Art islands and canal towns

Art and design lovers. Best spring and autumn — check museum closing days.

1. Shinkansen to Okayama, then a short JR ride
2. Day 1Kurashiki

   Willow-lined canal, white storehouses, the Ohara Museum of Art. Stay for the quiet evening.

   White storehouses along a willow-lined canal.

3. About 20 min by ferry from Uno
4. Days 2–3Naoshima

   Chichu Art Museum (timed tickets), the Art House Project, Benesse House.

   An art island in the Seto Inland Sea.

5. By train via Okayama and Fukuyama
6. Days 4–5Onomichi

   The hillside temple walk, and a ride along the Shimanami cycle route.

   Hillside temples, cats and the start of the Shimanami Kaido.

Travel times are approximate (official rail and tourism pages, checked October 2026). Prices are set when booking opens in November 2026.