Naoshima receives travellers from two sides of the Seto Inland Sea: Uno Port in Okayama Prefecture and Takamatsu Port in Kagawa. The more convenient route usually depends on where your long-distance train arrives. From Okayama, the JR Uno Line reaches Uno Station and the port is a short walk away; from Takamatsu, the railway station and ferry area are also close to each other. Your choice changes how much of the day is spent travelling before you reach the island’s museums and villages.
The Uno–Miyanoura crossing takes about twenty minutes. Takamatsu–Miyanoura takes roughly an hour on the conventional ferry, with faster passenger boats on selected departures. The arrival port matters too: Miyanoura is the main gateway, while Honmura has limited services from Uno. Ferries and fast boats do not always use the same pier, and the operator does not take individual passenger reservations; boarding is first come, first served, so arrive with time to spare. Check the timetable, fare and sea conditions on the day.
At Miyanoura, a local bus links the port with Tsutsujiso and the museum area; Benesse also runs its own shuttle within its site, subject to separate schedules and rules. The island can be explored by bicycle, bus or on foot, but distances, hills and closing times make your port choice part of the itinerary. Uno is easier for a short crossing and an Okayama arrival; the longer Takamatsu crossing can suit travellers staying on Shikoku or connecting with other Kagawa ports.
Takamatsu’s terminal building provides covered waiting space, ferry ticket services and a pedestrian link to the boarding area; at Uno, the railway station and pier are a quick walk apart. User comments describe Takamatsu as a practical urban terminal, though some visitors find it confusing to distinguish the ferry from the fast boat. Uno has far fewer public ratings, so its score should be treated cautiously. Before booking island visits, map the route from the actual pier and leave time for the return crossing.
Profiles of the recommended places: Uno Port · Takamatsu Port Terminal Building
Choose Uno for a shorter crossing and simple Okayama connection; Takamatsu fits a Shikoku itinerary. Always confirm the pier and final departure.
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These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Uno Port is Okayama’s sea link with Naoshima and other islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The pier is a short walk from Uno Station, which keeps the transfer simple for travellers arriving by rail from Okayama. Most visitors use the terminal for Miyanoura; passenger boats also serve Honmura, although t
Okayama-side port for ferries to Miyanoura and passenger boats to Honmura on Naoshima.
Takamatsu Port Terminal Building
8-28 Sunport, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0019, Japan
Takamatsu Port Terminal Building sits beside the northern end of JR Takamatsu Station and makes a convenient departure point for Naoshima for travellers staying on or arriving in Shikoku. Covered waiting space and a pedestrian connection to the berths are helpful in rain or with luggage. Conventiona
Passenger waiting building and pedestrian link to ferry and fast-boat berths for Naoshima.
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of Uno Port ↗
Primary source
Shikoku Kisen · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Takamatsu Port Terminal Building ↗
Primary source
Shikoku Kisen · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Benesse Art Site Naoshima · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Shikoku Kisen · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Uno Port Google review summary ↗
Secondary source
Wanderlog reproducing Google · Accessed October 12, 2026
Exact Uno Port listing: Google 4.5/5 from 4 reviews, a very small sample; checked 2026-10-12.
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Takamatsu Port Terminal Building Google review summary ↗
Secondary source
Wanderlog reproducing Google · Accessed October 12, 2026
Exact terminal building listing: Google 3.7/5 from 141 reviews; checked 2026-10-12.
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Uno Port Google review summary ↗
Secondary source
Wanderlog reproducing Google · Accessed October 12, 2026
Exact Uno Port listing: Google 4.5/5 from 4 reviews; very small public sample, checked 2026-10-12.
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Takamatsu Port Terminal Building Google review summary ↗
Secondary source
Wanderlog reproducing Google · Accessed October 12, 2026
Exact terminal building listing: Google 3.7/5 from 141 reviews, checked 2026-10-12.