Destination Naoshima Tour 2027: From the Sea of Japan to Island Art
Location Highlights for the Destination Naoshima Tour
Kyoto – Kinosaki Onsen – Tottori – Kurashiki – Naoshima – Takamatsu – Tokyo – and more!
Tour Dates (Full Package):
April 16 – April 26, 2027
Full Package: $6,090/person
(includes roundtrip air tickets from HNL)
Land Package: $4,690/person
(does not include any air tickets)
Special Offer: Book by October 15, 2026 for $100 off!
Destination Naoshima Tour Overview
Wander from the lesser-known Sea of Japan coast to the country’s famous “Art Island” of Naoshima
Discover a slice of Japan far beyond the ordinary! Beginning on the country’s gorgeous Sea of Japan coast, you’ll meander through prefectures most visitors never reach while taking in the country’s historical traditions and extensive art culture. Several of the country’s best museums await, with a fusion of history, art, and nature that is distinctly Japanese. A special highlight is an exclusive stay at the luxurious Benesse House on Naoshima, known as “Japan’s Art Island”, for a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Come explore a fascinating new side of Japan on a trip that blends relaxation, culture, art, and exceptional cuisine into a journey that you won’t soon forget.
What’s included on the Destination Naoshima Tour
Transportation
- Round-trip flights with Japan Airlines from Honolulu (Full Package only)
- Domestic flight with JAL from Takamatsu to Tokyo
- A private driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
Meals
- 23 delicious meals, carefully curated with local flavors and regional specialties
- No hidden fees! HIS includes more meals than any other travel agency!
Accommodations
- 9 nights at premium accommodations, including a night on Naoshima Island at the incredible Benesse House Museum Hotel.
- Tired of switching hotels all the time? We include consecutive stays multiple times throughout the tour. No unpacking and repacking every night!
And More!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
- $200 repeater discount on all future HIS tours
Cultural Experiences
- Traditional thatched-roof houses of Miyama Village “Kayabuki no Sato”
- UNESCO Global Geopark Tottori Sand Dunes + Sand Museum
- Iconic art installations like Kusama Yayoi’s “Red Pumpkin” and the Lee Ufan Museum, both located on Naoshima.
- Adachi Museum of Art and Gardens, ranked as the best gardens in Japan for over twenty consecutive years
Savor a night on Naoshima amidst the exclusive luxury of the Benesse House Hotel! Photos courtesy of Benesse House Museum.
Destination Naoshima Tour Itinerary
Hotels and activities subject to change in case of unexpected circumstances
April 16, 2027: Honolulu Departure (Day 0)
Begin your journey meeting your tour escort and fellow travelers at Honolulu Airport (HNL). Relax before your nonstop flight to Kansai with Japan Airlines, known for their excellent in-flight service and surprisingly good food!
April 17, 2027: Arrival in Japan (Day 1)
Welcome to Japan! Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX), meet your local Japanese guide, and board the group’s bus to your comfortable hotel in Kyoto. A bento box dinner will be distributed for you to enjoy at your leisure. Rest for the evening and prepare for the fun to come!
- Hotel: Hearton Hotel Kyoto
- Meals: Light dinner, plus two meals onboard your flight
April 18, 2027: Miyama Mystique (Day 2)
Immerse yourself in the peaceful countryside of Kyoto around the scenic Miyama area. Visit Kayabuki no Sato, a charming village known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, and enjoy a Kayabuki experience, seeing the traditonal houses up close. Move to Kinosaki Onsen, check in to your ryokan, enjoy a delicious Japanese dinner, and relax in the hot springs.
- Hotel: Nishimuraya Shogetsutei ♨️
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 19, 2027: Tottori’s Stupendous Sand (Day 3)
Wander around the famous Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo prefecture’s picturesque and historical hot spring town built along a stunning river lined with willow trees. Head west into Tottori to see the UNESCO Global Geopark Tottori Sand Dunes and admire massive sand sculptures at the Sand Museum.
- Hotel: Hotel New Otani Tottori
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 20, 2027: Art and Gorgeous Gardens (Day 4)
Spend the morning at the renowned Adachi Museum of Art, famous for its beautifully designed Japanese gardens and vast collections of modern Japanese art. Continue to the nostalgic city of Kurayoshi and visit the adorable Acepack Nashikkokan/Tottori Nijisseiki Pear Museum, explore the pear-themed exhibits, interactive displays, and more to learn about Tottori’s beloved local fruit. You’ll have time this evening to choose your own dinner. If you’re in the mood, be sure to try the local specialty “beef bone ramen” for a real treat!
- Hotel: Hotel New Otani Tottori
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
April 21, 2027: Kurashiki Historical Quarter (Day 5)
Head down to Kurashiki, often called the “Venice of Japan”, and feel the rich history around the historic Bikan District, where you can see the preserved Edo-period streets and lovely canals flowing throughout the town.
- Hotel: Kurashiki IVY Square
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 22, 2027: To “Art Island” Naoshima (Day 6)
Move to Uno Port and board a quick ferry to Naoshima, Japan’s art island! Visit the iconic Red Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama overlooking the sea as well as the Art House Project where empty houses turn into creative art installations. Stay the night at the Benesse House, an exclusive, luxurious “museum hotel” blending architecture, art, and nature.
- Hotel: Benesse House
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 23, 2027: Over to Takamatsu (Day 7)
Check out the Chichu Museum, an underground museum built to preserve the natural scenery of the Seto Inland Sea while creating a unique space for contemporary art pieces. Wander the Lee Ufan Museum, where minimalist artworks, architecture and nature all connect together, then move by ferry to Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku.
- Hotel: Sanuki Goshikidai ♨️
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 24, 2027: Kotohira Sightseeing (Day 8)
Spend a leisurely day around the famous Kotohira Shrine, where you can enjoy fantastic views of Shikoku’s bucolic landscape plus browse a wide variety of shops for omiyage. Celebrate your trip with a special farewell dinner this evening.
- Hotel: Sanuki Goshikidai ♨️
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 24, 2027: Takamatsu to Tokyo (Day 9)
After breakfast, head to Takamatsu Airport and take a short domestic flight to Tokyo. Leave your luggage at the hotel and spend the rest of your day exploring Tokyo at your own pace.
- Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
April 25, 2027: Return to Honolulu (Day 10)
Use your hotel room up until departure for the airport while spending the morning and afternoon at your leisure. Head to Haneda Airport and fly nonstop back to Honolulu with Japan Airlines. Welcome home!
- Hotel: —
- Meals: Breakfast, plus two meals served onboard your international flight
Pricing
Early-booking Special Offer:
Book by October 15, 2026 to SAVE $100!
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$6,090.00*
$4,690.00**
$1,100.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: April in this region of Japan is generally quite pleasant, with temperatures hovering around the mid 60s during the day.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour. If you require special consideration, such as a wheelchair, please let us know in advance.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are periods of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including a full free afternoon and evening to roam around Tokyo at your own pace.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 23 exceptional meals: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners. Meals during free time are on your own so you can explore local specialties at your own pace.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of premium, modern hotels and traditional onsen (hot springs) resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere. A special chance is a night spent on Naoshima Island at Benesse House, a luxurious “museum hotel” typically very difficult to book!
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international tickets between Honolulu and Japan, as well as the domestic flight from Takamatsu to Tokyo, are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: This group is limited in size (30 participants) to ensure the best accommodations and restaurants, a comfortable pace, and personalized service from your guide and escort.
