I have done enough research online to know that it is /possible/, and that there is some public transportation on the island, but I was hoping some here might have some insight into what the experience might be.
My main interest is of course the Teshima Art Museum, and other art exhibits on the island.
Do you think a one or maybe two night trip would be worth it? Would a major part of those couple days be taken up by transportation?
Any thoughts appreciated!
5 comments
There are rental bicycle on the island. Bus are pretty infrequent but manageable if you plan properly.
Of course, if you visited during Setouchi Art Triennial the bus are much, much more frequent.
I would say that it’s not very practical considering the ferry schedules, though two day stay may somewhat alleviate that, but unless you want to drive to Uno in the middle of the night and drive back well into the late evening – your stay would be more like two half-days rather than two full days.
And well, there are cheap bike rental stations in both ports.
Totally doable. Start early, train/ferry combo, rent an electric assisted bicycle to cycle around the island (don’t bother with the island transport, the electric bike will get you up the hills just fine.) I loved it there.
I’ve been to Teshima four times and it is totally fine to go without a car! Most people do. If you get there early you can rent an electric bicycle, which I really recommend. You should try to reserve one ahead of time from a little shop called Setouchi Karen. Bicycle is the best way to experience the island imo. Otherwise there is a bus you can use, just make sure to check the bus times and plan properly.
Btw right now you must book an online reservation for the Teshima Art Museum. I didn’t know last time I went and was totally bummed we couldn’t enter! Also there is an ice cream shop called Ichigo that I highly recommend 🙂 Enjoy your trip!!
Edit: If you have a bicycle and get there on the first ferry then I think one day is enough time.
Absolutely doable. I would do two nights in Naoshima (the other/bigger art island), and then hit up Teshima (less to see) the following morning before continuing on your journey.
There are buses, but we hitchhiked back from the art museum to the port and were picked up on our first try (something I haven’t even tried elsewhere in Japan).
Naoshima and Teshima might be my favorite couple of days in all of my 5 trips to Japan. I can’t recommend it enough!