Teshima Island Travel Tips
Teshima Island (豊島), a tranquil gem in the Seto Inland Sea, offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life. Known for its lush landscapes, it has become a key destination for contemporary art enthusiasts, alongside its neighboring islands Naoshima and Inujima. Teshima is particularly famous for hosting the Setouchi Triennale, a vibrant art festival held every three years. The event brings together international artists and visitors, transforming the island into an open-air gallery filled with innovative installations, sculptures, and performances that celebrate both the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
A highlight of the island is the Teshima Art Museum, a striking piece of contemporary architecture that blends seamlessly with the surrounding terraced rice fields. This minimalist concrete structure is renowned for its immersive design, where the gentle flow of water droplets on the floor creates a mesmerizing sensory experience. As you wander through Teshima’s picturesque fishing villages, you’ll encounter various art installations scattered across the island. Many of these works are open to the public year-round, offering visitors a chance to explore the fusion of art and nature. On weekends and holidays, smaller art pieces are also showcased, adding to the island’s dynamic and ever-evolving artistic landscape.
Getting around
On Teshima Island, the main port is Ieura Port, which is connected to other villages and ports by two bus lines. One bus runs between Ieura and Karato ports, stopping at the Teshima Art Museum (every 1–2 hours), while the other bus goes to Ko Village (every 2–3 hours). The fare is 400 yen per ride, and extra buses are available during the Setouchi Triennale.
You can also rent bicycles at Ieura and Karato ports for about 1000 yen for 4 hours or 1500 yen for a full day. If you prefer walking, the villages are less than an hour apart on foot.
