Island in Kagawa, Japan
Getting around Naoshima
How to get around Naoshima
Reach Naoshima by ferry from Uno (Okayama) or Takamatsu. On the island, use the town bus, rental bicycles or e-bikes, and walk in the villages.
Ways to get around Naoshima
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Town bus | ¥100 per ride | Miyanoura–Honmura–Tsutsujiso (Benesse House); cash only, sparse in the evening |
| E-bike or bicycle rental | About ¥300–1,500 a day | Plain bikes about ¥300–500, e-bikes ¥1,000–1,500; hilly, so book e-bikes early |
| Uno–Naoshima ferry | ¥370, 15–20 min | From Uno Port, a short walk from Uno Station; frequent daytime |
| Takamatsu–Naoshima ferry | ¥680 ferry (50 min); ¥1,590 high-speed boat | From Takamatsu Port; fewer sailings |
Taxis in Naoshima
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No ride apps. A few taxis wait at Miyanoura; book ahead. Most visitors use the bus or bikes.
Arriving in Naoshima
Via Okayama or Takamatsu (OKJ)
Okayama Airport to Okayama Station by bus about 30 min, then train and ferry to Naoshima about 1.5 h. Takamatsu Airport (TAK) is similar.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rental scooters are rare; use bus or e-bike. A licence is needed for any motorbike.
- Driving: on the left. Bring a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP; licences from Germany, France, Switzerland, Taiwan and a few others need a JAF translation.
- Onward travel in Japan: Shinkansen bullet trains link most cities fast but are pricey; the national JR Pass only pays off on long itineraries. Highway buses and budget flights are cheaper.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Naoshima?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No ride apps. A few taxis wait at Miyanoura; book ahead. Most visitors use the bus or bikes.
What's the best way to get around Naoshima?
Reach Naoshima by ferry from Uno (Okayama) or Takamatsu. On the island, use the town bus, rental bicycles or e-bikes, and walk in the villages.
How do I get from the airport to Naoshima?
Okayama Airport to Okayama Station by bus about 30 min, then train and ferry to Naoshima about 1.5 h. Takamatsu Airport (TAK) is similar.
Is Naoshima walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Naoshima
Going to Naoshima solo?
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Sources
- Japan Rail Pass (official)
- smartEX Shinkansen booking (Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu)
- Japan National Tourism Organization
- Naoshima Tourist Association
- Benesse Art Site Naoshima
- Kagawa Tourism
- Naoshima Tourist Association: access and ferry fares
- Benesse Art Site: medical facilities on Naoshima
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.