Naoshima Island 1 Day Cycling Tour From Uno Station Okayama

Naoshima Island, a unique canvas for contemporary art, beckons travelers to enjoy its captivating blend of natural beauty and creative expression. A one-day cycling tour from Uno Station, Okayama, offers a guided journey through this remarkable island, promising an unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover its renowned museums, site-specific installations, and stunning landscapes. With a private guide, rental bikes, and round-trip ferry transportation, this tour provides a seamless and engaging way to explore Naoshima’s artistic wonders.

Key Points

• The Naoshima Island 1 Day Cycling Tour departs from Uno Station in Okayama, offering a full-day experience exploring the island’s contemporary art and natural landscapes.
• The tour includes admission to the Benesse House Museum, Chichu Museum, and Art Houses Projects, as well as round-trip ferry transportation and a private English-speaking guide.
• Participants will receive a rental bicycle to cycle around the compact island, allowing for an immersive experience and leisurely appreciation of the art and scenery.
• The tour highlights key attractions such as Monet’s water lily paintings and Walter De Maria’s installations, showcasing the seamless integration of contemporary art and nature.
• Strong fitness level is required due to the cycling component, and the tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM from the meeting point at Uno Station.

Tour Overview

The Naoshima Island 1 Day Cycling Tour from Uno Station Okayama offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the renowned art island of Naoshima.

Rated 5.0 based on 3 reviews, this tour provides a comprehensive experience, including a private English-speaking guide, round-trip ferry transportation, and admissions to top attractions like the Benesse House Museum, Chichu Museum, and several Art Houses Projects.

Cycling around the island allows guests to fully enjoy the captivating art and serene landscapes.

With a strong fitness level required, this tour promises an unforgettable day of discovery on Naoshima.

Inclusions

The Naoshima Island 1 Day Cycling Tour includes a range of features to enhance the experience. Cyclists will receive a rental bike to explore the island, along with an English-speaking private guide to provide local insights. The tour includes round-trip ferry or boat transportation between Uno Port and Naoshima, as well as admission to key attractions:

Attraction	Cost
Benesse House Museum	1300 JPY
Multi-Site Ticket for Six Art Houses Projects	1050 JPY
Chichu Museum	2100 JPY

Bottled water and lunch are also provided, ensuring a comprehensive and carefree day on Naoshima.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the Naoshima Island 1 Day Cycling Tour is Uno Station, located at 1 Chome-1 Chikko, Tamano, Okayama 706-0002, Japan.

From there, you’ll take a round-trip ferry or boat to the island. The tour concludes at Uno Port, 1 Chome-2 Chikko, Tamano, Okayama 706-0002, Japan.

The tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM.

Key details:

• Meeting point: Uno Station
• End point: Uno Port
• Start time: 9:00 AM
• Transportation: Round-trip ferry or boat

Cycling Around Naoshima Island

Upon arriving at Uno Port, participants receive their bicycles and begin exploring the unique art and architecture of Naoshima Island.

The cycling tour allows visitors to easily navigate the compact island and discover its renowned museums and art installations. From the iconic Chichu Art Museum designed by architect Tadao Ando to the whimsical Art House Projects scattered throughout the town, the guided cycling tour provides an immersive experience.

Traversing the island’s winding paths, participants remark on the seamless integration of contemporary art and natural landscapes. The cycling pace allows for leisurely appreciation of Naoshima’s captivating artistic wonders.

Exploring the Benesse House Museum

What makes the Benesse House Museum a must-visit destination on the Naoshima Island cycling tour?

Aside from its stunning architecture designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, the museum boasts an impressive collection of contemporary art.

Visitors can discover:

• Thought-provoking installations that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape
• Iconic works by renowned artists like Claude Monet and James Turrell
• Intriguing spaces that encourage visitors to engage with the art in unique ways
• Panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea that provide a serene backdrop to the art experience

Exploring the Benesse House Museum is a highlight of the Naoshima Island cycling tour.

Visiting the Multi-Site Art Houses Projects

After exploring the stunning artworks at the Benesse House Museum, the cycling tour takes visitors to the Multi-Site Art Houses Projects dotted around Naoshima. These unique installations transform ordinary houses into captivating works of art, each with its own distinct character and creative vision.

House	Artist	Description
Minamidera	James Turrell	A captivating light and space experience.
Kinza	Hiroshi Sugimoto	A serene and contemplative space.
Kadoya	Tadanori Yokoo	A vibrant, psychedelic interpretation of a traditional home.

Exploring these art houses offers a thought-provoking and immersive encounter with Naoshima’s rich artistic heritage, blending the island’s natural beauty with remarkable contemporary installations.

Experiencing the Chichu Museum

As visitors complete their exploration of the captivating art houses, they make their way to the Chichu Museum, a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando.

The museum’s unique underground structure creates an immersive and peaceful atmosphere, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the art within.

The highlights of the Chichu Museum include:

• Experiencing Claude Monet’s breathtaking water lily paintings in a specially designed gallery
• Discovering hidden skylights that flood the spaces with natural light
• Encountering the serene ‘Space’ installation by Walter De Maria
• Appreciating the harmonious integration of architecture, art, and nature

Returning to Uno Port

With their exploration of the captivating art houses and Chichu Museum complete, the tour participants make their way back to Uno Port.

The guide leads the group back to the ferry, providing insights about the local area along the way.

Aboard the return ferry, the participants have a chance to reflect on the day’s experiences and appreciate the scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea.

The guide is available to answer any final questions before the group disembarks at Uno Port, concluding the Naoshima Island cycling adventure.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Bicycle for the Tour?

You cannot bring your own bicycle on this tour. The tour includes the rental of a bicycle for cycling around Naoshima Island, so using your own bike is not an option.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary Further?

Yes, the itinerary can be customized during the tour. The guide provides a flexible, customizable experience, allowing changes based on the participants’ interests and preferences to enhance their Naoshima Island cycling adventure.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. The pricing is fixed, though the itinerary can be customized during the tour to suit individual interests.

How Much Time Is Typically Spent at Each Attraction?

The tour typically spends 1-2 hours at each major attraction, allowing visitors to fully explore the art museums and installations. The flexible itinerary can be customized to accommodate individual interests and pacing preferences during the day.

Can I Leave the Tour Group to Explore on My Own?

Participants can leave the group to explore on their own, as the itinerary is customizable. However, the guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, so it’s recommended to follow the guide’s lead for the best tour.

The Sum Up

The Naoshima Island 1 Day Cycling Tour from Uno Station, Okayama, offers an immersive exploration of the island’s art and natural beauty. With a private guide, rental bikes, and round-trip ferry, participants can leisurely discover renowned attractions like the Benesse House Museum and Chichu Museum. This tour promises a unique adventure for those with a good fitness level, making it an unforgettable day trip.