FAQ

Below are answers to some common questions at Naoshima in Benesse Art Site Naoshima.
For other questions, please contact us as indicated on this page.

Frequently asked questions: About Naoshima

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Answer

Transport

QuestionHow do I get around Naoshima?
Answer
You can use the Naoshima Town Bus, a rental bicycle, or simply walk. Please see our Naoshima Map page for more information.
QuestionAre there any taxis on Naoshima?
Answer
There is one shared taxi on the island. We recommend making an advance reservation. Please see the Naoshima Taxi websitefor more information.
QuestionIs there a parking area close to the Chichu Art Museum?
Answer
Parking is available at the Ticket Center. However, parking spaces are limited, and so rather than driving we recommend visitors use the Naoshima Town Bus to travel around the island, and the free shuttle bus to travel within the Benesse Art Site Naoshima area.
QuestionIs there a parking area close to the Lee Ufan Museum?
Answer
There is a parking area a 5 minute walk from the museum, available for use by guests staying at Benesse House.
QuestionHow do I get back to the port (宮浦港; Miyanoura-ko) after attending the Open Sky Night Program at the Chichu Art Museum?
Answer
There is a transportation service back to the hotel for guests of Benesse House. Other visitors may walk, bicycle, or use the Naoshima Taxi. Because there is only one vehicle, we recommend making an advance reservation if you wish to use the taxi. Please see the Naoshima Taxi websitefor more information. It may take a reasonably fit person 15 minutes to bicycle and 35 minutes at a brisk pace to walk.
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About the museums located on Naoshima

QuestionIs it possible to reenter the museums?
Answer
Visitors may reenter the Lee Ufan Museum on the day of the original visit only; the Benesse House Museum can be reentered on the same day and the following day. Entrance tickets must be presented for reentry to Chichu Art Museum and the Art House Project.
However, guests staying at Benesse House are able to reenter the Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, Benesse House Museum, and Art House Project at any time during their stay. Please inquire at the Benesse House front desk for more information.
QuestionCan I take my pet into the museums located on Naoshima?
Answer
Unfortunately pets are not allowed to enter any of the Naoshima. Please note also museums there is no pet minding service.
QuestionIs it possible to borrow a wheelchair, and can I visit the museums using a wheelchair?
Answer
Wheelchairs are available, and it is possible to visit the museums using a wheelchair. Wheelchair numbers are limited, so please be sure to reserve one in advance. You can find the contact numbers for each of the museums on the Our facilities page.
QuestionI have a Physical Disability Certificate. Does this entitle me to a discount on museum entrance fees?
Answer
None of the museums except the Benesse House Museum offer discounts or waive entrance fees.
QuestionHow much time should I allot for the museums located on Naoshima?
Answer
The following times apply as a rule of thumb for the time to allot to each museum:
  • Chichu Art Museum: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Lee Ufan Museum: 30 minutes
  • Benesse House Museum: 1 hour
  • Art House Project: 2 hours
QuestionI just want to visit the cafes and shops in the the museums located on Naoshima.
Answer
Entrance tickets are required in order to visit the cafes and shops in the museums. However, the shop near Benesse House Hotel and the Honmura Lounge & Archive can be visited without purchasing a museum entrance ticket. For more information, please see the Restaurant & Shop Guide page.
QuestionI've heard that you need a waiting number to get into the Chichu Art Museum and the Minamidera (Art House Project) when they are crowded.
Answer
To help provide a better viewing experience for all visitors, we distribute waiting numbers and restrict the number of people entering at one time when we have a lot of visitors. Please ask the staff of each museum for more information when you visit.
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Artworks located on Naoshima

QuestionCan I photograph the artworks?
Answer
We request visitors not to take photographs on museum premises. We also ask visitors not to take videos or make sketches. However, in some cases individual museums allow visitors to take photographs of outside artworks and certain other works. Please read the information below, and ask museum staff if you require further information.

- Chichu Art Museum：Visitors may take photographs in the Ticket Center and the Chichu Garden.

- Lee Ufan Museum：Visitors may photograph the artworks located outside the building. Once past the ticket counter, however, no photography is allowed.

- Benesse House Museum：Only outside artworks may be photographed.

- Art House Project： In order to respect the privacy of neighboring residents, passersby, and other　visitors, only photographs of the exterior of the houses may be taken.

- Naoshima Bath "I♥湯"： In order to respect the privacy of neighboring residents, passersby, and other visitors, only photographs of the exterior may be taken.


We also ask that visitors use any photographs that they take for their personal enjoyment and not for publication or similar purposes.
QuestionCan the art work exhibited outdoors be touched?
Answer
To prevent any damage, please refrain from touching the outdoor art work.
QuestionHow do I learn about the art work at Benesse Art Site Naoshima?
Answer
Every Facilities has originalpublications in Benesse Art Site Naoshima.

Benesse House Museum and Art House Project: Remain in Naoshima
Chichu Art Museum: Chichu Handbook
Lee Ufan Museum: Lee Ufan Museum
Please refer to the web page for publications.
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About visiting the museum in a group (10 or more people)

QuestionIs a discount available for groups?
Answer
We do not offer discounts for groups.
QuestionIs there anything we should be aware of if visiting the museums in a large group (10 or more people)?
Answer
Please contact the individual museums in advance if wishing to visit in a group of 10 or more.
Please see the Our facilities page for contact details.
QuestionIs there parking space for large vehicle like tour buses?
Answer
Parking space is available for museum visitors who arrive in buses. Because advance reservations are required for some spaces, please contact the individual museum in advance.
Please see the Our facilities page for contact details.
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About Hotel Benesse House

QuestionWhat should I do if I want to use the seminar rooms?
Answer
Benesse House has two conference rooms that can be used for seminars and other events.
  • Museum Lecture Room (Museum building)
    • Theater style (with chairs): Maximum capacity of 60 persons
    • School style (with tables and chairs): Maximum capacity of 30 persons
  • Park Hall (Park building)
    • Theater style (with chairs): Maximum capacity of 200 persons
    • School style (with tables and chairs): Maximum capacity of 100 persons
    • Buffet style: Maximum capacity of 80 persons
Please contact Benesse House for room rates, available equipment, and other information.
Tel. +81-(0)87-892-3223
QuestionWhat time is hotel check-in and check-out?
Answer
Check-in is 3:00 p.m. and check-out is 11:00 a.m.
QuestionWhat credit cards are accepted?
Answer
VISA, Master Card, American Express, JCB, and Diners Club.
QuestionIs parking available?
Answer
Yes, we have free parking areas for overnight guests.
QuestionI would like to see Oval. Is it possible to look around Oval without actually staying at Benesse House?
Answer
In consideration of our guests' privacy, only overnight guests in Oval can view Oval.
QuestionIs an Internet connection available in the guest rooms?
Answer
There are no Internet connections in the guestrooms, but we provide public computers for overnight guests at Benesse House. There are 2 computers in Park and one each in Museum and Oval, and part of the facility has free wireless access points.
QuestionIs transportation available upon arrival at the Miyanoura port (宮浦港; Miyanoura-ko) between the ferry terminal and Benesse House for hotel guests?
Answer
Yes. Benesse House shuttle buses are available when the ferry arrives at the the Miyanoura port. If you plan to arrive or leave during a period when the shuttle buses are not operating, we can arrange to have you picked up or dropped off if you notify us ahead of time.
QuestionDo you accept luggage that is delivered prior to arrival?
Answer
Yes. Please indicate the name of the hotel guest and the arrival date and send it to the following address (please clearly state the name of the building where the hotel guest will be staying).

Benesse House (Museum/Oval/Park/Beach)
Address; Gotanji, Naoshima, Kagawa 7613110 Japan
Tel. : +81-(0)87-892-3223
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Miscellaneous

QuestionAre there any automated teller machine (ATM) for personal banking near the museums?
Answer
There is an ATM in the Naoshima Post Office in the Honmura district where the Art Houses Project is located. There is also an ATM in the Miyanoura Post Office in the Miyaura Port area. For information including opening hours, please see the Japan Post website.
QuestionIs there any place we can eat outside? Can we do fireworks around hotel?
Answer
It is not allowed to eat out, do fireworks, or to swim on our premises all-year around.
QuestionAre there medical facilities on Naoshima?
Answer
A municipal hospital, the Fureai Clinic (ふれあい診療所; Fureai Shinryosho), is located in Miyanoura (available 24 hours).
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