The most unique feature of Shoraku Ryokan is the dedicated “cat flap” installed in every guest room door.

Unlock the flap, and the inn’s free-roaming house cats may decide to pay you a visit. If you’re lucky, you might even have a snuggle buddy under your futon or a purring companion curled up at your feet.

This inn offers a dreamy experience that feels like “living with cats.”

A Manga Paradise with Over 5,000 Comics… and Cats!

View this post on Instagram

The corridors and shared spaces of the inn double as playgrounds for the resident cats.

Extensive Manga Library: Over 5,000 manga volumes line the halls, and guests are welcome to read them freely during their stay.

Cat-Friendly Facilities: The lobby features transparent walkways where you can admire adorable paw pads from below, plus a massive cat tower.

Despite the number of cats, the inn is kept impeccably clean, and many guests are surprised to find there’s no noticeable animal odor at all.

Dinner Recommendation: Hearty Chinese Takeout

The classic way to enjoy your evening at Shoraku Ryokan is with dinner delivered from the popular nearby Chinese restaurant Renka (蓮花).

Relax in a Retro Showa-Style Rock Bath

The bath is a spacious, authentic rock-style bath with a classic Showa-era charm. It’s perfect for soothing away travel fatigue.

Cats sometimes patrol even near the dressing room, so you may feel their presence all the way through your stay.

Booking Tips & Access Info

Final Thoughts

Shoraku Ryokan in Ozu, Ehime, may not be a luxurious hotel—but it is a true sanctuary for cat lovers.

Sleep beside cats, wake up with them nearby, read manga all day…

It’s a whimsical escape from everyday life that you absolutely must experience at least once.

This article provides a complete guide for international visitors who want to “enjoy both cats and art!” and “want to visit Ogijima on a day trip from Takamatsu!” We cover everything from the ferry timetable to how to explore the island and recommended spots, so you can embark on your trip to Ogijima with confidence. Let’s set off on a healing and moving journey to the island of art and cats!

What is Ogijima? A Paradise of Cats and Art Floating in the Seto Inland Sea

Ogijima is a small island located off the coast of Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. It is a thriving fishing island, characterized by its unique landscape of houses densely packed on steep slopes, forming a “labyrinth of alleys.” In recent years, it has become known as a “Cat Island” due to its large cat population. It is also one of the venues for the “Setouchi Triennale,” an art festival held every three years, with permanent art installations scattered throughout the island.

Access to Ogijima: Ferry Guide from Takamatsu Port

To get to Ogijima, it is generally most common to take a ferry from “Takamatsu Port” in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. Takamatsu Port is within walking distance from JR Takamatsu Station and Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station, and easily accessible from other major cities by Shinkansen or JR.

Access to Takamatsu Port

• From JR Takamatsu Station / Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station: Approx. 5-10 minutes walk to Takamatsu Port (Daiichi Ukihashibashi).
• From Okayama Station: Approx. 1 hour by JR Seto-Ohashi Line to JR Takamatsu Station.
• From Osaka / Kobe: Approx. 1 hour by Shinkansen to Okayama Station, then approx. 1 hour by JR Seto-Ohashi Line to JR Takamatsu Station.

Ogijima Ferry “Meon” Timetable and Fares

The “Meon” ferry operates from Takamatsu Port to Ogijima. When planning a day trip, be sure to check the round-trip times carefully.

※The above is the regular timetable. The number of services and times may change depending on the season and period. Please be sure to check the latest information on the official website of Ogijima Information Center (https://www.my-kagawa.jp/en/) or the ferry operating company’s website in advance.

https://meon.co.jp/access

Fares (one way): Adults ¥510, Children ¥260 (Additional fees for bringing bicycles)

Enjoy Art and Cats! Recommended Ogijima Model Course (Day Trip)

Ogijima is an island where you can take a leisurely stroll. Here is a recommended day-trip model course for exploring cats and art, timed with the ferry arrivals.

Morning: Encounters with Artworks and Cats Around Ogimachi Port

• Ogijima’s Soul: An iconic artwork of Ogijima, located right in front of you as you get off the ferry. It’s a beautiful glass building that reflects light.
• Exploring Alleyways and Cat Spotting: Head up the slope from the port into the labyrinthine alleys. You can encounter cats almost anywhere on the island. Walk through the residential areas and look for hidden artworks and cats.
• Toyotamahime Shrine: Further up the slope, you’ll find a shrine cherished as the island’s guardian deity. You can also enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea from the shrine grounds.

Lunch: Break and Lunch at an Island Cafe

If you get tired from exploring the island, take a break at a cafe near the port. There are stylish cafes renovated from old traditional houses and diners serving dishes made with local ingredients.

• Shima Shokudo (Island Diner): A restaurant offering set meals and local dishes made with local ingredients.
• danken coffee: A cafe where you can enjoy coffee while overlooking the sea.

Afternoon: Enjoy Ogijima Lighthouse and the Island’s Nature

• Ogijima Lighthouse: Located at the northern tip of the island, about 20-30 minutes walk from Ogima Port. The beautiful lighthouse and blue sea create an excellent photo spot. You can also enjoy abundant natural scenery along the way.
• Artworks around the Lighthouse: Several artworks are also installed around the lighthouse park.
• Reunion with Cats: On your way back to the port, cats will be waiting for you in various places.

Manners and Precautions When Visiting Ogijima [For Both Cats and Humans]

Ogijima is a special place where cats and islanders coexist. By observing proper manners, visitors help maintain a safe environment for cats and ensure the island remains a sustainable tourist destination. Please keep the following points in mind when visiting.

Read Before You Go! 7 Essential Etiquette Rules and Must-Haves for Visiting a Japanese Cat Island [Complete Guide]In recent years, Japan's "Cat Islands" (Nekojima), introduced on ove...

MAP: Ogijima, the Island of Art and Cats

*The map indicates the approximate locations of Ogijima and its main spots. For precise port locations and detailed island information, please check the island’s official information.

Day Trip from Takamatsu! Create Your Own Special Memories on Ogijima

Easily accessible from Takamatsu, Ogijima is a rare gem in Japan, where the beautiful nature of the Seto Inland Sea, heartwarming cats, and stimulating art converge. Strolling through its labyrinthine alleys, enjoying interactions with cats, and being moved by art installations will surely become unforgettable memories of your trip.

Using this guide as a reference, why not plan a day trip from Takamatsu to Ogijima and discover your own special healing and moving experience? Ogijima awaits you!

【Complete Guide】Japan's 5 Must-Visit Cat Islands! Thorough Comparison of Access, Cat Population, and PrecautionsIn recent years, "Nekojima" (Cat Island) has been introduced on over...

This time, we introduce the pilgrimage of sacred sites in Ehime Prefecture, the setting of this anime, featuring both the locations depicted in the anime and the real places.

Enjoy the charm of Ehime Prefecture to the fullest while reliving the scenes from the anime at each location.

Dogo Onsen: The Charm of a Historic Hot Spring Town

The comparison image is a rough sketch included in the full-color special booklet that comes with the first edition of the Blu-ray & DVD of “Beyond the Boundary -I’LL BE HERE- Future Arc”.

Dogo Onsen is a historic hot spring town, said to be the oldest in Japan.

In Episode 1 of “Beyond the Boundary,” this hot spring town appears as the setting, where the story of the protagonists begins.

The town features beautiful wooden hot spring facilities and charming cobblestone streets, giving visitors a sense of traveling back in time.

Why not reminisce about the scenes from the anime while soaking in the hot springs?

Shimonada Station

I went on a pilgrimage to explore the stage of PV #0 “Shinonome” of the unaired episode.

The featured location is Shimonada Station on the Yosan Line in Ehime Prefecture.

It is a station famous for its proximity to the sea, often used in railway posters.

A cut with cosmos flowers and the station building.

In reality, cosmos flowers bloom at this location in autumn.

A photo was taken from a miraculous angle.

That’s all for the introduction from the handheld photos.

Embark on a Journey Filled with Nostalgia!

The pilgrimage to the sacred sites of the anime “Beyond the Boundary,” set in Ehime Prefecture, is an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the charm of the work.

You can fully enjoy the history, culture, and beautiful scenery of Ehime Prefecture while reminiscing about the scenes from the anime at each location.

Not only fans but also tourists will have a fulfilling trip.

Please enjoy this pilgrimage journey.

The island is known for its yellow pumpkins designed by Yayoi Kusama, and it has been acclaimed both domestically and internationally as a museum of art.

When you visit such a stylish place, you want to stay in a nice hotel!

We’ll introduce “7 Places to Stay in Naoshima”!

(Information is current at the time of publication. For more information, it is recommended to check the official website in advance.

Benesse House

The first one I would like to introduce is Benesse House.

The theme here is “Symbiosis of Nature, Architecture and Art“, and you can see a lot of art inside and outside the facility.

You can spend an artistic time on Naoshima, which is said to be the island of art.

The rooms are divided into four wings.

The accommodation buildings are “Museum”, “Park”, “Oval”, and “Beach”.

The building with a view of the Seto Inland Sea and the building closest to the artworks in the museum have different characteristics, so you can choose the one that best suits your purpose.

In addition to accommodations, there are also facilities such as a terrace café and a spa by reservation only, so check them out as well.

Bamboo Village

The next one I would like to introduce is Bamboo Village.

It is a guest house located on high ground with a view of the Seto Inland Sea.

You can reserve rooms by groups, but they are basically shared.

There are also women-only rooms available, so even if you are a woman alone, you can use them with no worries.

In the gallery and hall of the shared space, artists’ works are displayed, so you can feel the art without leaving the guest house.

Surrounded by rich nature, you will be able to enjoy a relaxing and carefree trip.

You can check the availability and make a reservation from the official website.

Guest House Omiyake

The next one I would like to introduce is “Guesthouse Omiyake“.

This building, currently used as a lodging facility (zashiki), cafe and restaurant, has been designated a tangible cultural property by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

It is rare that you can stay in a building with such a long history.

Rooms are available in tatami rooms and Western-style guest houses.

You can make reservations on the official website or by phone.

You can also enjoy a light meal at the cafe and restaurant “Saryou Omiyake” from 11am to 4pm.

Although Naoshima has a strong image of modern art, there is a project in progress in this area where artists are using old buildings to create works of art.

Why not stop by the inn to appreciate the project as well?

Guest House Kikusui Ryokan

The next one I would like to introduce is Guest House Kikusui Ryokan, which is not located on Naoshima, but rather a five-minute walk from Uno Port in Okayama Prefecture.

It is not located on Naoshima Island, but a five-minute walk from Uno Port in Okayama Prefecture.

This makes it an easy place to visit art-related art spots in the area.

The rooms themselves were designed by artists, so you can feel the art while staying here.

You can check out the details of the artists who designed the rooms and their interiors on the official website.

It’s also nice to know that you can book a room that you like by looking at the pictures.

Knowing about the artists beforehand will help you enjoy the experience in a slightly different way.

The official website also includes information on how to get to nearby spots, so check it out when you’re ready to visit.

Naoshima Tsutsujiso

The next one I would like to introduce is Tsutsuji-so, where you can see the quiet sea of the Seto Inland Sea in front of you.

You can enjoy the fresh taste of domestic ingredients, mainly from the Seto Inland Sea, in the reservation-only meals.

It is a blissful moment to have a delicious meal surrounded by nature.

The type of rooms here is unique.

There are three types of rooms: Japanese style cottage, Pao, and trailer house.

Among them, the Pao is a reproduction of a Mongolian tent.

It’s interesting to experience an exotic atmosphere in the Setouchi area.

Each type will give you a different travel experience.

MAROULLA’S HOUSE

The next one I would like to introduce is MAROULLA’S HOUSE.

This one was built as an annex to Yado Seven Beach on Naoshima.

The house has a cute and pop interior, and is a special accommodation facility limited to one group per day.

It’s a great place for those who want to spend time alone with their loved ones or for a group trip.

Only showers are provided, but those who want to use the bathtub can use the one at Yado Seven Beach.

Other facilities and amenities can be found on the official website.

The atmosphere is different from that of Yado Seven Beach, and the rooms are brightly colored. The colorful colors of the rooms are sure to make you excited.

SANA MANE

Last is SANA MANE, a glamping facility where modern art meets nature in Naoshima.

This is a glamping facility where the contemporary art of Naoshima meets the richness of nature.

With its distinctive design, you can enjoy the scenery indoors.

Each room is also equipped with a rain shower and a toilet, so you can stay in the comfort of your room.

The food here is also appealing.

There are two types of BBQ menus, so you can choose the one that fits your budget.

It’s nice to be able to enjoy a luxurious BBQ in the comfort of a stylish tent.

Let’s Go Artistic Island of Naoshima!

How did you think?

Although Naoshima has an artistic image, there are also many attractive lodgings that you should definitely stay in.

Please take a look at them for your next trip.

(Information is current at the time of publication. For more information, we recommend you to check the official website in advance).

Naoshima's Recommended Spots and ArtsNaoshima in Kagawa Prefecture is located in the Seto Inland Sea. ...

14 Restaurants in Naoshima! Relax at a fresh fish restaurant or popular cafeNaoshima, with its many different restaurants, is a popular gourmet ...

In this article, we will introduce a variety of recommended lunches on Naoshima.

There are many stylish cafes on Naoshima where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or a fresh lunch.

Let’s Go to Naoshima for a Fish Lunch or Cafe

Naoshima, one of Kagawa’s most popular spots, is a hot town that many people are visiting right now.

Did you know that there are many restaurants in Naoshima, where you can have a delicious lunch?

In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the recommended restaurants in Naoshima, such as the popular one where you can enjoy lunch with fresh fish unique to Naoshima and the one where you can have a recommended lunch at a stylish old house cafe.

Cafe Salon Nakaoku

Nakaoku in Naoshima, Kagawa is an old house cafe with a stylish atmosphere that is popular on Naoshima.

The cafe is popular with tourists visiting Naoshima, and offers a delicious lunch of omelets and other dishes, as well as homemade sweets such as cheesecakes and chiffon cakes.

This Japanese cafe has a lot of elements of a traditional Japanese house, such as frosted glass and wooden sliding doors.

The best thing about this popular cafe on Naoshima for lunch is its delicious omelet rice.

The menu includes a fluffy omelet with homemade tomato sauce made with organic Italian tomatoes, an omelet with a special curry sauce, and a keema curry style omelet.

We recommend the lunch set that includes homemade potato salad and a drink.

Issen

Located in the Benesse House Museum on Naoshima, Issen Japanese Restaurant is a place where you can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine made with seasonal ingredients.

This Japanese restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and daytime, making it a great choice for all kinds of occasions.

For lunch, they offer course lunches and bento lunches.

On weekdays from 11am to 2pm, they serve lunch dishes.

Their recommended Yoshino Bento is served in a stacked box, giving it a classy feel.

We also recommend the donburi lunch that comes with a small bowl, red miso soup, and dessert, which is limited to 10 meals a day.

Aisunao

Aisunao, located on Naoshima, is a cafe run by the guesthouse.

The pride of this restaurant is its many dishes made from delicious and healthy unpolished brown rice.

The “genmai(brown rice) lunch”, in which rice made from Okayama’s pesticide-free brown rice is served with a vegetable-filled side dish, is very popular.

This Japanese-style cafe is located in an 80-year-old private house in the Naoshima Honmura district.

The delicious brown rice lunch available from 11am to 3pm is very popular.

The brown rice is made from pesticide-free Koshihikari rice grown in Okayama Prefecture and is cooked slowly in a pressure cooker.

The brown rice comes with a bowl of soup filled with soybeans, tofu with mushroom sauce, and a vegetable-filled side dish set.

The lunch price is very reasonable at 850 yen.

Cafe Ougiya

Cafe Ougiya is located in the corner of Naoshima’s Sea Station Naoshima, and is a convenient café on Naoshima that you can use when you have some time before the ferry ride or for lunch.

You can spend a leisurely time here with a drink in hand while gazing at the sea of Naoshima.

There is a wide variety of food and drinks available for takeout, so it’s easy to use.

Cafe Oguiya’s Niku(meat) Udon is a recommended to have a quick lunch.

The udon noodles are characterized by a perfect combination of firmness and sweet and spicy braised beef.

They also offer lunch side dishes such as fired chicken made with soy sauce and whole soybeans to bring out the flavor and taste, and “Fried Potatoes” to enjoy the true taste of freshly fried, fluffy potatoes.

Japanese Cafe Gu

The Japanese Cafe Gu in Naoshima is a student-run cafe planned and run by the students of Kagawa University.

The Japanese café serves a variety of delicious lunches and sweets that make you feel as if you’ve been to your grandmother’s house in Japan.

The crunchy hanifle, Naoshima honey plum ice, Japanese parfait cookies, and other original sweets created by the students are highly recommended.

They also offer a wide variety of delicious food for lunch.

Norinori Don

The grilled ginger plate with a secret garlic flavor and Naoshima’s signature nori seaweed, and the Naoshima Norinori Don, a healthy bowl of tofu with egg and pork on top of the bowl of rice, are just a few of the tasty lunch items you should try.

Saryou(Tea House) Omiyake

Located in Naoshima, Saryou Omiyake is an old-fashioned cafe in an inn registered as a Tangible Cultural Property by the Agency for Cultural Affairs across from the Naoshima House Project.

The high ceilings and beams of this 400-year-old registered tangible cultural property create a nice atmosphere, and you can enjoy a lunch full of originality, including Moroccan cuisine arranged for the Japanese.

The cafe offers two main types of lunch.

The “li’alla sauce” recommended for lunch is a popular dish from West Africa.

It is a curry-like dish made with vegetables and chicken, and comes with a salad.

You can enjoy a delicious curry in a historic building that has been selected as an important cultural asset, and it’s a great way to remember your visit.

Shima Syokudo Miyanda

Located on Naoshima, Shima Syokudo Miyanda boasts a delicious fish set meal with a focus on fresh seafood.

Their daily menu will be the only posted outside the restaurant, and  offer many delicious fish set meals for lunch, including today’s set meal, sashimi set meal, grilled fish set meal and boiled fish set meal.

The fish selection changes from day to day, such as Spanish mackerel, sea bream, and mackerel.

At this restaurant, you can choose from a sashimi, grilled or boiled fish set meal at lunch time.

The main course of the delicious fish changes from day to day, which is one of the points to look forward to.

The miso soup that comes with the fish set meal is very popular.

The Miso soup is filled with clams called “turtle hands” which are unique to Naoshima and are hard to find anywhere else.

Konichiwa

Naoshima Cafe Konichiwa in Naoshima is one of the world’s best loose cafes, converted from a small house in Naoshima.

This is a cafe on Naoshima, where you can relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about the time.

You’ll feel as if you’re at home, with plenty of sofa seats and tatami rooms.

They offer a variety of delicious sweets and a food menu that is highly recommended for lunch.

At this cafe, you can choose from three different lunch menus, including one that changes daily.

You can choose from a daily seasonal risotto, a seafood-filled conch curry with seafood, and a whimsical menu.

We recommend that you spend a relaxing time after your meal with a cup of hand-drip coffee, which is carefully brewed after your order is placed.

Yunagi

Yunagi in Naoshima is a restaurant that boasts a delicious fish set menu that includes flounder and other fish.

The pride of this restaurant is its flounder dishes.

They have a wide range of flounder dishes and you can enjoy the flavor of flounder cooked in a variety of ways.

The set meals with flounder are very popular for lunch as well.

At Yuunagi, they offer a variety of flounder dishes prepared in a variety of ways.

The most popular dish for lunch is the “Fried Flounder”. Fried Flounder is a dynamic and luxurious lunch set meal with a whole fish of flounder raised.

The large flatfish has soft and fluffy flesh, and even though it’s big, you’ll still be able to enjoy it for a long time.

Benesse House Museum Cafe

Benesse House Museum Cafe is located in the Benesse House Museum on Naoshima Island.

You can spend a relaxing time while gazing at the blue sky in this stylish cafe with a shop attached.

The cafe offers a wide selection of food items such as curry and pasta that are perfect for lunch, making it a great place to have lunch after a day of sightseeing.

Located in Naoshima’s famous Benesse House Museum, this cafe serves up curry and pasta dishes that are also great for lunch.

They offer many delicious food items such as the Ika Sumi(squid ink) Curry, which has a pitch-black visual with lots of squid ink, and the Amatriciana, a tomato-based sauce full of sweet and savory tomatoes with bacon added to it.

Cin.na.mon

Located near Miyanoura Port in Naoshima, Cin.na.mon is a stylish restaurant that can be used as both a cafe and a bar.

The cafe serves lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and offers curry and set lunches.

This cafe offers a lunch menu during the hours of 11am to 3pm.

Starting with the recommended Naoshima Curry, they offer a variety of curry lunches full of originality such as Squid Fried Curry, Chili Mayo Curry, Vegetable Curry, Omelette Curry and Cheese Curry.

They also offer a variety of cinnamon lunch plates and rice bowl lunches.

Kinosaki Udon Naoshima

Kinosaki Udon in Naoshima is an udon shop where you can enjoy delicious udon in Naoshima.

It opens 11:00 to 14:00, so it is only open during lunch time.

After you take your tray, you can choose the warmth of your udon and choose your favorite tempura.

It is very popular because you can eat delicious udon for a reasonable price.

They offer a wide variety of udon for lunch.

They serve a variety of udon noodles, including kake udon, udon noodles with meat and beef udon noodles with an onsen tamago(egg slow-boiled in a hot spring) sauce, and zaru udon.

The gentle taste of the dashi broth is a perfect match for specialty udon noodles.

We recommend topping your udon with freshly raised crispy tempura such as barbecue tempura or chicken tempura.

Seto-no-outchi

Seto-no-outchi, located on Naoshima, is an old house cafe that is more than 100 years old and has a great atmosphere, organized by the island festival.

The cafe also has an inn attached to it, so it’s a good idea to stay here when you visit Naoshima.

In a nostalgic atmosphere, you can enjoy delicious Naoshima fish lunches such as octopus rice, sashimi, grilled sea bream, etc., which are the pride of Naoshima.

The octopus rice set meal is recommended for lunch, in which octopus is finely chopped and mixed into the rice.

It’s simple, but you can enjoy the flavor of the octopus and it’s a great dish.

They also offer a variety of other delicious octopus dishes such as sashimi and fried octopus, which use fresh octopus.

Little Plum

Located about a 2-minute walk from Naoshima’s Naoshima Miyaura Port in Naoshima, Little Plum is a stylish cafe with an atmosphere.

The cafe is a great place to have a delicious lunch or to enjoy a drink, so it’s a great place to visit if you’re a tourist on Naoshima.

For lunch, the special dry curry is highly recommended.

We recommend the homemade dry curry for lunch.

It has a spicy and mature taste with plenty of spices and a strong acidity.

It is spicy and mature, and is served in a large bowl, so even the male customers will be very satisfied.

They serve alcoholic beverages from lunch time onwards, so a beer is recommended to accompany a delicious lunch.

Also about 30 bicycles are availabel for rent for 500 yen per day

Naoshima's Recommended Spots and ArtsNaoshima in Kagawa Prefecture is located in the Seto Inland Sea. ...

7 Places to Stay in Naoshima, the Island of ArtNaoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea, located in Kagawa Coun...

MAP

The island is attracting attention not only from Japan but also from abroad as an island of art.

It’s a small island, but it’s a unique island with artworks and museums scattered all over the island.

In this article, we’ll introduce some of the best art spots on the island.

In addition to art, Naoshima also has other sightseeing spots where you can experience nature and history.

Here are some of the most popular sightseeing spots in the art island of Naoshima.

Please take a look at them together with recommended local gourmet foods!

What is Naoshima?

Naoshima belongs to Naoshima Town in Kagawa County, Kagawa Prefecture.

Naoshima Town is composed of the Naoshima Islands, and Naoshima is the largest island in the Naoshima Archipelago.

Most of the population of Naoshima also lives on Naoshima Island.

Access to Naoshima

There is neither an airport nor a bridge to Naoshima.

So, access to Naoshima is only by ferry.

Because Naoshima is in Kagawa Prefecture, many people cross from the port of Takamatsu by ferry, but in fact Naoshima is located just a stone’s throw from Okayama Prefecture.

So, unless you want to visit Naoshima after sightseeing or doing something on Shikoku, or if you live in Shikoku, it’s more economical and less time-consuming to take a ferry from Uno Port in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture.

There are two main ports that serve as gateways to Naoshima.

Honmura Port on the east side of the island and Miyaura Port on the west side.

From Uno Port, there are ferries to Miyaura Port and small passenger boats to Miyaura and Honmura Ports.

The journey time for both ferry services is about 15 to 20 minutes.

Uno ⇔ Miyaura

Uno ⇔ Honmura

Check here for more information.

To get to the Port of Uno, take the Uno Line (Uno Minato Line) from JR Okayama Station, get off at Uno Station, the last stop, and walk for a few minutes.

From the Port of Takamatsu, there are ferries to the Port of Miyaura, which take about 50 to 60 minutes.

The Port of Takamatsu is a few minutes’ walk from JR Takamatsu Station.

Area of Naoshima

We have divided the island into three areas to introduce you to some of the tourist attractions on Naoshima.

The northern part of the island is mostly occupied by businesses, so it is not subject to dividing.

These areas are divided into the following areas.

East / Honmura area

This is an area in the eastern part of the island with Honmura at the center.

The area is the center of the island, with Honmura Port and Naoshima Town Hall located in the area.

Ando Museum

ANDO MUSEUM is a museum and archive.

It is one of the activities of Benesse Art Site Naoshima and was designed by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando.

It is a renovated old wooden house built about 100 years ago.

The combination of wood and concrete, with cast-in-place concrete built into the interior, creates a space with a unique atmosphere.

At the ANDO Museum, you can learn more about Tadao Ando’s activities, the history of Naoshima, and a number of photographs.

In addition, books and goods related to Tadao Ando, as well as autographed products are on sale.

Minamidera Temple

Minamidera is part of Benesse Art Site Naoshima, an art project in the Honmura district called “Ie(house) Project“.

In the House Project, artists renovated vacant houses in the Honmura district and turned them into works of art.

It started in 1998, and there are currently seven houses in the project, including Minamidera .

Minamidera Temple is one of the most popular of the House Project and was designed by Tadao Ando to match the work of the American artist James Turrell.

The area around Minamidera was once the hub of Naoshima, with five temples, shrines and the ruins of a castle.

Minamidera Temple was designed with the concept of conveying that history.

Hachiman Shrine

Hachiman Shrine is the main shrine of Naoshima.

It sits on a hill in the Honmura district.

The torii gate at the entrance to the shrine is 3.8 meters high and the pillars are 0.5 cm in diameter.

It is made of granite from Naoshima and was built from the Momoyama period to the early Edo period.

It is one of the few cultural assets in Naoshima and was designated a tangible cultural property of Kagawa Prefecture in 1972.

The main hall of the shrine is small, but the small staircase from the main hall is made of glass, giving it an artistic island feel.

An autumn festival is held on the third Saturday and Sunday in October every year.

Twenty-eight representatives of the shrine parishioners carry portable shrines on their shoulders and parade around the area with drums.

It is commonly called “Abare Taiko”.

West / Miyaura Area

The area around Miyanoura Port in the western part of the island.

Like the Port of Honmura, the Port of Miyanoura is the gateway to Naoshima.

The port of Miyanoura is larger than the port of Honmura, so it has a larger population and more shops, making it the largest area on the island.

Umi no Eki Naoshima

Umi no Eki no Naoshima(Sea Station Naoshima) is a tourist base facility located at Miyanoura Port, one of the sea gateways of Naoshima.

It is a huge building with a roof of approximately 3,600 square meters.

Inside, there is a ferry waiting area, a tourist information center, an event hall and a cafe.

There is also an event square and cargo handling area outside.

It’s also a park-like place to relax.

About 30 bicycles are availabel for rent for 500 yen per day, making it a good base for sightseeing.

The roof of the station is clearly visible from the ferry, making it a landmark facility that reminds visitors that you have arrived at Naoshima.

Outdoor Art Bbjects

Outdoor art objects are displayed in the grounds of Miyanoura Port.

Yayoi Kusama’s “Red Pumpkin”, Fujimoto Sousuke’s “Naoshima Pavilion” and José de Guimarães’ “BUNRAKU PUPPET” are three works in total.

The most famous of these works is the red pumpkin.

It is known as a representative landscape of Naoshima.

You can go inside the red pumpkin.

The red pumpkin is a symbolic presence on Naoshima, and it’s a popular tourist attraction on the island, where many tourists take pictures.

The two works of Naoshima Pavilion and BUNRAKU PUPPET are lit up at night and create a fantastic atmosphere.

It is also a must-see spot.

Naoshima Public Bath

Naoshima Sento is one of the activities of Benesse Art Site Naoshima.

Artist Shinro Ohtake created this work with the theme of “I Love Bath”.

You can actually take a bath in a renovated public bathhouse that is still in operation.

It is also possible to view the work without taking a bath.

The eccentric exterior with various decorations has a great impact.

The interior and the restrooms, too, are works of art.

It’s fun to relax in the hot water and watch the street art.

This bathhouse is managed by the NPO Naoshima Town Tourist Association.

South / Tsumuura and Gotanji areas

The area extends from the southern part of the island to the southeast.

The southern part of the island has few settlements and is mostly mountainous and coastal.

The Chichu Museum, Benesse House and other facilities are located here, making it the center of the art scene on Naoshima.

The Gotanji area has facilities that make the most of the nature, such as beaches and a fishing park.

The community of Sekiura in the southeastern part of the island is centered around a fishing port, and is characterized by the large number of guest houses in this area.

Chichu(underground) Museum

Chichu Museum is one of the most popular tourist facilities and art museums in Naoshima, and is part of Benesse Art Site Naoshima.

Opened in 2004, the theme of the museum is “A Place to Think about Nature and Humanity“.

It was designed by the architect Tadao Ando.

It was named Chichu Art Museum because most of the building is underground so as not to spoil the view.

Works by Claude Monet, James Turrell and Walter de Maria are on display in the museum.

Like a painting? "Monet's pond" is a new famous sightseeing place of GifuLocated in Itadori, Seki-City, Gifu-Prefecture, "a pond without a na...

The museum is also illuminated by natural light, creating an artistic atmosphere.

You can enjoy viewing artworks while being immersed in a fantastic atmosphere.

Lee Ufan Museum

The Lee Ufan Museum of Art is a part of Benesse Art Site Naoshima.

The museum is a collaboration between world-renowned architect Tadao Ando and Korean artist Lee Ufan.

The building was designed by Tadao Ando.

It is a unique building with a semi-underground structure, and the paintings and sculptures of Lee Ufan from the 1970s to the present are displayed inside.

It is a must-see destination with objects on display outside as well.

Benesse House Museum

Benesse House Museum is one of the facilities of Benesse Art Site Naoshima.

Opened in 1992, it is unique in that it is an art museum and hotel all in one.

Designed by Tadao Ando, the museum has a unique structure based on the concept of “Symbiosis of Nature, Architecture and Art”.

Site-specific works by a variety of artists are on display inside the hotel.

There are also unique works of art outside, so take a look at them!

Gotanji Beach

Kotanji Beach is Naoshima’s representative beach and beachhead.

It is at the southern end of the island, just south of Benesse House.

The yellow pumpkin object at the end of the jetty overhanging the sea is the work of Yayoi Kusama.

Along with the red pumpkin object at Miyanoura Port, it is one of Naoshima’s most iconic works of art.

Incidentally, unlike the red pumpkin, you can’t enter it.

Naoshima Furusato Umi-no-ie Tsutsuji-so

Naoshima Furusato Umi no Ie Tsutsuji-so is an accommodation facility where you can enjoy dining and shopping.

Opened in 1992, it was designed by architect Kazuhiro Ishii.

It was named after the island azalea(tsutsuji), the town flower of Naoshima.

There are three types of rooms: a Japanese cottage, a Mongolian tent pao, and a trailer house, all of which are unique in their construction.

There are no bathrooms or toilets in the rooms, so it’s a bit inconvenient, but you can enjoy nature while enjoying an extraordinary experience.

Why not stay at Tsutsuji-so and create a unique Naoshima memory?

Naoshima Fishing Park

Naoshima Fishing Park is as the name suggests, you can enjoy fishing.

Fishing piers, fishing rafts and fishing rafts are all available for fishing.

It is also possible to walk around the park without fishing.

The highlight of Naoshima Fishing Park, besides fishing, is the “Sea bream sashimi set meal”.

It is served in the park for a limited time only.

The Sea bream is caught from a live fish in the park, so it is very fresh.

Recommended Gourmet Spots in Naoshima

Eastern Honmura Area

Mai-mai

Mai Mai is located near the town bus stop in front of Nokyo mae bus stop.

The signature menu item is the “Naoshima Burger”, a local burger from Naoshima.

The main ingredient in the Naoshima burger is fried hamachi (hamachi is also a prefectural fish in Kagawa).

The burger is seasoned with plenty of tartar sauce, making it a very hearty burger.

It also features a wide variety of toppings.

The restaurant also has a terrace, so if it’s a nice day, it’s a great place to sit outside and enjoy your hamburger.

Nakaoku

Nakaoku is a café in an old house in Nakaoku village, a little bit uptown from the main village.

Its signature dishes are omelet curry rice.

The omelet is especially popular for its fluffy eggs.

The curry has a special roux with coconut.

Baked cheesecake and chiffon cake for dessert are also delicious, so we recommend stopping by for a break.

West Miyaura Area

Cin.na.mon

Cinnamon is a cafe in Miyaura village.

Curry and rice is very popular, and there are several kinds of curry dishes available.

You can choose from a variety of dishes from the set menu.

In the evenings, it becomes an izakaya (Japanese style pub).

They have a wide selection of alcoholic beverages on the menu, including beer that is only available on Naoshima.

There are also many other snacks and a la carte dishes.

You can enjoy curry for lunch and alcohol in the evening.

Kinosaki Udon

Kinosaki Udon is located to the southeast of Miyanoura Port.

Although Kagawa Prefecture is famous for its udon noodles, there are few udon shops on the remote island of Naoshima, and Kinosaki Udon is one of the few shops near the port.

The word “Udon(うどん)” is clearly written on the outside of the restaurant, so it’s easy to find.

Kinosaki Udon is a self-service udon shop, and there are many types of tempura in the shop.

There are many types of tempura inside the shop.

The udon dipping sauce with a strong taste of dashi.

The noodles are firm.

South / Tsumuura and Gotanji Area

Benesse House Terrace Restaurant Umi no Hoshi

Benesse House Terrace Restaurant Umi no Hoshi is a French restaurant located in Benesse House.

It is supervised by renowned French chef Ken Yoshino.

This restaurant is popular for its course meals, using local ingredients from Naoshima and the surrounding areas such as Kagawa and Okayama prefectures.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of breakfast buffet dishes.

This is a wonderful restaurant with a view of the Seto Inland Sea.

Tsutsuji-so

Naoshima Furusato Umi no Ie Tsutsuji-so is an accommodation facility, but you can also enjoy eating and drinking.

The menu includes keema curry, hashed meat with rice, pizza and beef bowl.

Keema curry is very popular because of its moderate spice.

After playing at the Gotanji Beach in front of the beach, if you are hungry, you can have a meal here instead of the beach house.

It’s a self-service restaurant with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Model Course in Naoshima

A Course in Art

Sea Station Naoshima
Outdoor Art Objects
Naoshima Public Bath
Chichu Art Museum
Lee Ufan Museum
Benesse House Museum
Andor Museum
Minamiji temple

Course to enjoy nature and history

Sea Station Naoshima
Kotodanji Beach
Naoshima Island Furusato Umi no Ie Tsutsuji-so
Naoshima Fishing Park
Hachiman Shrine

Transportation in Naoshima

Car

If you want to get around the island, it’s convenient to use your own car, but be aware that there are many narrow streets and parking spaces are limited.

During the busy tourist season, it can be difficult just to get around the island.

It’s a good idea to take Prefectural Road 256, which circles the main area of the island, as a guide.

Bus

There is also a town bus service on Naoshima.

There are bus stops at major points in the area, but they are few and far between, so check the bus service before you go sightseeing.

If you’re in the middle of a busy season, you may not be able to get on a bus because it’s full.

Bicycle

It’s a good idea to rent a bicycle to enjoy nature and relax.

However, please note that it can be difficult in rainy weather and in winter, and that the number of bicycles you can rent is limited.

Walk

In addition, Naoshima is a small island of about 8 square kilometers in area, so you can also get around on foot.

As mentioned above, please be careful of the sloping roads.

The distance between Honmura Port in the east, Miyaura Port in the west, and Benesse House in the south is about 2 km each.

Of course, it takes longer to get there than by car or bicycle, so please plan your visit as much as possible.

Check from here for more information.

Finally

The following are some of Naoshima’s recommended tourist attractions.

Naoshima is a small island, but it’s full of unique artworks.

Seto Inland Sea is also rich in nature.

The combination of art and nature on Naoshima is a must-visit destination.

7 Places to Stay in Naoshima, the Island of ArtNaoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea, located in Kagawa Coun...

14 Restaurants in Naoshima! Relax at a fresh fish restaurant or popular cafeNaoshima, with its many different restaurants, is a popular gourmet ...

MAP

I love cats.

I always think how happy I would be if I could live surrounded by cats.

There are many islands where people live like that.

The most famous one is Sanagijima Island in Kagawa Prefecture.

Famous for Flying(Jumping) Cats, a Representative of Cat Island

Many cat lovers may already know about it…

Sanagijima Island is a very famous spot on Shikoku where you can take pictures of flying cats.

There are many references on the internet, and the cat density is quite high.

Access to Sanagijima Island

You can get to the island by boat from Tadotsu Port in Kagawa Prefecture.

There is a free parking space at Tadotsu Port, so you won’t have to worry about parking.

There are not many ferry services, so be careful.

Here is time table as of June 2020.

From Tadotsu to Sanagi Island.

From Sanagi Island to Tadotsu.

The ride time is about 50 minutes and the fare is 680 yen for one way.

I recommend leaving Tadotsu at 9:05am and returning at 14:50 or 15:25 for cat photography.

If it’s hot in the summer, I strongly recommend leaving at 6:55am.

Time and fares are subject to change, so please check Official web site.

It seems that it is possible to get there by boat from the Kasaoka side of Okayama City, not the Shikoku side.

I’ve never been to Sanagi from the Okayama side, so I can’t tell you how to get there…

Density of Cats is Just as Rumored, a Real Cat Island

A chair with a statue of a cat in the waiting area of the boat just off the ship.

A cat underneath it!

A good start.

It’s indeed the famous Cat Island.

After that, the cats appear one by one.

The town is a maze of narrow alleys, and there are cats on the side of the road.

The combination of alleyways and cats is also picturesque.

When I visited Sanagijima Island in June, it was the season for cats to give birth, and I also met this scene.

Sea + Cat, the best part of Cat Island

Since I came to Cat Island, I thought it would be a good idea to take pictures of the ocean and a cat.

Cats on the island are not afraid of the water.

They don’t mind walking around on the beach.

First of all, I snapped a picture of a tiger cat on the beach.

These are cats who are walking along the breakwater.

That’s right!

This breakwater is the jumping board for the cats.

Flying Cats

It’s time for the real flying cat scene.

Here it comes!

This is a picture of a flying cat.

It’s a beautiful picture of a flying cat.

The white cat behind me is a nice touch.

This one also has a pretty good jumping power.

It’s quite beautiful to see a cat flying.

I also tried to get an angle from below.

However, there are a few things to consider when taking a picture of a flying cat, so I’ll summarize them here.

I highly recommend this spot!

Let's try cat photography on Sakushima Island!Sakushima Island in Aichi Prefecture, the location for "The Island o...

A Cat Island, "AinoShima" In Ashiya-gun, FukuokaFamous as "a cat island of Fukuoka" is AinoShima. When you hear s...

A Cat Island "AinoShima" with A Day-trip In Kitakyushu, FukuokaThere are numbers of islands called "a cat island" in Japan. A ca...