Kyoto to Naoshima Luxury Bus Tour: New Art Museum & Benesse House
12.5 Hours-¥50,000/Per person |
English Speaking Guide
English Speaking Guide
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A Note from Our Staff
"I'd love to visit Naoshima, but navigating trains and ferries sounds exhausting..." If that sounds like you, this curated art journey is the perfect solution.
The greatest appeal of this tour is the incredibly comfortable and seamless access from Kyoto using the Shinkansen and a luxury bus. Aboard the exclusive "YUI PRIMA OLIVIA," designed by Eiji Mitooka, you can relax with a complimentary drink in a moving lounge.
It is an all-inclusive day that efficiently guides you through the newly opened Naoshima New Museum of Art and the iconic Benesse House Museum. Immerse yourself fully in the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea and the world of contemporary art without any travel fatigue.
The greatest appeal of this tour is the incredibly comfortable and seamless access from Kyoto using the Shinkansen and a luxury bus. Aboard the exclusive "YUI PRIMA OLIVIA," designed by Eiji Mitooka, you can relax with a complimentary drink in a moving lounge.
It is an all-inclusive day that efficiently guides you through the newly opened Naoshima New Museum of Art and the iconic Benesse House Museum. Immerse yourself fully in the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea and the world of contemporary art without any travel fatigue.
Travel comfortably to Naoshima on an exclusive luxury bus. A premium art journey exploring the New Museum of Art and Benesse House.
Hassle-Free Travel via Shinkansen & Luxury Bus
Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Himeji, then board the exclusive 21-seat luxury bus, "YUI PRIMA OLIVIA." Enjoy complimentary drinks, including alcohol, for an elegant and relaxing journey to Naoshima.
Visit the Newly Opened Naoshima New Museum of Art
Explore the Naoshima New Museum of Art, recently opened and designed by Tadao Ando. Take your time (approx. 80 minutes) to appreciate the beautiful architecture bathed in natural light alongside contemporary Asian artworks. *If the museum is closed, we will visit the "Art House Project" instead.
Explore the Iconic Benesse House Museum
Visit the Benesse House Museum, designed around the concept of "coexistence of nature, architecture, and art." Enjoy site-specific works uniquely crafted for and scattered throughout the facility.
Admire Yayoi Kusama's "Red Pumpkin" at Miyanoura Port
At Miyanoura Port, the gateway to Naoshima, admire Yayoi Kusama's iconic "Red Pumpkin." While waiting for the ferry, enjoy the striking contrast between the Seto Inland Sea and this vibrant artwork.
Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Himeji, then board the exclusive 21-seat luxury bus, "YUI PRIMA OLIVIA." Enjoy complimentary drinks, including alcohol, for an elegant and relaxing journey to Naoshima.
Visit the Newly Opened Naoshima New Museum of Art
Explore the Naoshima New Museum of Art, recently opened and designed by Tadao Ando. Take your time (approx. 80 minutes) to appreciate the beautiful architecture bathed in natural light alongside contemporary Asian artworks. *If the museum is closed, we will visit the "Art House Project" instead.
Explore the Iconic Benesse House Museum
Visit the Benesse House Museum, designed around the concept of "coexistence of nature, architecture, and art." Enjoy site-specific works uniquely crafted for and scattered throughout the facility.
Admire Yayoi Kusama's "Red Pumpkin" at Miyanoura Port
At Miyanoura Port, the gateway to Naoshima, admire Yayoi Kusama's iconic "Red Pumpkin." While waiting for the ferry, enjoy the striking contrast between the Seto Inland Sea and this vibrant artwork.
Luxury Bus "YUI PRIMA OLIVIA"
This custom-designed luxury bus is the work of Eiji Mitooka, an award-winning designer of trains and buses. Limited to just 21 seats, the spacious interior makes extensive use of warm wood, creating a refined atmosphere akin to a moving hotel. An English-speaking attendant is also on board to assist you throughout your trip. With excellent facilities and top-notch hospitality, the journey itself becomes an unforgettable part of the experience.
Naoshima: A Sanctuary of Contemporary Art
A small island floating in the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima is now world-renowned as a "holy ground of contemporary art." Artworks by global artists are scattered amidst the island's rustic townscapes and abundant nature, creating a unique landscape where art and the environment are seamlessly integrated. Exploring the island offers special inspiration, far removed from everyday life.
The Legacy of Architect Tadao Ando
The presence of world-renowned architect Tadao Ando is essential to the Naoshima art experience. He designed many of the island's major art facilities, including the Naoshima New Museum of Art and Benesse House. His architecture, which utilizes the natural topography and masterfully incorporates natural light and wind into geometric exposed-concrete spaces, captivates visitors as a giant artwork in itself.
What's Included
〇 Round-trip Shinkansen tickets between Kyoto and Himeji
〇 Round-trip luxury bus and ferry fees from Himeji to Naoshima
〇 Restroom, WiFi, and USB plugs available on the bus
〇 English-speaking service attendant on board
〇 Complimentary local alcoholic beverages (sake, plum wine, fruit juices) and soft drinks onboard
〇 Admission fees for the Naoshima New Museum of Art and Benesse House Museum
✕ Lunch (We recommend purchasing food in advance to maximize sightseeing time)
✕ Personal purchases
〇 Round-trip luxury bus and ferry fees from Himeji to Naoshima
〇 Restroom, WiFi, and USB plugs available on the bus
〇 English-speaking service attendant on board
〇 Complimentary local alcoholic beverages (sake, plum wine, fruit juices) and soft drinks onboard
〇 Admission fees for the Naoshima New Museum of Art and Benesse House Museum
✕ Lunch (We recommend purchasing food in advance to maximize sightseeing time)
✕ Personal purchases
What To Expect
07:40 - Meet at Matsuri Clock Square, Kyoto Station.
08:00 - Depart for Himeji Station by Shinkansen (bullet train).
09:15 - Arrive at Himeji Station and transfer to the luxury bus "YUI PRIMA OLIVIA".
Morning - Board the ferry to Naoshima, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
Around 12:15 - Arrive at Naoshima Island.
・Naoshima New Museum of Art (approx. 80 min): Explore the newly opened art space designed by Tadao Ando.
*If the museum is closed, we will visit the "Art House Project" instead.
・Benesse House Museum (approx. 55 min): Stroll through a facility where nature and art seamlessly coexist.
*There will be free time for lunch during the tour (We recommend purchasing food in advance).
Around 16:30 - Admire Yayoi Kusama's "Red Pumpkin" at Miyanoura Port (approx. 20 min). Then, board the ferry back to the mainland.
18:45 - Arrive at Himeji Station and transfer to the Shinkansen.
20:00 - Arrive at Kyoto Station and conclude the tour.
(*Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on traffic and ferry conditions.)
08:00 - Depart for Himeji Station by Shinkansen (bullet train).
09:15 - Arrive at Himeji Station and transfer to the luxury bus "YUI PRIMA OLIVIA".
Morning - Board the ferry to Naoshima, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
Around 12:15 - Arrive at Naoshima Island.
・Naoshima New Museum of Art (approx. 80 min): Explore the newly opened art space designed by Tadao Ando.
*If the museum is closed, we will visit the "Art House Project" instead.
・Benesse House Museum (approx. 55 min): Stroll through a facility where nature and art seamlessly coexist.
*There will be free time for lunch during the tour (We recommend purchasing food in advance).
Around 16:30 - Admire Yayoi Kusama's "Red Pumpkin" at Miyanoura Port (approx. 20 min). Then, board the ferry back to the mainland.
18:45 - Arrive at Himeji Station and transfer to the Shinkansen.
20:00 - Arrive at Kyoto Station and conclude the tour.
(*Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on traffic and ferry conditions.)
Details
| Time | Held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Maximum of 21 travelers per tour (Minimum participants: 2). *Tour confirmation will be decided and notified 7 days prior to the departure date. |
| Price | ￥50,000 per person |
| Venue |
・Naoshima New Museum of Art ・Benesse House Museum ・Miyanoura Port (Viewing of the "Red Pumpkin", etc.) |
| Contact | If you have any questions, please contact us via our contact form or Instagram DM. |
Additional Info
・Your reservation will be confirmed upon a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
・Please book at least 4 business days in advance so that we can build the best experience for you.
・The experience may be canceled or postponed at short notice, or the content may be changed due to traffic, weather, or ferry operation conditions.
・If the Naoshima New Museum of Art is closed, the tour will visit the "Art House Project" instead.
・Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. Elementary school children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and media.
・This tour is organized and operated by Shinki Bus Co., Ltd. Sharing Kyoto acts as an authorized agent to sell this experience.
・For detailed travel policies, please refer to the official Terms and Conditions provided by the tour organizer, Shinki Bus Co., Ltd.
・Please book at least 4 business days in advance so that we can build the best experience for you.
・The experience may be canceled or postponed at short notice, or the content may be changed due to traffic, weather, or ferry operation conditions.
・If the Naoshima New Museum of Art is closed, the tour will visit the "Art House Project" instead.
・Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. Elementary school children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and media.
・This tour is organized and operated by Shinki Bus Co., Ltd. Sharing Kyoto acts as an authorized agent to sell this experience.
・For detailed travel policies, please refer to the official Terms and Conditions provided by the tour organizer, Shinki Bus Co., Ltd.
Cancellation Policy
・Free of charge for cancellations up to 11 days prior to the tour date. For cancellations made after that, the following cancellation fees apply: 10-8 days prior: 20%, 7-2 days prior: 30%, 1 day prior: 40%, on the day of the tour: 50%, no-show or after the tour starts: 100%.
・Special Cases (Ferry cancellations due to weather, natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.
・Please contact us if you will be late. If you are late without notice, we may have to treat your booking as a cancellation. Please be aware of this policy.
・Special Cases (Ferry cancellations due to weather, natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.
・Please contact us if you will be late. If you are late without notice, we may have to treat your booking as a cancellation. Please be aware of this policy.
Where you'll be
Matsuri Clock Square, Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance
8-3 Higashishiokoji Takakuracho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8214, Japan
Directions:
Just outside the "Hachijo Exit" or "Hachijo East Exit" of JR Kyoto Station.
*This is the south area where the Shinkansen gates and Kintetsu Kyoto Station are located.
8-3 Higashishiokoji Takakuracho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8214, Japan
Directions:
Just outside the "Hachijo Exit" or "Hachijo East Exit" of JR Kyoto Station.
*This is the south area where the Shinkansen gates and Kintetsu Kyoto Station are located.