Introducing how to enjoy the Setouchi Triennale 2025 by public transportation, with Okayama as the base. Includes a itinerary that will allow you to fully enjoy sightseeing in Naoshima, Teshima Island, and Okayama .
2025.04.03The Setouchi Triennale 2025 is one of Japan's leading contemporary Setouchi Triennale . The sixth festival will be held in 2025, and will take place across a total of 17 islands and regions, including the coastal areas of Kagawa Prefecture , in addition to the traditional Naoshima of Naoshima, Teshima Island, Shodoshima, and Inujima .
This article will introduce a detailed three- Tomari, two-night itinerary that takes you from Osaka or Fukuoka to Uno Port via Okayama , and includes a trip to enjoy the art festivals centered around Naoshima and Teshima Island . By also enjoying sightseeing spots in Okayama Prefecture, we will suggest a trip where you can experience both art and local culture.
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Table of Contents
- What is the Setouchi Triennale 2025?
- Outline of Setouchi Triennale 2025
- Works/Events / Artists
- Access to Okayama from Osaka and Fukuoka
- Access from Okayama Momotaro Airport to JR Okayama Station
- Access from Okayama Station to Uno Port, the gateway to each island
- Tourist train "La Mar Setouchi"
- Access to each island and area
- Art Appreciation Passport (combined ticket)
- Setouchi Triennale tours and other tours
- 2 Tomari 3 days itinerary
- Nearby tourist spots (Okayama Prefecture)
- Check the last Shinkansen train from Okayama to all over Japan!
- summary
What is the Setouchi Triennale 2025?
This is an international contemporary art festival held on the islands and port towns of the Seto Naikai. It began in 2010 and is held for a total of about 100 days over three periods in spring, summer, and autumn. Visitors can enjoy not only the art, but also the island's nature, scenery, history, culture, and food, as well as interacting with the islanders, artists, and volunteers. The concept of the art festival is "restoring the sea," and with the desire to "see the smiles of the island's elderly people," the festival aims to restore the former vitality of the beautiful Seto Naikai and its islands, and to connect them to the future as a "sea of hope."
Outline of Setouchi Triennale 2025
Use this as a reference when planning for the 2025 event dates, venues, ticket information, etc.
The Setouchi Triennale 2025 will be held in three periods: spring, summer, and autumn. The periods for each period are as follows:
Dates
Spring session: April 18th (Fri) - May 25th (Sun) 2025 ( 38 days )
Summer session: August 1st (Friday) to August 31st, 2025 ( 31 days )
Autumn session: Friday, October 3, 2025 to Sunday, November 9, 2025 (38 days)
*The festival is held for just under six weeks in spring and autumn, and for one month in summer. There is also a period in August, which coincides with the heatwaves of midsummer, so please be sure to take precautions against heatstroke before visiting.
Even during the exhibition period, there will be days when each work is closed (maintenance days). Please check the work exhibition schedule on the official website in advance.
Event area (venue)
The 2025 art festival will feature art works in 17 areas over the course of the festival. The main islands and regions are as follows:
Held throughout the entire event :
Okayama Prefecture: Inujima, Uno Port area
Kagawa Prefecture: Naoshima, Teshima Island, Megi Island, Ogi Island, Shodoshima, Oshima, Takamatsu Port area
*The above works can be viewed during all periods of spring, summer, and fall. This includes the main islands of Naoshima, Teshima Island, and Shodoshima, as well as the mainland ports of Takamatsu Port and Uno Port.
Only held in the spring : Seto area *Islands and coastal areas around the Seto
Summer session only : Shido/ Tsuta area, Hiketa area (both in eastern Kagawa Prefecture)
*New participating area in 2025. The mainland coastal area in eastern Kagawa Prefecture, from the outskirts of Takamatsu City to Higashikagawa City. This is a summer-only venue.
Only held in the autumn season : Hon Island, Takami Island, Awa Island, Ibuki Island, and Utazu areas
* The Hon Island, Takami Island, Awa Island, and Ibuki Island are all remote islands belonging to Kagawa Prefecture.
As you can see, the islands that can be viewed vary depending on the session. For example, the Seto area (Okayama Prefecture side) opens in spring, Higashikagawa City City in summer, and Hon Island, Takami Island, Awa Island, Ibuki Island, and Utazu areas are added in autumn. Since the works can be enjoyed at major spots such as Naoshima and Teshima Island throughout the entire period, we recommend that first-time visitors first visit these central areas during the spring and autumn sessions, and then, if they have time, expand to new areas during the summer session.
Works/Events / Artists
The art pieces scattered across the islands and port towns of the Seto Naikai are all deeply connected to the scenery, history, and culture of their respective areas. Information on all the artworks, each with its own unique appeal for each period and area, can be found on the official website below. Please use it to plan your trip and choose your destinations.
Access to Okayama from Osaka and Fukuoka
Okayama Prefecture is one of the gateways to the Setouchi Triennale, and is easily accessible by Shinkansen or express bus.
From Osaka to Okayama
Shinkansen (Sanyo Shinkansen/Nozomi): Approximately 45 to 50 minutes (reserved seat: Approximately 6,460 yen)
Expressway bus (Kibi Express Osaka go, etc.): Approx. 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes (Early bird discounts start from approx. 3,000 yen)
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From Fukuoka(Hakata) to Okayama
Shinkansen (Nozomi/Mizuho): Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes (reserved seat: Approximately 13,370 yen)
Check in your luggage at JR Okayama Station!
It's hard to go island-hopping while carrying large luggage! This service will help you to ease that worry. If you leave your luggage at Nekonote Station, located near the JR Okayama Station Shinkansen ticket gate, they will deliver it to your designated accommodation in Okayama City or Kurashiki City by 5pm that same day. They also offer a temporary luggage storage service (starting at 600 yen per piece of luggage). The key is to separate the luggage you'll be taking sightseeing from the luggage you'll be sending to the hotel!
Access from Okayama Momotaro Airport to JR Okayama Station
Limousine bus
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Fare: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for children
Bus stop: Bus stop immediately outside the arrival lobby on the 1st floor of Okayama Momotaro Airport
Timetable: Buses to JR Okayama Station run according to flight arrival times. For detailed timetables, please check the Okayama Momotaro Airport official website.
taxi
Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes (varies depending on traffic conditions)
Fare: Approximately 6,000 yen (varies depending on distance and time)
Platform: Taxi stand on the right hand side after leaving the arrival lobby on the 1st floor of Okayama Momotaro Airport.
There is also a fixed-price taxi service that requires an advance reservation, and a standard car can be driven to the area around JR Okayama Station for 5,700 yen (tax included).
If you are heading to Uno Port from JR Okayama Station using these methods, you can access it smoothly by using the JR Uno Line (Uno Minato Line) or express bus.
Access from Okayama Station to Uno Port, the gateway to each island
Uno Port is an important port on the Okayama Prefecture side where ferries depart for Naoshima and Teshima Island . It is also easy to travel by public transportation.
JR Uno Line (Uno Minato Line)
To travel from JR Okayama Station to Uno Port , the gateway to the Setouchi Setouchi Triennale , the JR Uno Line (nicknamed the Uno Minato Line) is the most convenient way.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Operating interval: Approximately 1-2 trains per hour (varies depending on the time of day)
Fare: Approximately 590 yen one way (IC cards accepted)
JR Okayama Station platform information
Departing from platforms 9 and 10 at JR Okayama Station (bound for Chayamachi and Uno)
On the way, there is a direct connection to the Uno Line at JR Chayamachi Station (no transfer required)
Access after arriving at JR Uno Station
It's about a 5-minute walk to Uno Port. There are signs showing the route, so you can rest assured.
The station building is decorated with art and is a popular photo spot!
[JR Uno Minato Line Art Project]
JR Uno Station, JR Bizen Station, JR Yahama Station, and JR Tsuneyama Station on the JR Uno Minato Line have been transformed into works of contemporary art designed by Estelle Stocker!
Express bus
JR Okayama Station West Exit → Uno Port(about 1 hour, about 1,000 yen one way)
*To get to Naoshima or Teshima Island, it is convenient to take a ferry or high-speed boat from Uno Port.
*Both require about the same amount of time. You can choose according to your time of day and preferences.
Tourist train "La Mar Setouchi"
This is a tourist train that runs on the JR Uno Minato Line (Okayama Station to Uno Station). There is a "cycle space" on board where you can carry your bicycle (reservation required). This will make your trip to the Setouchi Triennale even more fun!
[Operation Dates]
・Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays between Saturday, April 19th and Saturday, May 31st, 2025
・Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between Saturday, August 2nd and Sunday, August 31st, 2025
・Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, November 9th, 2025
*Excluding Saturday, October 18th and Sunday, October 19th
◎Departs Okayama Station at 10:11 ⇒ Arrives Uno Station at 11:16
◎Departing Uno Station at 16:18 ⇒ Arriving Okayama Station at 17:24
*Boarding and disembarking are not possible at any locations other than Okayama and Uno.
Fares: One-way adult 1,370 yen, child 1,070 yen
Great value ticket [setowa Okayama Kagawa Wide Pass]
This convenient sightseeing pass allows you to use all public transport in the Okayama and Kagawa areas freely. Perfect for sightseeing at the Setouchi Triennale!
Eligible modes of transport: - JR (regular trains and regular car unreserved seats) - Local buses - Ships (some ferries, etc.) in the free travel area
Release date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Validity period: 3 consecutive days
Price: Adults: 3,600 yen Children: 1,800 yen
Recommended for those who are planning to visit multiple islands such as Naoshima, Teshima Island, and Inujima at the Seto Triennale, those who want to travel cheaply using public transportation between Okayama and Kagawa, and those who want to make efficient use of JR, buses, and ferries in a short period of time!
Access to each island and area
Access to Inujima(Inujima Port)
▶ Port: Hoden Port (Eastern Okayama City)
▶ Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
JR Okayama Station → Take Ryobi Bus to Hoden Port (approx. 50 minutes)
Take a passenger ship from Hoden Port to Inujima Port (approx. 10 minutes)
[Akebono Maru (Inujima Kisen)]
"Akebono Maru" Hoden Port ⇄ Inujima Port: Approximately 10 minutes (5 to 6 trips per day)
Tip: Inujima Seirensho Art Museum and other small but highly rated facilities make it ideal for a day trip. There are few boat services, so be sure to check the schedule for the trip there and back.
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Experience nature and modern art! Inujima
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Access to Naoshima(Miyanoura Port and Motomura Port)
▶ Port of call: Uno Port ( Tamano City Okayama Prefecture )
▶ Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Take the JR Uno Minato Line (JR Uno Line) to JR Okayama Station → JR Uno Station (approx. 50 minutes) → From JR Uno Station it is a 5-minute walk to the port.
Travel by ferry or passenger ship from Uno Port to Naoshima(Miyanoura Port or Motomura Port)
[Shikoku Kisen]
Uno Port ⇄ Naoshima(Miyanoura Port): Ferry approx. 20 minutes "Naoshima" "Seto" etc. Passenger ship (high-speed boat) approx. 15 minutes
Uno Port ⇄ Naoshima(Motomura Port): Small passenger boat, about 20 minutes (less frequent flights)
Tip: There are many flights to Naoshima, and they run from early morning to evening. Bicycles and motorcycles can also be carried. It gets crowded on weekends and holidays, so it is recommended to use an earlier flight.
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Access to Teshima Island(Ieura Port and Karato Port)
▶ Port of call: Uno Port or Hoden Port
▶ Duration: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
Take the JR Uno Line to JR Okayama Station → JR Uno Station → Walk to Uno Port
Uno Port → Teshima Island(Ieura Port or Karato Port)
[Shikoku Kisen]
Uno Port ⇄ Teshima Island(Ieura Port, Karato Port): Ferry "Teshima" etc. Approx. 25-40 minutes (few departures)
JR Okayama Station → Take Ryobi Bus to Hoden Port (approx. 50 minutes)
Ferry from Hoden Port to Ieura Port (Teshima Island)
[Shodoshima Teshima Island Ferry Co., Ltd.]
"Shodoshima Teshima Island Ferry" Hoden Port ⇄ Karato Port: Approximately 40 minutes
Tip: Advance reservations are required for the Teshima Island Art Museum and other attractions. Travel between Naoshima and Teshima Island takes about 25 minutes on the Shikoku Kisen passenger ship.
The 17 islands and regions that will be the venues for the art festival, including Naoshima, Teshima Island, and Inujima, each have their own ports and means of transportation. Check the best access route based on your departure point and destination island. The official website provides detailed directions for each port and island.
Art Appreciation Passport (combined ticket)
If you purchase a passport, you can view many of the works at no extra charge. We recommend purchasing your pass in advance if you want to get around efficiently.
Passport type
All seasons (spring, summer, and fall): Advance tickets 4,300 yen / Same-day tickets 5,500 yen
1 season pass: 4,500 yen (sold by session and on the day)
Youth (16-18 years old): 2,500 yen
Under 15 years old: Free
■Points to note:
Some facilities, such as Chichu Art Museum and Teshima Island Art Museum, are not included in the passport and require separate reservations and fees.
Digital passports can be purchased and presented via the official app
Setouchi Triennale tours and other tours
The Setouchi Triennale 2025 official website introduces various experience plans and tours. You can also check out tours offered by travel agencies and various groups.
Island tour departing from Okayama
There are various tours available, including the "Island Tour," which allows you to leisurely tour the islands on a chartered boat without having to worry about the time of the boat, and enjoy the artworks with a guide, while also experiencing the charm of the art festival on a deeper level, such as the scenery, history, and culture of each Setouchi that can only be felt by touring on foot.
1. Shodoshima Tour: This is a one-day tour that departs from the Okayama Municipal Station South Parking Lot and takes you to view art works in various areas of Shodoshima. Departure dates are scheduled for April 19th (Sat), 26th (Sat), May 3rd (Sat), 10th (Sat), 17th (Sat), and 24th (Sat).
Teshima Island- Inujima Tour: A day trip tour departing from Uno Port to visit Teshima Island and Inujima. Departure dates are Monday, April 28th, Thursday, May 1st, Thursday, May 8th, and Monday, May 12th.
3) Megi Island, Ogi Island, and Uno Port Tour: This tour also departs and returns to Uno Port and visits the art works around Megi Island, Ogi Island, and Uno Port. Departure dates are April 20th (Sun), 27th (Sun), May 4th (Sun), 11th (Sun), and 18th (Sun).
1. Official Tour (Spring Session)
This is a one-day tour accompanied by an official guide, where you can appreciate artworks while traveling by charter bus or boat. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the islands and the Seto Naikai.
2. JR Shikoku Tour
There are day trips to Naoshima, Inujima, and Shodoshima. Each tour is accompanied by a tour guide, who will show you the artworks from the Setouchi Triennale.
3. Kotohira Bus Island Tour
This is a tour that uses a chartered boat to efficiently visit the art on each island. A guide will accompany you and explain the background of the artworks and the charms of the islands in an easy-to-understand manner.
4. Koebi Guided Tour
Each season we plan guided tours that take you around the artworks of the Setouchi Triennale and allow you to experience official events, workshops, and more.
5. JAL Pack Tours
A tour plan is offered that includes airfare and accommodation, and also includes a passport to view the artworks.
Details of these tours can be found on the official website or the websites of each travel agency. If you are considering participating, please check the official website or the websites of each travel agency for the latest information.
2 Tomari 3 days itinerary
We will introduce a itinerary that will allow you to efficiently get around the area and enjoy both art and sightseeing.
Day 1: Arrival in Okayama and sightseeing in the city and Kurashiki
The first day is structured to be a relaxed day of travel and sightseeing in the city, allowing you to fully enjoy the history and nature of Okayama.
Morning: Arrive at Okayama Station by Shinkansen → Lunch
Afternoon: Sightseeing at Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden → Move to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and walk around the town
Accommodation: Kurashiki or Okayama City
Day 2: From Uno Port to Naoshima and Teshima Island
The second day is the highlight of the art tour. If you plan to visit Naoshima and Teshima Island in one day, advance reservations and time management are key.
Morning: Take the JR Uno Line to Uno Port → Take the ferry to Naoshima(about 20 minutes)
Morning: Visit Benesse House, Chichu Art Museum, and Art House Project
Lunch: After lunch in Naoshima, travel to Teshima Island by high-speed boat (approx. 25 mins)
Afternoon: Visit Teshima Island Art Museum, Shima Kitchen, etc. → Return to Uno Port
Accommodation: Around Uno Port or Okayama City
Day 3: Relaxing sightseeing in Kurashiki or Okayama
The last day is a great day to look for souvenirs and take a leisurely stroll around the charming townscape.
Morning: Take JR train to Kurashiki Station → Visit the Bikan Historical Quarter and Ohara Museum of Art
Lunch: Enjoy local cuisine
Afternoon: Move to Okayama Station → Return home by Shinkansen
Other itinerary
Nearby tourist spots (Okayama Prefecture)
Be sure to also check out some popular spots in Okayama Prefecture that you might want to visit in conjunction with the art festival.
Okayama City
This is an area where history and nature come together. Korakuen in particular offers a variety of seasonal scenery.
・Okayama Korakuen Garden(one of Japan's three most famous gardens)
・Okayama Castle(characterized by its black lacquered castle tower)
・Historical spots such as Kibitsu-jinja Shrine and Saijo Inari
・Okayama gourmet (Demi-katsudon, fruit parfait)
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Enjoy parfait from Fruit Kingdom Okayama♪
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Kurashiki City
Kurashiki, where retro townscapes and art coexist in harmony, is a great place for strolling and taking photos.
・Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter(White-walled streetscape)
・Ohara Museum of Art(Western Art Collection)
・River boat rides, Machiya cafe
Tamano City, Uno Port area
At Uno Port, which is also the base for the art festival, you can enjoy appreciating art or taking a stroll along the seaside while waiting for your boat.
・Artworks are scattered around the port and in front of the station
・Great views and natural spots such as Mt. Ojigatake and Shibukawa Beach
Check the last Shinkansen train from Okayama to all over Japan!
[Last Shinkansen train times]
Okayama 20:37 → Tokyo 23:45
Okayama 21:44 → Nagoya 23:20
Okayama 22:48 → Osaka 23:37
Okayama 20:40 → Kagoshima Chuo 23:36
Okayama 22:09 → Hakata 23:51
Okayama 23:14 → Hiroshima 23:54
summary
The Setouchi Triennale 2025 is a special experience that will stimulate your senses in new ways, not only through art, but also through interactions with the islands' nature and local people. Using public transportation from Okayama as your base, you can travel around comfortably and efficiently.
Use this guide to plan your own art trip. Depending on how you plan it, anyone can enjoy a trip to see the art and sightseeing in Setouchi.
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