Seto Inland Sea Art Tours:
Naoshima & Teshima

Takamatsu, Naoshima, and Teshima:
Day 1
The journey begins in the Bikan Historical Quarter of Kurashiki
City. The white walled, black tiled homes are well preserved
examples of Japanese architecture dating back to as far as the17th century. Located along a canal once used for transporting
goods, the gently flowing waters reflecting classic facades,
wooden boats drifting, and the bent willow trees swaying withthe breeze transports one back to streets of late Edo Japan.
After a brief step back in time, you will board the Marine Linerbound for Takamatsu City. The Seto Bridge was completed asrecently as 1988 and the vastness of the swirling blue waters
whisking past truly accentuates the remoteness the region has
had for so long.
After arriving in Takamatsu City, you will be driven to thesprawling Ritusrin Garden to witness a prime example of classic
Japanese architecture. In addition to green ponds teeming withkoi fish, swaying pines, and vibrant seasonal flowers, one can also
witness the historical marks left by former rulers of Takamatsu.
Most notably these include non-native plants gifted by the lord’sof other prefectures, trees planted by nobles, and even an
artificial waterfall built for the amusement of a former lord ofTakamatsu.
During your time at the garden you will be treated to tea in aclassically renovated tea house overlooking the park. Here youcan enjoy the beauty and serenity in the same manner as those
who have maintained and kept this garden alive for the past 400years.

To end the day, you will have the chance to watch the sundisappear beneath the gentle blue waters of the Seto Inland Seaaboard a catamaran style yacht. With the sun’s departure, theyacht will bring you to Naoshima for the first night.

Takamatsu, Naoshima, and Teshima:
Day 2
After breakfast and checking out from your lodging, it will be a
day of artistic exploration and discovery on Naoshima.
To begin, you will view the various “art houses” located on theisland—renovated homes and buildings converted into
contemporary expressions of art.
After lunch taken at a local café, you will have an opportunity tovisit the Chichu Art Museum
Well established as a haven for artistic expression and freedom,the museum boasts installations and works of contemporary art
by figures such as James Turrell and Walter De Maria.
Furthermore, the museum itself was designed by famous selftaught Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Located on one of thehighest points of the island, the building takes advantage of thenatural light and space of the island and serves as an impressive
work of art in its own right, and a worthy home for the art inside.
The day will end with a ride on a private water taxi that will bring
you to the final stop on your artistic adventure, the island ofTeshima where you will spend the night in a traditional style
Japanese guesthouse.

Takamatsu, Naoshima, and Teshima:
Day 3A hidden gem amid the waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Teshima is
not nearly as well known as Naoshima. However, Teshima
embodies the joy of discovery and is the perfect example of why
we should seek the unexpected and the hidden when we travel.
After breakfast and departing your accommodation, you will havethe chance to experience Teshima Art Museum.
Located on slopes covered with rice terraces and overlooking theblue waters of the Seto Inland Sea, the museum matches thecurves and contours of the land seamlessly.
The cavernous interior allows light into the chamber via aperturesin the ceiling. The affect is an otherworldly atmosphere thatchanges depending on the time of day, weather, season, andpersonal mindset.
While walking through the reverent silence with only the sound ofwind, muffled footsteps, and nature, one can wrestle with thisthing we call “art.” Something dimly visible through the hectic
monotony of life, something real, something true, something
beautiful even. A “thusness” or essence that is perceivably felt
while experiencing the museum interior.
This day will also include a trip to Inujima, an even tinier island
waiting to be discovered. On this island you can witness thecreativity and transformative nature that art can possess. From1909 to 1919, an oil refinery provided work for the island. The
massive structure was never demolished and today the ivycovered walls and smokestacks have been transformed into an
open-air work of art displaying turn of the century industrial
architecture with the aim of encouraging the recycling andrepurposing of the industrial past.
And with this last day in the past, here the tour will end. And after
transportation back to Takamatsu, it will be one more trip overthe Seto Bridge toward Okayama. While one the train rushingover the sea back to Okayama, we hope that some aspect of thisjourney lingers with you providing some inspiration, lasting
experience, or simply some food for thought. And, while this trip
may be finished, there is always something to discover amid thewater of the Seto Inlanad Sea as well as on this quirky island wecall Shikoku.