Island in Kagawa, Japan
Naoshima
A small island of Tadao Ando museums, Yayoi Kusama pumpkins and quiet fishing villages. Superb for two or three art-focused days; rooms are scarce and pricey, and everything is closed or slow on Mondays.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,770–2,850Comfortable, one person · ¥280,000–450,000Details
- Value for money49/100Better value than 48% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 31°CDetails
- Air quality14 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · ModerateDetails
- Internet234 MbpsFixed broadband, Japan medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$19–51Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTown busYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashMuseums and larger cafés accept cards; small restaurants, some guesthouses and bike rentals prefer cash.Details
Where to stay in Naoshima
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Miyanoura | Ferry port with Red Pumpkin, cafés and guesthouses |
| Honmura | Old fishing village with Art House Project; quiet, walkable |
| Benesse House area (Tsutsujiso) | Museum hotel and Chichu; scenic but pricey |
Apps that work in Naoshima
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- Visit Japan Web: Immigration and customs QR codes
- Suica or PASMO: Trains, buses and konbini payments
- Safety tips: Official quake, tsunami and weather alerts in English
- Taxis: No ride apps. A few taxis wait at Miyanoura; book ahead. Most visitors use the bus or bikes.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Japan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Museums and larger cafés accept cards; small restaurants, some guesthouses and bike rentals prefer cash. ATMs are limited, so withdraw in Okayama or Takamatsu.
- Currency: Yen (JPY). US$1 ≈ ¥157.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post and AEON ATMs take foreign cards; ¥100,000 per withdrawal at 7-Eleven; small fee; decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not done and can confuse staff. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge, and izakaya often add a small seating charge (otoshi).
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards widely accepted; Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet; PayPay shops take Alipay+ wallets.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on Visit Japan Web before flying to get immigration and customs QR codes instead of paper forms.
- JESTA, an online pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, is planned by fiscal 2028; it is not required yet.
- The International Tourist Tax rose to ¥3,000 per departure on 1 July 2026, normally included in airfares.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 050-3816-2787
Plugs
Type A, B. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Japan
Going to Naoshima solo?
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Sources
- Naoshima Tourist Association
- Benesse Art Site Naoshima
- Kagawa Tourism
- Naoshima Tourist Association: access and ferry fares
- Benesse Art Site: medical facilities on Naoshima
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.