Table of Contents
- Summary
- Travel Itinerary
- Day 1
- 09:30am Okayama Station（岡山駅）
- 10:00am La Mar de Bois（ラ・マル・ド・ボァ）
- 11:10am Uno Station（宇野駅）
- 11:15am Tamano Tourist Information Center（玉野市観光案内所）
- 11:30am Tamano Fish Market（玉野魚市場）
- 12:30pm Memory of Ship’s Hull（舟底の記憶）
- 2:00pm Hanamaruko donuts & cafe（はなまるこ）
- 3:00pm Uno Port ・Asahi Kanko Boat（宇野港 ・あさひ観光船）
- 3:50pm Miyaura Port ・ Miyaura Port Bus Stop（宮浦港 ・ 宮浦港 バス停）
- 4:30pm Naoshima Seaside Park Stay Tsutsujiso（直島ふるさと海の家 つつじ荘）
- 2nd day
- 9:00am Miyaura Port（宮浦港）
- 10:00am Inujima（犬島）
- 10:30am Inujima “Art House Project” （犬島「家プロジェクト」）
- 11:30am Inujima Art Project Ticket Center Cafe（犬島アートプロジェクトチケットセンターカフェ）
- 1:00pm Inujima Life Garden（犬島くらしの植物園）
- 2:00pm Inujima Seirensho Art Museum（犬島精錬所美術館）
- 3:30pm Inujima Port Liner ferry terminal（犬島港定期船のりば）
- 3:45pm Hoden Port（宝伝港）
- 4:05pm Nishi-hoden temporary bus stop（西宝伝臨時バス停）
- 5:05pm Okayama Station（岡山駅）
- Day 1
Summary
The Seto Inland Sea is the largest inland sea in Japan, surrounded by Honshu and Shikoku, and dotted with approximately 700 islands of various sizes. These islands are easily accessible by ferry or passenger boat, and are visited by many tourists from Japan and abroad.
This time, we visited Naoshima and Inujima, two of the many islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
We introduce an island trip full of attractions, such as gourmet food with a local flavor and art galleries that develop in tandem with the local area.
Please refer to this page.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1
9:30am Okayama Station（岡山駅）
This trip starts from Okayama Station.
Spot Outline
Okayama Station is located in Kita-ku, Okayama City. It is only 50 minutes away from Osaka by Shinkansen bullet train and less than one hour from Kyoto. There are many souvenir stores and restaurants in the area, and buses provide convenient access to Shin-Okayama Port.
10:00am La Mar de Bois（ラ・マル・ド・ボァ）
We will leave immediately on this nice sightseeing train.
Stylish vehicle with wood floors and a luxurious feel ✨
A cycle space was also provided.
Buy Okayama Peach Cider, which is sold on the train!
11:10am Uno Station（宇野駅）
Uno Station was renovated in June 2020.
It has a nice, stylish, modern exterior created by Italian art artist Esther Stocker.
It takes about an hour from Okayama Station to arrive at Uno Station.
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Uno Station, located at 1-1 Chikko, Tamano-shi, Okayama Prefecture, is famous for its art. Uno Station, which was renovated in 2020, has a nice, stylish, modern exterior designed by Italian art artist Estelle Stocker. It takes about an hour from Okayama Station, and colorful and cute rental bicycles are available in front of the station.
11:15am Tamano Tourist Information Center（玉野市観光案内所）
This tourist information center is a 1-minute walk from Uno Station.
Luggage storage and bicycle rental are available!
Souvenirs from the Setouchi area were also available.
A variety of bicycles with unique and cute designs
I immediately rented a bicycle! Chose red color!
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The Tamano Tourist Information Center is located at 1-1-1 Chikko, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, a 1-minute walk from Uno Station. This tourist information center offers baggage storage and bicycle rental services. It also sells souvenirs from the Setouchi area, making it a convenient facility for tourists. According to reviews, the tourist information center has received favorable comments about its location and services.
11:30am Tamano Fish Market（玉野魚市場）
Uno Port – A fish market where you can purchase fresh fish caught off the coast of Naoshima.
We also ordered rice and fish head soup and had it on the spot.
Although we could not buy fresh fish during our trip, the fish we had at the market was great!
Just looking at them is fun. Fillets are also available.
I’m happy to serve the fish head soup with it on the spot.
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The Tamano Fish Market, located in Tamano City, is a restaurant and market in one. Visitors can purchase fresh fish caught at Uno Port or off the coast of Naoshima and eat it on the spot with rice or arai soup. Some reviewers say that the fish you eat at the market is the best because you can taste fresh fish during your trip.
After your stomach is full, rent a bicycle to view artworks in Uno City!
12:30pm Memory of Ship’s Hull（舟底の記憶）
A giant three-dimensional artwork created using an anchor from a former Japanese warship.
This growing work has changed its shape over the years as it has been welded and added to from scrap iron collected in Tamano City.
The artwork expresses the increase of deposits on the seafloor over the years.
As we get closer… Deetail is amazing.
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Memory of Ship’s Hull is a giant three-dimensional artwork created using an anchor from a former Japanese warship in Chikko, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, and was produced by welding together scrap iron collected in Tamano City. The artwork depicts the increase in the amount of debris on the seafloor over time.
Chinu-the Black Sea Bream of Uno（宇野のチヌ）
Artwork created using waste and drifting debris collected from the coast around Uno Port and Lake Kojima.
It seems that in Kansai, black sea bream is called chinu!
What was once used in the past has now become a part of the artwork.
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Chinu-the Black Sea Bream of Uno is a work of art in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, created using trash and other unused items found around Uno Port. It is also equipped with a slide, making it a popular spot for viewing and sliding. The artwork was created by the art unit Yodogawa Technique.
2:00pm Hanamaruko donuts & cafe（はなまるこ）
Handmade doughnuts fried in rice oil.
I got a cute donut just when I was feeling a little hungry. Raspberry flavor!
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Hanamaruko donuts & cafe is a handmade donut store located in Chikko, Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. The doughnuts are fried in rice oil and come in a variety of varieties, including plain, cinnamon, and green tea, and are known for their cute and colorful appearance. The doughnuts are reasonably priced, fluffy, and delicious, and are highly rated by word of mouth.
3:00pm Uno Port（宇野港）
After returning the bicycles at the Tamano Tourist Information Center, the next step is to board a boat from Uno Port.
Uno Port is the gateway to Shikoku and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. As a base port for ferries, many ferries come and go.
Buy a ferry ticket and depart for the island!
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Uno Port, located in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, is the gateway to Shikoku and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. It is recommended for convenient access to Naoshima, which can be reached by ferry in about 20 minutes.
Asahi Sightseeing Boat（あさひ観光船）
Sightseeing boat connecting Takamatsu (Kagawa), Uno (Okayama) and Naoshima.
The ferry was very beautiful as it was only put into service in 2018! The monotone based cabin was very comfortable and we enjoyed cruising with a view of the Seto Inland Sea through the large windows ✨.
Interior view and view from the ship
Spacious space. We were able to spend our time comfortably. We crossed the calm sea to the island!
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Asahi Sightseeing Boat is a sightseeing boat ferry that connects Uno – Naoshima – Takamatsu. 2018, the ferry is very beautiful and offers a great view from the sea. The rooms are very comfortable with a monotone color scheme, and you can enjoy cruising with a view of the Seto Inland Sea through the large windows.
3:50pm Miyaura Port（宮浦港）
The gateway port to Naoshima, a mecca for contemporary art. Miyaura Port is also dotted with fascinating artworks, including Yayoi Kusama’s Red Pumpkin. Landing on Naoshima!
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Miyaura Port is located in Naoshima Town, Kagawa County, Kagawa Prefecture. This port serves as the gateway to Naoshima and welcomes many visitors. Miyaura Port has a free parking lot where visitors can park their cars and enjoy a stroll around the area. There is also a store attached to the port, making it a convenient place to look for souvenirs. The “red pumpkin” symbol of Miyaura Port is impressive.
Miyaura Port Bus Stop（宮浦港 バス停）
We boarded a bus that connects Miyaura Port, the ferry departure/arrival point, to our accommodations. The bus design was cute!
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The Miyaura Port bus stop is located at Miyaura Port on Naoshima, and buses depart from and arrive at the bus stop connecting Miyaura Port to the Honmura district where the “House Project” is being developed and the Tsutsuji-so lodging facility. The buses have a cute design and are well received by passengers.
4:30pm Naoshima Seaside Park Stay Tsutsujiso（直島ふるさと海の家 つつじ荘）
Accommodations where you can stay in a [pao], a Mongolian assembled tent.
I am very happy to have a unique lodging experience with a different culture.
In addition to the Pao, there are also trailer houses and regular rooms with a variety of options, which is also nice~!
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Naoshima Seaside Park Stay Tsutsujiso in Naoshima Town offers three types of lodging facilities: Japanese-style cottages, trailer houses, and Pao. The Pao, in particular, is built like a Mongolian tent, giving it an exotic feel, and with the ocean right in front of it, visitors can spend a relaxing time while listening to the sound of the waves. There is also a beach and barbecue area for the enjoyment of both children and adults. There is a parking lot and a store, and baby strollers are allowed and you can bring your own food. Some reviewers said the ocean is beautiful and the beach is highly recommended.
6:00pm Ebisukamo（ゑびすかも）
After checking in at the accommodation and taking a rest, we will take a bus to go out in search of island delicacies!
This is a rare restaurant that operates at night on Naoshima. It is a fish restaurant that serves home-style dishes that have been eaten on Naoshima for a long time, with flavors directly from the island’s aunties. We had a delicious meal!
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Located in Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa Prefecture, Ebisukamo is a rare restaurant that operates at night on Naoshima. It serves home-style dishes directly from the island’s aunties, and its main lineup of fish is well known for its delicious taste. Why not visit when you come to Naoshima?
Back at the inn, day 1 ends!
2nd day
9:00am Miyaura Port（宮浦港）
On the second day, we will move from Naoshima to Inujima.
10:00am Inujima（犬島）
The only inhabited island in Okayama City, it is an island of great interest as an island of art in the Seto Inland Sea!
Along with nature, we explored the island while enjoying contemporary art.
Spot Outline
Inujima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea, located in Higashi-ku, Okayama City. It is the only inhabited island in Okayama City, and you can explore the island while enjoying nature and modern art, including pop art that is pleasing to the eye and cute cafes. You can visit the island in half a day.
10:30am Inujima “House Project” F-Art House（犬島「家プロジェクト」F邸）
After arriving at Inujima, we immediately started our art tour! View the “House Project” galleries scattered throughout the village.
In F-Art House, objects that looked like plants and animals were dynamically expressed throughout the space!
A reindeer object was found!
There was also a tsuboniwa space.
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Inujima “House Project” F-Art House, located on Inujima Island, Higashi-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, is one of the artworks scattered around Inujima. Inside the building, which was renovated by reusing the beams and pillars of an old house, there is a white cloud-like object that expresses the moment when life is born.
Inujima “House Project” Former site of a stonecutter’s house（犬島「家プロジェクト」石職人の家跡）
I really enjoyed looking closely at the paintings, which were based on animal and plant motifs!
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The Inujima “House Project” Former site of a stonecutter’s house spot on Inujima, Higashi-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, displays innovative artwork depicting plants and animals along the ruins of a house, and you will be overwhelmed by the huge pictures.
Inujima “House Project” S-Art House（犬島「家プロジェクト」S邸）
This work, called [Contact Lenses], allows viewers to see the scenery around them through lenses of various sizes and focal points.
The scenery reflected in the lens appears upside down, and the art that can be experienced is fun.
Spot Outline
The Inujima “House Project” S-Art House, located in Inujima, Higashi-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, is a place where visitors can enjoy art. According to word of mouth, the “Contact Lens” artwork is popular, and the scenery seen through the lens is fantastic. Visitors can enjoy hands-on art, such as seeing the scenery reflected in the lens upside down.
11:30am Inujima Art Project Ticket Center Cafe（犬島アートプロジェクト チケットセンターカフェ）
Have dinner at the cafe attached to the ticket center. Not only a meal menu, but also sweets and drinks are available.
This restaurant was renovated from a building that was once a guest house.
We had octopus rice. It was too delicious!
What a surprise, outside the window is the ocean!
Lunch while feeling the waves of the Seto Inland Sea is too luxurious…
It is the best location.
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Inujima Art Project Ticket Center Cafe, located in Inujima, Higashi-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, is a cafe attached to a ticket center. It offers sweets, drinks, and lunch in a space that showcases a simple and stylish interior. The restaurant was created by renovating a building that was once a guest house, and with the ocean stretching out the window, it is a great place for a date. Word of mouth has it that the octopus rice is delicious.
1:00pm Inujima Life Garden（犬島くらしの植物園）
After dinner, we came to the Inujima Life Garden, a botanical garden rooted in the climate and culture of Inujima.
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The Inujima Life Garden, located in Inujima, Higashi-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, is a botanical garden rooted in the climate and culture of Inujima, where visitors can be enchanted by a space that looks like an illustration from a picture book. It is a relaxing spot where you can feel at ease in the tranquil scenery, and there are even chickens.
2:00pm Inujima Seirensho Art Museum（犬島精錬所美術館）
After enjoying the botanical garden to the fullest, we will visit the museum, which is a reclamation of the remains of a copper smelter on Inujima.
The concept is to make the most of what we have and create what we don’t have.
The project is designed to create a recycling-oriented society that is made up of heritage, architecture, art, and the environment.
Entrance
A gate that already gives you a sense of the world.
Breathtaking grandeur and beauty.
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The Inujima Seirensho Art Museum, located in Inujima, Higashi-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, is an art museum and historic site that has preserved and restored the remains of a copper smelter. The concept of the museum is “to make the best of what is and create what is not,” and it is located on the site of a former copper refinery that was in operation at the beginning of the 20th century. The harmony of darkness and light creates a beautiful and mysterious space. The project is also designed with a recycling-oriented society in mind.
3:30pm Inujima Port Liner ferry terminal（犬島港定期船のりば）
From here, board the Akebono Maru for the return trip to Hoden Port!
Akebono Maru
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The Inujima Port Liner ferry terminal, located in Inujima, Higashi-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, connects Inujima to Hoden Port in Hoden, Higashi-ku, Okayama City. Visitors can purchase tickets at the ticket center and board the Akebono Maru to Hoden Port.
3:45pm Hoden Port（宝伝港）
The boat arrives at Hoden Port in 10 minutes.
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Hoden Port, located in Hoden, Higashi-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, is a popular destination for many tourists because of the regular boats that connect it to Inujima Port. According to word of mouth, there are also restaurants and souvenir shops in the area, making it a convenient place for sightseeing.
4:05pm Nishi-hoden temporary bus stop（西宝伝臨時バス停）
We took a bus that would take us to Okayama Station in a single trip.
*By the way, this is a temporary service and does not seem to be in operation all the time, so please check when you visit.
Spot Outline
The Nishi-hoden temporary bus stop is located in Hoden, Higashi-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, and is where buses stop that will take you to Okayama Station in one trip. As it is a temporary service, it does not seem to run all the time, so please check in advance when visiting.
5:05pm Okayama Station（岡山駅）
I returned to Okayama Station. It was fun to enjoy the island trip.
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