I visited Teshima in the winter of 2018.

It is one of the islands in the Seto Inland Sea, between Honshu and Shikoku Island. I knew some islands recently have been popular to visit for art lovers, especially contemporary art. The most famous island is called "Naoshima".

I visited one of them called "Teshima", which is famous for the Teshima Art Museum. It was one of my absolutely unforgettable visits to Japan! But meanwhile, I really thought enough preparation was necessary to enjoy this art travel maximum. I will share with you useful tips for your "Teshima" adventure.

1. Before you traveling

Check the opening hours, book the ticket in advance

Seriously, museums or other galleries are not opened regularly. It depends on the weather and seasons too. So you had better check the opening hour and right timing to visit.

This is the website I used to check: Teshima Tourism Navi website

My top 3 most recommended sites: Teshima Art Museum (must-visit), Teshima Yokoo House, and Les Archives du Coeur.

And if you plan well, you can visit three or four more artworks in a day. Good planning is highly recommended.

Especially for the Teshima Art Museum, most importantly, purchase the ticket online in advance. It is a timed-ticket at 30 min intervals, and you cannot access it without "order confirmation mail".

When I arrived there, I saw some foreign travelers did not know this system, and they had not got online tickets. So they could not get in and had to leave…Oh no, that was the saddest!!

You cannot miss this museum when you come over to Teshima, so please prepare it online!

I purchased ticket here: Teshima Art Museum Online Tickets

Check the access

Teshima is an island, and the only way to visit is by boat or ferry. So check carefully how to get there.

I took a ferry from Uno port to Ieura port (Teshima has only one port), it takes about 30 min, and costs 780 yen. There are only 8 ferries to drive from Uno to Ieura, so be careful not to be late to get a ferry. Believe Japanese punctually even for the ferry.

2. After arrival the island

Get a Map!

As soon as I get off the ferry, I got the island map with all the art sites, for free (Since it was in 2018 so I am not sure if it still keeps the same way :))) Get this map, hold the map all the time on the island.

Of course, you still can check by your mobile phone, but keeping the map by my side made me feel like a treasure haunting!

Get a Bike!

Between museums or art sites, I strongly recommend renting a bicycle. By bicycle, you can enjoy the island's nature, local life, and atmosphere.

Especially, the access road to "Les Archives du Coeur" was the most impressive ride to me!

According to the online guide, it seems that on Japanese long holidays like Summer Holiday or Golden weeks, the rental bike will be a shortage due to many travelers, so it should be reserved in advance in the holiday season.

For your reference: Bicycle, Motorcycle and Car Rental on Teshima Tourism Navi

3. So, you are ready!

Ok, now you have a ticket, a local map, and a bicycle. So start your adventure, now your turn!! Please find your own way to enjoy this beautiful island!

You may see local people during road cycling, don't forget to say "Konnichiwa!"(Hello), they are friendly and welcome you warmly.