Traveling with children to the art island of Naoshima: 5 recommended hotels and ryokan / Kagawa

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From Honshu, it takes about 20 minutes by ferry from Uno Port Okayama. Naoshima, a small island floating in the Seto Inland Sea, is a peaceful island with a laid-back atmosphere surrounded by abundant nature. In fact, it is the stage for the Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival held once every three years in conjunction with other small islands. Although art may seem intimidating when traveling with children, it is an island where children can encounter exciting art works, such as the large vegetable art piece "Red Pumpkin" and the art facility where you can actually take a bath, Naoshima Public Bath "I♥Yu (I Love You)" ♪

You want to travel, but you worry about whether your children will be a nuisance to others or whether you will be able to relax at your accommodation. If you check in advance for accommodations that offer services for families with children, such as providing a "baby bed" or renting out items for children, such as children's body shampoo and baby bottle sterilizers, you can rest assured. Here are some recommended hotels for families with children that will make your trip "comfortable and fun for the whole family"!

The hotel is about 10 minutes away by free private bus from Miyanoura Port. The building, built in front of the Seto Inland Sea, is made of wood and has the concept of "coexistence of nature, architecture, and art." It is a unique facility that combines an art museum and a hotel, and of the four buildings, families can stay in the "Park" building, surrounded by the sea, greenery, and art, and the "Beach" building, which is just a few steps from the shore and where you can relax to the sound of the waves. Both buildings allow you to feel the nature and enjoy Naoshima's nature and art.

This "Park Deluxe Twin" room is an open-air room with the ocean outside the window. It is a bed type, but they also rent out baby cribs (reservations required), and they also provide a full body shampoo for children, baby bottle sterilizers, diaper trash cans, booster toilet seats, toilet step stools, and Bumbo rentals, so you can be sure of everything! They also provide toothbrushes and slippers for children. With all of this, you can feel at ease even if it's your first trip with children, and you can reduce the amount of luggage you need.

The Terrace Restaurant features large windows facing the Seto Inland Sea and high ceilings. You can enjoy authentic French cuisine, beautifully presented and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients. It may seem a little intimidating for families with children, but they also have a children's menu. Sometimes it's nice to enjoy a leisurely French course dinner with the family.

The hotel grounds have a vast lawn space dotted with artworks. The sea is right in front of you, so you can let your children play while enjoying the art and nature. There are also tours for children during the summer holidays that allow them to gain a deeper understanding of the artworks, so why not take the whole family on a tour? You can have an art experience that you can only get when you come to Naoshima.

The inn is located about 15 minutes by municipal bus from Miyanoura Port, along the coastline of Setonaikai National Park, right in front of the sea, and conveniently located for access to art museums. Children can enjoy swimming in the sea and running around in the large plaza with a cafe attached. At the front desk, they sell a fireworks set that includes fireworks, a lighter, and a bucket, so you can enjoy fireworks on the beach while listening to the sound of the waves.

You can choose from three unique types of rooms. For families with small children, we recommend the "Japanese-style cottage" with its own bathroom and toilet, like this one. Since you rent out a small house, you won't have to worry about disturbing others even if your children make a little noise. The view of the Seto Inland Sea from the window is spectacular, and you can relax as if you were at home. There is also a private bath (fee required) on the premises, so it's fun to have a bath with the whole family while chatting about the memories of the day.

The "Yurt" is a faithful replica of a Mongolian tent that can accommodate up to four people, and the "Trailer House" lets you easily enjoy the feeling of camping at the beach. It's like a secret base that will excite both adults and children. This "Yurt" has four beds, an elaborate interior, and an exotic atmosphere. It is also fully equipped with air conditioning and a refrigerator, so it is very comfortable.

For dinner in the summer, enjoy a charcoal barbecue like this on the wooden deck. Kids love barbecues, don't they? Mom and Dad will also feel great toasting with craft beer while the pleasant sea breeze blows through. In the winter, you can enjoy a warm Mizutaki hot pot made with forest chicken from Okayama. Whether it's summer or winter, you can have a dinner time that will make the whole family smile.

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This lodge is built on a small hill, about an eight-minute walk from Miyanoura Port. All rooms have a view of the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. After check-out, you can also get a transfer to the port, which is a nice service. Relax in a simple space surrounded by solid wood furniture and interiors made from natural materials. In this Standard Room Sea View with Terrace, children will be thrilled with the ocean view that spreads out before them! One child (0-5 years old) can stay for free with each adult. You can also see the ocean from the terrace, so once the children have fallen asleep, it's romantic for couples to sit in chairs and have a drink while watching the night sea♪

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The "Standard Room Sea View with Terrace" and "Superior Sea View with Terrace" rooms are equipped with clean shower rooms. Meanwhile, bright sunlight pours into the baths in the "Grand Family Room" and "Deluxe Corner Room Sea View with Terrace". From the window, you can enjoy a view of the Seto Inland Sea, which changes its appearance with the time of day. There is a washing area, so it is easy to let children in, so you can take a long bath. After the bath, you can take a nap with your child on the sofa in the room, which is the most luxurious experience. The rooms are filled with "MUJI" goods, which are popular for their simple and functional nature.

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For dinner, you can choose from the "Setouchi Slow Food Course," which uses ingredients and traditional cooking methods from the Setouchi region and values simple flavors, or the "Setouchi Paella Course," which is packed with the delicious flavors of the Setouchi region. You can also choose from the lighter "Sea Breeze Pasta Course." There is also a kids' menu, so the whole family can enjoy it. In the morning, you can look out at the sea while enjoying breakfast, which is centered on a soup made from carefully simmered vegetables. Start your day in good health with a healthy meal ♪

source:Posted by Hama Tokyo

Located about a 10-minute bus ride from Miyanoura Port, this guesthouse has a nostalgic atmosphere that will make you want to say "I'm home" without even thinking. The house is about 80 years old and is filled with a warm and cozy atmosphere. You will be greeted by cute mascot dogs and cats. Children who love animals will be delighted. From the nearest bus stop, it is also easy to access Benesse and Chichu Art Museum, so it is recommended to leave your luggage and go for a stroll to appreciate the art.

All rooms are Japanese-style. It's safe for children to lounge around in Japanese-style rooms. Spend some time relaxing with your family while reminiscing about the memories of today's trip. There are two family baths. Even small children will feel at ease in a bath like they would at home. Breakfast is available at the cafe next door!

At the inn, you can experience making accessories and art photo frames using shells and sea glass picked up on the beaches of Naoshima (charged and reservation required). There is also a CAT CAFE "Nyaoshima" next door, where you can interact with cats. It's a great way to entertain your children when sightseeing is difficult on rainy days, and the handmade items will become a memento of your trip. We also recommend renting a bicycle on a nice day (charged and reservation required).

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Located just a 2-minute walk from Miyanoura Port, this inn is a rare ryokan on Naoshima. The inn is proud of its fresh seafood dishes, and because it is so close to the port, it is also just a short walk from the island's only 7-Eleven. There are all kinds of mishaps that can happen, like kids wanting snacks or accidentally using wet wipes, so it's convenient to have a convenience store nearby where you can go and buy things you suddenly need.

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At the inn, you can enjoy cuisine made with an abundance of seafood from the Seto Inland Sea. The chef is a master chef who trained at a famous restaurant in Osaka. The exquisite cuisine, full of seafood that can only be enjoyed on Naoshima, surrounded by the sea, will be a special memory.

source:Contribution of Ryo

All the rooms are Japanese-style, so even if you have a crawling baby, you can feel safe. You can also use the family bath. If you have a baby, you can take a relaxing bath in the family bath, or if you have a slightly older child, there is a famous public bath called "Naoshima Sento I♥Yu" nearby, so your child will be happy to go to the public bath as a family once in a while.

Surrounded by blue seas, abundant greenery and nature, Naoshima is a great place to enjoy an island trip with your children, where you can experience art and nature. The boat trip to the island is also exciting! With Japanese-style rooms that are safe for sleeping babies, rental of children's goods that will reduce your luggage, and barbecues and craft classes that the whole family can enjoy, you can make memories while having a comfortable stay. If you're not sure where to go, why not try Naoshima? A wonderful island trip awaits.