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From Takamatsu Port to Naoshima, Teshima and Shodoshima.

The Setouchi art islands are 30 to 60 minutes from Takamatsu Port by boat. Each island is served by a different company from a different pier. Here are the times, the fares and a few tips.

Checked on the operators’ official websites on 22 September 2026. Times and fares can change, so please also check the official sites before you go.

At a glance (from Takamatsu Port)

Children of elementary-school age pay roughly half the adult fare.

To Naoshima

Naoshima’s main port is Miyanoura, home to Yayoi Kusama’s “Red Pumpkin”. Shikoku Kisen runs five ferries and three high-speed boats a day. The high-speed boats only run in the morning and at night, so during the day you cross by ferry.

• Ferries from Takamatsu: 8:12, 10:14, 12:40, 15:35, 18:05 (approx. 50 min)
• High-speed boats from Takamatsu: 7:20, 9:20, 20:30 (approx. 30 min)
• Last boats from Naoshima (Miyanoura) to Takamatsu: ferry 17:00, high-speed boat 19:45
• Buy tickets at the counter: from 40 minutes before departure for the ferry and 30 minutes for the high-speed boat. Cash only.
• No reservations — first come, first served.
• Bicycles are allowed on the ferry only (¥410 one-way).

For the Honmura area on the east side, where the Art House Project is, some Teshima Ferry sailings from Takamatsu call at Honmura Port (approx. 30 min, adults ¥1,450).

The Chichu Art Museum requires a timed reservation and is closed on Mondays (or the following day when Monday is a public holiday). Book your museum time first, then choose your boat.

To Teshima

Teshima’s Ieura Port is about 35 minutes from Takamatsu by Teshima Ferry’s high-speed boat — the only direct service between Takamatsu and Teshima.

• 20 March – 30 November: five sailings a day, reduced to three on Tuesdays, when the Teshima Art Museum is closed.
• 1 December – 19 March: three to four sailings a day.
• 70 passengers per boat, no reservations, first come, first served. Cash only.
• Some sailings call at Honmura on Naoshima first (approx. 50 min to Ieura).

To Shodoshima

For Tonosho Port on Shodoshima, Shodoshima Ferry runs both a ferry (approx. 60 min) and a high-speed boat (approx. 35 min). Tonosho is the handiest port for the Angel Road and the west of the island.

• Ferry: 15 sailings a day, adults ¥700 one-way, from early morning until night.
• High-speed boat: eight sailings a day (from Takamatsu between 7:40 and 18:30), adults ¥1,400 one-way.
• Foot passengers cannot reserve: buy your ticket at the pier on the day.
• One child under elementary-school age travels free with each adult (Shodoshima Ferry).
• Boats also run to Ikeda Port (Kokusai Ryobi Ferry) and Kusakabe Port (Uchinomi Ferry) on Shodoshima.

Tips

• Each company has its own pier. At the port, look for the sign with the company name and destination.
• High-speed boats are small and can fill up during holidays and the Setouchi Triennale. Be at the pier 30 minutes early.
• Many boats take cash only, so carry ¥1,000 notes and some coins.
• Sailings can be cancelled in strong wind or high waves. Check each operator’s service status on the morning you travel.
• Check the time of the last boat back before you set off.

From HOSHI NO UMI to Takamatsu Port

Takamatsu Port is about 1.5 km — roughly a 20-minute walk — from HOSHI NO UMI, right in front of JR Takamatsu Station. With heavy bags, take a bus towards the station from the Omatoba stop, a 7-minute walk from the house (¥200), or a taxi (about 6 minutes, around ¥900).

Catching the first boat? Spend the night before within walking distance of the port, and look out over the Seto Inland Sea before you set off for the islands.

Our four stays in Takamatsu

HOSHI NO UMI　Check availability