Art Islands & Cultural Treasures
The Seto Inland Sea is a calm body of water between Japan's main islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, dotted with over 700 islands. This region has become world-famous for its transformation into an open-air art gallery, particularly during the Setouchi Triennale art festival held every three years. Beyond art, these islands offer peaceful cycling routes, traditional fishing villages, beautiful beaches, and a slower pace of life.
What makes the Seto Inland Sea special is the combination of contemporary art installations by international artists, set against the backdrop of traditional Japanese island life. You can cycle between art museums, stay in renovated traditional houses, interact with local communities, and enjoy some of Japan's most serene landscapes - all while experiencing cutting-edge modern art.
The original art island with world-class museums and iconic art installations.
Home to the breathtaking Teshima Art Museum and peaceful rural landscapes.
Small island with unique industrial heritage converted into art spaces.
Largest island known for olive groves, soy sauce production, and natural beauty.
Peaceful island with cave art installations and fishing village charm.
Tiny island with maze-like alleys, art installations, and friendly cats.
The Setouchi Triennale is one of the world's largest art festivals, held across multiple islands in the Seto Inland Sea every three years. The festival transforms entire islands into exhibition spaces, featuring permanent and temporary installations by renowned international and Japanese artists.
Festival Structure:
Festival Pass Options:
💡 Even Outside Festival Years:
Most permanent art installations remain accessible year-round, and many museums stay open. Visiting outside festival years means fewer crowds and more intimate experiences with the art and local communities.
Arrive in Takamatsu (via train from Osaka/Kyoto). Ferry to Naoshima (1 hour). Check into accommodation. Afternoon visit to Benesse House Museum area and beach art installations. Evening at Honmura Art House Project village.
Morning at Chichu Art Museum (Claude Monet, James Turrell, Walter De Maria). Afternoon at Lee Ufan Museum. Bike around the island to see Yayoi Kusama's pumpkins and outdoor installations. Sunset at the beach. Evening bath at I Love Yu.
Morning ferry to Teshima (20 minutes). Rent electric bicycle. Visit Teshima Art Museum. Cycle to Les Archives du Coeur. Lunch at island cafe. Explore smaller art installations around the island. Ferry to Shodoshima for overnight.
Rent a car. Morning visit to olive groves and olive park. Tour traditional soy sauce brewery. Drive to Kankakei Gorge for ropeway ride. Afternoon at Angel Road during low tide. Enjoy local olive-based cuisine for dinner.
Ferry back to Takamatsu. Quick ferry to Megijima for cave art. Short hop to Ogijima for village walk and cat spotting. Afternoon return to Takamatsu. Evening departure or extend stay.
Main Ferry Ports:
Key Ferry Routes:
Setouchi Island Pass:
Unlimited ferry travel between participating islands for 3 days. Perfect for intensive island hopping during the Triennale.
Individual Island Travel:
