Naoshima

Naoshima is a picturesque tiny island in the Seto Inland Sea and a part of the Kagawa prefecture. Home to a plethora of modern art museums, the island is very much akin to a European beach destination with its chilled out vibes and stunning landscapes. Visit the museums of Chichi, Benesse and Lee Ufan to witness the many achievements of modern artistic prowess and the cliched ‘I Love Yu’ public bathhouse that doubles up as an artists’ paradise. If you are a James Bond fan, Naoshima is home to an elaborate 007 Museum. An idyll for art connoisseurs, the island is also the venue for the festival of Setouchi Triennale.
While Naoshima is a very doable day trip from Kyoto, may travellers tend to stay overnight owing to its Mediterranean-esque environment. Interestingly, the art museum of the aforementioned Benesse House doubles up as a fancy hotel, and you could make a booking if you wish to. In order to reach the island, you would have to first take the Shinkansen train to Okayama from Kyoto, followed by a transfer to the Uno line that takes you right up to Uno. This is where you take the 20 minute hourly ferry to Naoshima (Miyaura). The ferry should cost you anything around 1000 Yen, and the JR Pass should ideally cover your train journeys.