Kobe to Setouchi Triennale Art Festival Day Tour

Kobe , Japan

Kobe to Setouchi Triennale Art Festival Day Tour

Active

11h - 12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join us for a luxurious one-day trip on our premium bus to explore the contemporary art festival, Setouchi Triennale!
This festival is held every three years and features numerous artworks scattered around the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
Our vehicle will depart from Kobe and will take you to Uno Port, the gateway to the Setouchi Triennale. Here, our staff will provide you with round-trip ferry tickets to Naoshima island and help you board the ferry.
Naoshima has many artworks scattered all around the island, most of which are free to view. Here, you will have plenty of free time to explore the art installations at your own pace.
After you return to Uno Port, our vehicle will be waiting for you to take you back to Kobe.

Available options

Kobe to Setouchi Triennale Art Festival Day Tour

What's included

A blanket per person

Yui Prima Olivia luxury bus fare from Kobe to Uno Port (round-trip)

USB plugs on board

Free drink service

Japanese lunch box (Obento)

Amenities

Air-conditioned vehicle

Selected local soft drinks (only on board)

Access to the open air exhibitions of Setouchi Triennale

Restroom is available on the bus

Round-trip ferry tickets between Uno Port and Naoshima.

Bottled water

Selected local Japanese sake (only on board)

WiFi on board

English speaking service attendant inside the bus

Selected local coffee and/or tea (only on board)

Detailed itinerary

Renowned for its art and architecture, Naoshima is considered a mecca for contemporary art lovers all over the world. Here, you will be able to immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere and explore the Triennale contemporary art festival at your own pace.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Hotel bookings

Admission fees for the Setouchi Triennale artworks (outdoor artworks are typically free to view)

Personal guide on the island

Transportation on Naoshima Island

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For safety reasons, only passengers who are able to walk up the bus stairs and to their seats autonomously can participate in the tour.

Please note that only one large luggage (20-23 kg) per person can be stored in the bus trunk. You may carry your small bags with you to your seat.

Please note that if you are late for the tour start time or miss the ferry, you will not be able to join the tour midway.

Please note that the total duration of the trip includes the travel time.

Our bus has 21 seats. The seat pitch, which is the distance from your seat to the one in front of you, is 50 centimeters (approximately 19.7 inches).

The vehicle used is a luxury bus designed by the famous industrial designer Eiji Mitooka. The interior is made of wood materials, to recreate the essence of Japanese harmony and aesthetics.

Selected skilled bus driver.

English-speaking service attendant on board. The attendant will accompany you up until arriving at Naoshima.

Foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated in the trunk of the bus.

We recommend arriving 10 minutes before departure.

We do not supply any extra pick up & drop off service.

Important note: we only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 20 years old and above. Minor travelers below 20 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.

Please be aware that the return time is an estimate and may vary depending on traffic conditions along the way.

We are unable to accommodate dietary allergies for the lunch box

Meeting point

We will pick you up at the Kobe Sannomiya bus stop. You can find us on Google Maps. Our bus and English-speaking bus attentand will be waiting for you.
When you arrive, please show your ticket to the bus attendant.

About Kobe

Kobe is a vibrant port city known for its stunning harbor views, diverse architecture, and world-class cuisine. It's a blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern urban living, with a rich history as an international trading hub.

Top Attractions

Kobe Port Tower

A iconic red tower offering panoramic views of Kobe's harbor and skyline. It's a symbol of the city and a popular photo spot.

Architecture 1-2 hours ¥800

Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown)

One of the largest and most vibrant Chinatowns in Japan, filled with colorful shops, restaurants, and street food stalls.

Cultural 1-3 hours Free to explore, varies for food and shopping

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Ropeway

A beautiful garden with a variety of herbs and flowers, accessible by a scenic ropeway ride offering stunning views of Kobe.

Nature 2-3 hours ¥1,600 (includes ropeway and garden entry)

Kobe beef

Kobe beef is one of Japan's most famous and luxurious culinary delights, known for its tenderness and rich flavor. It's a must-try when visiting Kobe.

Cultural 1-2 hours (for a meal) Expensive (¥10,000-¥30,000 per person)

Arima Onsen

One of Japan's oldest and most famous hot spring resorts, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in a beautiful mountain setting.

Religious Half day to overnight ¥1,000-¥5,000 (varies by bathhouse and ryokan)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kobe beef

Tender, marbled beef from Tajima cattle, known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Dinner Contains beef

Ikayaki (grilled squid)

A Kobe specialty, this grilled squid is seasoned with soy sauce and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Snack Seafood, gluten (soy sauce)

Kobe-style sushi

A local twist on traditional sushi, featuring fresh seafood and unique toppings.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, gluten (soy sauce)

Menki crab

A popular winter delicacy, Menki crab is known for its sweet and tender meat.

Dinner Seafood

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Rokko Mountains Mountain biking Ropeway ride to Nunobiki Herb Garden Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic harbor cruises Temple and shrine visits Traditional crafts workshops

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers vibrant foliage.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken (in tourist areas)

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60Hz (varies by region)Hz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kobe is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, travelers should always be aware of their surroundings and take basic precautions to protect their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid sharing your PIN
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night

Getting there

By air

Kobe Airport • 12 km from city center
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 30 km from city center

By train

Shin-Kobe Station, Sannomiya Station

By bus

Sannomiya Bus Terminal, Kobe Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It's the best way to get around the city quickly.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sannomiya Kitano-cho Nada

Day trips

Himeji Castle

30 km from Kobe • Half day to full day

One of Japan's most famous and well-preserved feudal castles, known for its elegant white exterior and beautiful gardens.

Osaka

30 km from Kobe • Full day

A vibrant, bustling city known for its modern architecture, historic sites, and delicious street food. Osaka offers a mix of traditional and contemporary attractions.

Koyasan

50 km from Kobe • Full day to overnight

A sacred mountain and the center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Koyasan is home to numerous temples, monasteries, and beautiful gardens.

Festivals

Kobe Luminarie • Early December (dates vary) Kobe Port Festival • Early May (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Nunobiki Herb Garden and Ropeway for stunning views of Kobe and beautiful gardens.
Try Kobe beef at a high-end restaurant for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Explore the historic Kitano-cho neighborhood for a glimpse into Kobe's international past and beautiful views of the harbor.
Take a day trip to Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most famous and well-preserved feudal castles.
Visit the Kobe Luminarie festival in December for a breathtaking light display along the harbor.