Setouchi Triennale Tour
Embark on an art-filled odyssey through Japan’s Seto Inland Sea with our meticulously curated tour. From the serene landscapes of Inujima to the vibrant art scene of Naoshima and the cultural richness of Shodoshima, each day offers immersive experiences in contemporary art and traditional Japanese culture. With expert guides leading the way and unique accommodations like Benesse House Museum and traditional machiya, this tour promises a truly unforgettable exploration of Japan’s artistic heritage and natural beauty.
Specification: Setouchi Triennale Tour
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Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Okayama to Inujima
Meet at JR Okayama Station or Hoden Port and start tour. Approx. 45 minutes from Okayama Station by private vehicle and then take Ferry or sea taxi to Inujima island from Honden port. Visit Inujima Seirensho Art Museum which was built around the idea of “using what exists to create what is to be”. Exhibited here are works created by Yukinori Yanagi, together with the remodeled architecture designed by Hiroshi Sambuichi. Inujima Art House Project which was inspired the local community of Inujima, allowing you to experience the beautiful Landscapes of everyday life and the familiar natural environments that extend beyond the artworks. Inujima Life Garden is not a conventional botanical garden, professionally landscaped so that people can visit and observe plant life, but rather a place where island residents and visitors can join in the process of reviving the land. Lunch at Inujima and take ferry or sea-taxi to Teshima in the afternoon. The “Teshima Yokoo House”, a collaboration between artist Tadanori Yokoo and architect Yuko Nagayama, was created by altering and renovating an old private house. The exhibition areas are divided into a “Main House,” a “Warehouse,” and an “Outhouse,” displaying 11 two-dimensional works. Needle Factory is an abandoned sewing needle factory, which closed in the late 1980s. Installed within its space is a wooden hull-form used in the manufacturing of red snapper net fishing boats, neglected for some 30 years. Dinner at the accommodation. Overnight in Teshima Island Recommended accommdation:UKAHOUSE
Day 2: Teshima Island to Naoshima Island
Morning: Meet your guide at the hotel. Enjoy the art works and museums in Teshima island.Teshima Art Museum stands on a hill on the island of Teshima overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. The museum, which resembles a water droplet at the moment of landing, is located in the corner of a beautiful rice terrace. Les Archives du Coeur by Christian Boltanski, permanently houses recordings of the heartbeats of people throughout the world. The recordings may be listened to by visitors. It is also possible to record your own heart beat here. Other exhibitions: Storm house, La forêt des murmures etc. You can enjoy the beautiful coastline with Rental cycles, too. Lunch : Recommended place: Shima Kitchen is a restaurant that connects people through “Food and Art”. It was reconstructed into a restaurant from a vacant house by the work of Architect Ryo Abe during Setouchi Triennale 2010.Leave Teshima to Naoshima by Ferry Overnight: Naoshima Recommended Accommodation: Benesse House Museum
Day 3: Explore Naoshima Island
In the morning, enjoy the art works near your hotel. After lunch, meet your guide at Hotel. Art House Project began in 1998 with Kadoya, and currently comprises seven locations: Kadoya, Minamidera, Kinza, Go‘o Shrine, Ishibashi, Gokaisho, and Haisha. In this project, artists take empty houses scattered about residential areas and turn the spaces themselves into works of art, weaving in history and memories of the period when the buildings were lived in and used. You can enjoy Beautiful architectures by Tadao Ando, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Hiroshi Sambuichi in this area, too. Take a bath at Naoshima Bath for experience the art. This is an art facility created by Shinro Ohtake where visitors are able to take a bath. The exterior and fittings of the bathhouse, from the bath itself to the pictures decorating the walls, the mosaics, and even the toilet fittings, all reflect the universe of the artist. Benesse House Museum is open to their guest at night. Dinner at your hotel. Recommended accommodation: Benesse House Museum
Day 4: Naoshima to Takamatsu
After checking out, meet your guide at hotel. Enjoy the Benesse Area. Museums designed by Tadao Ando(Tadao Ando is an architect who fits the concept of “not destroying nature” that Mr. Fukutake cherishes, and he only builds buildings that match the land.), visit Lee Ufan Museum, Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum, Pumpkin etc. After lunch, Leave Naoshima to Takamatsu by Ferry Enjoy the art around Takamatsu Port. Overnight in Takamatsu. Recommended accommodation: Kitahama Sumiyoshi *Japanese website only Setouchi Stay Kitahama Sumiyoshi is a 100 year old machiya (traditional townhouse) that has been renovated. It is reserved a house rental for one group per day.Once you have been given the key, you are free to spend your time as if you were living in your own home.
Day 5: Megijima to Ogijima & Shodoshima
Meet your guide at the hotel. Stop at Ritsurin Garden to appreciate the beauty of Japanese Garden.Take sea-taxi or Ferry at Takamatsu port for the cruise of Megijima, Ogijima. At Megijima, enjoy the artworks of Setouchi Art Festival. It is an island with many attractions such as a cityscape with a characteristic landscape such as stone walls to prevent strong winds, and Onigashima Cave. Explore Ogijima island on foot. (Cat Island) Ogijima has few flatlands and many slopes. The village is like a maze, so the villagers kindly talk to the lost tourists. It is said that it is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Setouchi islands. Leave Ogijima to Shodoshima Island by Sea-Taxi . Overnight in Shodoshima Island. Recommended Accommodation:Shimayado Mari or Sea Tiger Cottage
Day 6: Explore Shodoshima
Meet your guide at the hotel.Enjoy Artworks which are scattered in this island by coach. Shodoshima is known as the “Olive Island” after successfully cultivating olives for the first time in Japan. The second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, a scenic island where nature and culture are in harmony. The island is also famous as the one of the venues for the Setouchi Triennale, which is held every three years, so even if you’re not here during the Triennale, you’ll find plenty of permanent artworks. Stop at the soy source brewery and lunch. Whether you want to continue exploring the artworks or enjoy the natural beauty of Shodoshima, your guide will help you decide on the best itinerary.Back to your hotel. Dinner at the restaurant Olive Beef. Overnight: Shodoshima Island. Recommended Accommodation: Shimayado Mari or Sea Tiger Cottage
Day 7: Shodoshima to Kobe
Meet your guide at hotel. Leave Shodoshima to Kobe by Ferry and tour ended in Kobe port.
What´s included
- 6 nights 4-5 Star luxury accommodation
- Transport in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
- Private Touring
- Entrance fees
- Local English-speaking guide
- Daily Breakfast
- 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Excluded
- Any Personal Expenses
- Tips and Gratitudes
- Any other meals than mentioned
Additional Information
All prices exclude airfares (unless specified), visa fees, travel insurance and any additional personal expenses.
Prices are per person sharing a double room. Single and triple rooms rates are available upon request.
Dates, itineraries and prices are indicative and subject to change based on the season.
Hotels mentioned in the itinerary may change due to availability, but will always be of equivalent or higher category.
Some countries charge additional destination taxes per person or per night that can only be paid directly at the location.
All displayed tour maps are originated from Google Maps and are only indicative. They are not representative of the exact travel routes of the itinerary.
For more details please visit our booking conditions page.
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