Can I transfer to another ship? Tips for Accessing Inujima Report to Prepare for Island Travel

Inujima(Inujima) is the only inhabited island off the coast of Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. It is a small island with a circumference of about 4 kilometers and a population of around 30 people.
The island once prospered through copper smelting and quarrying. The ruins of the smelter, designated as a heritage site of industrial modernization, have been revitalized as the “ InujimaSmelter Art Museum.” Additionally, various art installations—such as “ InujimaArt House Project ” and “ InujimaThe Botanical Garden of Everyday Life”—have been integrated into the village landscape.
As you stroll through the nostalgic alleyways, you can experience both the art and the island’s way of life.

InujimaThe best way to explore the island is on foot. With many gentle slopes and flat paths, it’s a great island for strolling.
Once you arrive on the island, head first to the “ Inujima” located immediately to your left as you disembark. This facility houses the ferry ticket counter, coin-operated lockers, restrooms, and a souvenir shop. A beautiful beach stretches out behind it. (Since there are only a few restrooms on the island, be sure to use the facilities at the ticket center or other areas around the port before you start exploring.)

Also, there are no convenience stores or supermarkets on the island, and only about three vending machines. It’s a good idea to bring your own drinks, snacks, and trash bags. There are several great restaurants on the island, but some may require advance reservations, so be sure to check their Instagram accounts or websites beforehand.

There are also unmanned kiosks around the harbor, where, thanks to the thoughtfulness of the islanders, you’ll find emergency supplies like band-aids, as well as drinks and souvenirs. Discoveries like these are one of the unique joys of traveling to a small island.

In addition, the art facilities listed at Inujimamay be closed on certain days of the week or undergo extended closures during the winter. Furthermore, reservations are required for the major art facilities listed at Inujima. Please check the “Opening Calendar” on the Benesse Art Site ( Naoshima) in advance to confirm opening hours and reservation availability.

Also, the number of ferry trips and whether service is available may vary depending on the museum’s opening hours, soHow about a Ferry Schedule? please check the operating information here.

The simplest way to get there is via the ferry route connecting Hoden Port in Okayama Prefecture and Inujima. With 6 to 8 departures a day, you’ll be joining the locals on their daily ferry ride. Once you reach Hoden Port, the trip takes about 10 minutes—you’ll arrive in the blink of an eye.

Although Hoden Port is a distance from both the train station and the airport, there is a direct bus from JR Okayama Station that takes about 50 minutes to get there. Since the bus runs only on certain days of the week, please check the Ryobi Bus website for the latest information. If you are driving, please use the parking lot at Hoden Port.

Naoshima— Teshima— High-speed ferries connecting the three islands of Inujimaoperate three one-way trips per day, timed to coincide with the museum’s opening hours. This route is ideal for experienced island travelers who enjoy island hopping. Since there are no direct services from Takamatsu Port or Uno Port to Inujima, you’ll need to make a connection via Naoshimaor Teshima.

There are a few things to keep in mind regarding this connection. In particular, when transferring via Naoshima, you’ll need to purchase your ticket in cash at the ticket counter at Miyaura Port Ferry Terminal (where ferries from Takamatsu and Uno arrive). After that, you’ll need to proceed to the passenger ship pier—which is separate from the ferry terminal (a pier about a 2- to 3-minute walk to the northwest).

For example, if you take the first ferry from Takamatsu around 8:00 a.m. and arrive at Naoshimaaround 9:00 a.m., the minimum transfer time is 18 minutes. At first glance, this seems fine, but when you factor in buying tickets and walking to the pier, it’s actually quite tight… During peak seasons, there are cases where you might not be able to board the ferry—for instance, because people who stayed overnight at Naoshimaare already lining up early, or because the ferry fills up with passengers traveling from Naoshimato Teshima.

① Leisurely Transfer Itinerary
We recommend an itinerary that allows for about an hour of transfer time. For example, if you take a ferry departing from Takamatsu Port in the 10:00 a.m. hour bound for Naoshima, spend the approximately one-hour transfer time around Miyaura Port ( Naoshima)—where time flies by as you admire outdoor art, visit cafes, or take a stroll—and then catch the ferry bound for Inujimain the 12:00 p.m. hour, you’ll have over three hours to spend at Inujima.
Similarly, if you depart from Uno Port, taking a ferry around 11:00 a.m. will give you about 50 minutes of buffer time at Naoshimabefore your 12:00 p.m. ferry to Inujima. If you have an early lunch at Uno Port and then wait for the ferry to Inujimawhile enjoying a coffee at Naoshima, you can rest assured you won’t miss lunch.

② Day Trip from the Kansai Area
For example, if you depart from Shin-Osaka at 8:00 a.m., you’ll arrive at JR Okayama Station in about 40 minutes by Shinkansen. If you take the bus bound for Hoden Port, which departs from JR Okayama Station sometime in the 9:00 a.m. hour, a day trip to Inujimais entirely feasible.

③ Speedy Course (For Advanced Travelers)
If you’re staying at Naoshimafor 2 nights and 3 days (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday), this is an ambitious itinerary that lets you visit both Teshimaand Inujimaon Monday—when the Naoshimaart museum is closed. Take a ferry from Naoshimaaround 9:00 a.m. to Teshima, stay for about 3 hours, and take your time exploring the Teshimaart museum. Afterward, take a ferry from Teshimaaround noon to Inujima.You’ll have about 2 to 3 hours—until the last ferry just before 4:00 p.m.—to fully enjoy Inujima. While you won’t have time to relax at a café, this itinerary offers an exceptionally fulfilling experience for those who want to visit as many islands as possible.

Inujimais an island that, precisely because it’s small, is packed with charm. Unlike larger islands, its narrow alleys and retro signs—scenes that evoke a sense of nostalgia—have been carefully preserved. Come visit to experience not only the art but also the texture of island life with all five senses. Please check for the latest information before you go.