuchi Art Museum

A very interesting venue, with just a few art exhibits but those are very worth seeing/experiencing. If you are able to walk or willing to rent a bicycle or scooter then transportation should not be a problem. However, if you need to rely on the bus transportation, then be aware that: the town buses may be crowded, so if you arrive via Honmura port they recommend that you ride over to Miyanoura first then get off and onto the next bus south. The town buses run frequently but the Benesse bus service is quite sporadic, including absolutely no busses during the lunch hour (12-1).

Operator response

Dear customer, thank you for your review. As you mentioned, navigating public transportation in Naoshima on your own can be quite challenging. By using our bus, you can travel comfortably from one place to another without any worries. Just a small clarification: our tour visits the Benesse House Museum, not the Chichu Art Museum. It’s a common mix-up, but we hope you enjoyed the experience nonetheless! If you have any further feedback regarding our service or suggestions on how we can improve, we would be happy to hear from you.

M
moria901
May 23, 2026
The whole experience felt comfortable and special from the beginning.

The Yui Prima Olivia bus was very clean, spacious, and relaxing, with excellent service during the trip. The staff were friendly, professional, and made everything easy. Drinks and snacks were a very nice touch. Naoshima itself was beautiful but | especially enjoyed seeing and walking around the island at my own pace in this tour. It was very well organized and gave a good balance of guided travel and free time. Traveling independently to Naoshima can be difficult, so this luxury bus tour was a perfect and stress-free way to visit the island from Himeji. I highly recommend the Yui Prima Olivia tour for anyone looking for a comfortable and memorable experience. P.S. Delia is a superb guide! She went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and enjoying the trip. She was friendly, professional, and very knowledgeable, and she made the whole experience smooth and stress-free.

Operator response

Dear Customer, thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our tour to Naoshima and the service provided by our attendant Delia. We designed this tour especially for people who are interested in art and want to visit the island without the hassle of using public transportation. That is why we offer departures from both Kyoto and Himeji. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again in the future! Yui Prima Olivia Team

S
sftmaa
May 21, 2026
Naoshima day tour

Had such a lovely experience joining the private Naoshima day tour with Yui Prima Olivia. The whole trip felt super comfortable and well-prepared. The bus was incredibly comfy and fancy. They also provided various drinks on board, and you could enjoy as many as you wanted. What made the trip even more enjoyable was the entertainment available on the bus — kendama, origami, books, and other little activities that will kept you entertained, so the ride never felt boring at all. The best part was definitely the people. All of the staff and the driver were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and always ready to help whenever needed. Their warm hospitality made the whole experience feel even more memorable. Highly recommended if you want to explore Naoshima comfortably while enjoying a fun and relaxing atmosphere!

Operator response

Thank you very much for your kind review. We believe that it’s people who make a trip truly special. That’s why we select our staff so carefully, to ensure you receive the best service. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future!

T
TikhonSaparov
May 19, 2026
Naoshima day trip

I had a fantastic experience with the Naoshima Day Tour by Shin Bus Company. The trip from Himeji to Naoshima and back was extremely comfortable, smooth, and well organized from start to finish. The bus was clean and comfortable, and the staff were very kind, professional, and helpful throughout the entire journey. Everything was arranged efficiently, which made it easy to relax and fully enjoy the experience without worrying about transportation or logistics. Naoshima itself was absolutely amazing — beautiful island scenery, incredible contemporary art museums, unique architecture, and a very peaceful atmosphere. The tour schedule allowed enough time to explore and enjoy the island comfortably. I especially appreciated how convenient this tour was compared to organizing the trip independently. It saved a lot of time and made the whole experience stress-free and enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Japan and wanting to experience Naoshima in a comfortable and easy way. Thank you, Shin Bus Company, for such a memorable trip!

Operator response

Thank you very much for joining our tour from Himeji to Naoshima! We created this tour with departures from both Kyoto and Himeji so that travelers can easily visit Naoshima without having to worry about public transportation. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with us, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future!

P
pearlann0
May 16, 2026
POV: Solo trip = VIP

The experience is so memorable. The attendants is so friendly and they make sure that you’re comfortable the whole trip. Since this is a day trip, all I can say is it’s all worth it! It makes me come back for more 💯🤍 It’s indeed luxurious!

Operator response

Dear customer, thank you very much for your review. We are glad you enjoyed the tour and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future.

L
L123V
April 25, 2026
Perfect day trip to Naoshima!

I had an amazing time on my day trip to Naoshima. I was 100% satisfied about everything, from the planning and the hospitality to the itinerary. Naoshima had been on my bucket list for years already, but I had never managed to find the time to travel there on my own, as there is quite a lot of planning involved. Being able to sit back and relax while the staff took care of everything was such a treat. I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in visiting Naoshima.

Operator response

Dear customer, thank you for your review! We are glad you enjoyed our tour and our attendant service. We hope to see you again in the future!

5
529chesterm
April 14, 2026
Luxury Day Trip to Naoshima

This luxury bus tour to Naoshima was a great experience! The bus was perfectly on time, and the service was excellent throughout. The attendants were friendly, informative, and always ready to help, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I appreciated that all admission fees were already included, allowing me to simply relax and enjoy the experience. Snacks and drinks were also provided on board. The seats were incredibly comfortable, and the elegant interior made the journey feel truly luxurious. It was a seamless and relaxing way to explore Naoshima, and I would happily recommend it.

Operator response

Dear customer, thank you for your review! We are glad you enjoyed our tour and our attendant service. We hope to see you again in the future!

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