May 6, 2026, cloudy weather. Today I will head to Naoshima to begin the third week of my journey.

About Naoshima

Naoshima is a small island in Kagawa Prefecture, located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, about 3 km from Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture. It is famous as an "art island"; the island features a tranquil seaside landscape of white sand, green pines, bays, and hills, while also retaining fishing villages, ports, and industrial history. Since the late 20th century, projects such as Benesse Art Site Naoshima have combined contemporary art, museums designed by architects like Tadao Ando, and the island's natural environment, making Naoshima a unique travel destination for appreciating works such as the Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, Benesse House, and Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin Sculpture.

Preparation

Before departure, it is recommended to make preparations.

How to Get to Naoshima

There are usually two main routes to Naoshima: the most convenient is via Uno Port from the Okayama direction, or via Takamatsu Port from the Kagawa/Takamatsu direction.

Route 1

Okayama → Uno Port → Naoshima Miyaura Port

From Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, etc., first take the Shinkansen to Okayama Station; official travel time is about 3 hours 25 minutes from Tokyo to Okayama, about 50 minutes from Shin-Osaka to Okayama, and about 40 minutes from Hiroshima to Okayama. After arriving at Okayama, transfer to JR to Uno Port, then take a ferry to Naoshima.

Route 2

Okayama → Takamatsu → Naoshima Miyaura Port

Similarly, first go to Okayama, then take a ferry from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima Miyaura Port. The trip from Takamatsu to Naoshima takes about 50 minutes, and from Naoshima back to Takamatsu about 60 minutes.

Notes

Ferries and high-speed boats to Naoshima have different ticket offices and schedules, so be careful when purchasing tickets!

High-speed boats are faster but more expensive, and cannot carry cars or bicycles.

Ferries are more economical and can carry cars or bicycles; choose according to your needs.

Recommended Route Selection

Generally, Naoshima, Ogijima, and Megijima are visited together.

Therefore, the following two options are recommended:

Okayama → Uno Port → Naoshima Miyaura Port → Takamatsu

Then visit Ogijima and Megijima on the second day.

Or, like my pilgrimage this time, first visit Ogijima and Megijima on the first day, then on the second day take:

Takamatsu → Naoshima Miyaura Port → Uno Port → Okayama

This achieves maximum efficiency for the pilgrimage.

How to Pilgrimage Naoshima

Compared to Ogijima and Megijima, Naoshima is larger, but not too large to walk.

If you choose to walk, a loop of the main pilgrimage spots is about 9 km, and considering photo stops and meals, it should take no more than 5 hours.

Moreover, Naoshima's bus service is relatively abundant and cheap. You can choose to walk a section and take a bus for another.

However, most people probably rent a bicycle at the port. The advantage is higher efficiency, but the downside is that you might miss some surprises.

Because if you choose to walk, you will encounter:

A Slowpoke manhole cover.

Shorinji Kempo.

And randomly appearing islanders who recommend you go see their or others' artworks.

Anyway, this time I chose the walking plus bus mode for the pilgrimage.

It's not because I can't ride a bike!

Now, the pilgrimage officially begins!

Miyaura Port

Seeing this scene feels like starting a new game.

Panorama photo of the port.

Fuu-chan Rental Cycle

Original name: ふうちゃんレンタサイクル

Before even getting off the boat, I saw this very conspicuous bicycle rental shop.

Decorations outside the shop.

Here you can rent bicycles from the Pirate Mustache Cat Group.

Bicycles are in high demand; if you come late, they might all be rented out.

Panorama photo outside the shop.

Indoor photos.

This shop really loves this work too!!

Candy Store

Unfortunately, it's already closed.

Through the glass door, you can still see traces of the past.

Panoramic view outside the store.

Reservoir

Shiroha's House

The corresponding location is: Saryo Omiyake

But unfortunately, it was under renovation and inaccessible.

And it seems to be a long-term project; no idea when it will finish.

Near Kato House

Almost a perfect replica!

Kato House

Actually corresponds to the guesthouse Ishii Shoten.

If you want to visit Kato House, I recommend booking this guesthouse!

Reservation link: https://tabichat.jp/engine/hotels/ishiishoten

Even if it shows no availability, you can still try to book.

Many thanks to the owner of Ishii Shoten.

Entrance

Room

Dining room

Also inside Ishii Shoten.

This photo was provided by a fellow traveler I met later; it's a very accurate shot!

Decorations inside the dining room.

Finally, thanks again to the owner of Ishii Shoten for the hospitality!

Shiroha's fishing spot

This spot is special; you can only enter when the tide is low.

So you must check the tide times before going, because not only might you be unable to enter, but you could alsobe unable to get out!

Check website: https://fishingjapan.jp/shiomihyou/37/373648/22578/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Don't attempt it if the tide level is above 160cm!

Unfortunately, my trip didn't coincide with good tide conditions.

So I could only look from afar.

But!

The fellow traveler I met on Ogijima yesterday arrived an hour earlier and successfully entered the area. He provided me with photos—thank you!

Interior photos.

There's even a sign with Shiroha's name!

Looks like I'll have to visit Naoshima again next time!

Nearby is also the location for Kato Umi's main visual.

Let's take a panoramic photo.

Torishiro Island Beach

I spotted this seaside torii gate from far away.

This is the torii gate that appears at the end of Mizori Shizuku's route.

Stones on the torii gate.

Beach House

The building is very faithful to the game, except it's not on the beach.

Inside the shop.

Feeling hungry, I ordered a bowl of whitebait rice.

Full of umami!

But wait, why isn't there any curry?

Menu screen

According to online sources, the location for the game's menu screen is Lee Ufan "Infinity Door".

However, I'm not sure if I found the right spot or if the timing was off, but the grass near the sea was still withered and yellow.

A bit of a shame.

But the Infinity Door is still very beautiful!

Naoshima Coastal Road

On the way back, there were no scenes from the game, but there were some scenes from the anime.

It was a good chance to revisit some of Kamome's scenes from the anime.

One last look at Naoshima.

Uno Station

For the return trip, I chose to go via Uno Port.

Because the nearby station is where the protagonist and Shiroha had their first date.

That said, I couldn't find an exact match.

I think the game merged these two locations.

Panoramic view of the station.

Uno Station is also full of artistic atmosphere!

Conclusion

With this, the pilgrimage for "Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE" has come to an end.

Actually, there were still some regrets along the way. For example, I couldn't reach Shiroha's fishing spot, and due to time constraints, I couldn't visit Naruse Shrine.

Of course, there were more surprises during the trip: like the Fried Rice Festival at Toyoji's house, the warmth of the islanders, and the pilgrimage to Kato House!

But I think the pilgrimage for "Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE" isn't truly over. If I have the chance next time, I'd like to experience it all over again.

Finally, I'd like to thank the seniors I met along the way for providing photos, and also thank the islanders who helped me during my stay.

See you next time on the pilgrimage!