Setouchi Triennale Art Museum Tour: Tadao Ando Architecture Course (Osaka, Kobe, Naoshima 3 days)

• Table of Contents
• A three-day trip to see representative Ando architecture from the Kansai region to the Setouchi and experience its charms
• About the architect Tadao Ando
• 3 reasons why this tour is special
• Flow of the day
• Basic information about the tour (departure date, price, precautions, etc.)
• Application and Inquiry Contact

A three-day trip to see representative Ando architecture from the Kansai region to the Setouchi and experience its charms

The tour starts in Ando's hometown of Osaka . Then, trace his activities on Awaji Island , an area devastated by the Great Awaji Awaji Earthquake, which is now marking the 30th anniversary of the disaster. Afterwards, you will take a leisurely tour of the buildings on Naoshima, which is a representative work of Ando's architecture and a hub of his work, and the latest Naoshima New Museum of Art. Enjoy the greenery of Osaka and the architecture that blends in with the nature of the Setouchi.

Click here for details on the Tadao Ando Architecture course

About the architect Tadao Ando

He has also been active in many areas, including appearing on television as an actor, but since 1980 he has continued to be actively involved in the art world, producing a variety of works and holding exhibitions as a painter.

Tadao Ando, ​​a world-famous architect, was born in Osaka in 1941 and turns 84 this year. He is a former boxer who studied architecture on his own and obtained his architect's license. During his experiences wandering around the world in his twenties, he pondered "what does it mean to live?" and came to the conclusion that he wanted to pursue what he believed in, which led to his "fighting way of life." His architecture, which makes extensive use of concrete, was also started with the aim of "creating a world that no one can create with materials that anyone can obtain."

In addition to his representative works in Japan, such as the Sumiyoshi Row Houses and the Church of the light, he has also produced numerous architectural works overseas.

3 reasons why this tour is special

1. This tour will focus on visiting Ando's architecture, which would be difficult to see all at once on an individual tour!

The first stop on this tour is Umekita Park in Osaka, which is currently under development. The entire area is being overseen by Ando, ​​who is working to increase greenery in Osaka. We will also visit Nakanoshima Island Children's Book Mori, which Ando has developed around the country. Be sure to check out the green apples. Afterwards, we will visit the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, which Ando designed after the earthquake. In addition to the Ando Gallery, which showcases Ando's architecture from around the world, we will view the current special exhibitions from one of Japan's leading art museum collections.

Next, we will travel to Awaji Island and visit Awaji Yumebutai. While appreciating not only the buildings but the entire area in three dimensions, you may be able to find commonalities in Ando's architecture or make new discoveries of your own. On Awaji Island , we will also visit Honpukuji Temple, which was designed by Ando, ​​and experience the breadth of Ando's architecture.

After that, we will travel to Naoshima via Takamatsu . There are a total of 10 buildings designed by Ando on Naoshima, including the Naoshima New Museum that opened this spring, and we will view all of them. This is a tour where you can enjoy Ando's architecture to your heart's content.

2. The entire tour will be guided in English by a guide-interpreter.

An English-speaking guide will accompany you from the time you meet up until the time you leave. A veteran guide with extensive experience and knowledge of the Setouchi will provide a detailed introduction to each building and piece of art. Of course, there will also be explanations from staff at each building and museum you visit, and we will also provide interpretation, so you will be able to learn information that is not available in guidebooks.

In addition, all the transportation you need for the entire trip is pre-arranged. You can transfer between the Akashi Strait and the Naruto Bridge.

3. See other buildings besides Ando's on Naoshima

Besides Ando's architecture, Naoshima has much to offer. There are plenty of artworks that you can only experience by visiting, such as art placed in the natural surroundings of the Setouchi and the Art House Project that appears in a traditional village. Take this opportunity to enjoy Naoshima, the world-famous island of art.

Flow of the day

Day 1

JR Shin Osaka Station - Umekita "VS." (viewing) - Nakanoshima Children's Mori Nakanoshima Island(viewing) - Kobe(lunch) - Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art (viewing) - Akashi Strait National Government Park, Awaji Yumebutai (viewing) - Awaji Island(dinner and Tomari)

[Accommodation] Grand Nikko Awaji(Superior Twin 39m2)

VS. (Image)

Children's Book Mori Nakanoshima Island(image)

[Accommodation] Grand Nikko Awaji

Day 2

Hotel (Breakfast) - Honpukuji Temple Mizumido - Takamatsu(Lunch) - Takamatsu Port - (Ferry) - Miyanoura Port - na10B ANDO MUSEUM (viewing) - Art House Project (viewing na11B Kadoya, na12B Go'o Shrine, etc.)...na27B Naoshima New Museum (viewing) - Naoshima(dinner and Tomari)

[Accommodation] Benesse House Park Building (Park Twin 28m2)

na10B Tadao Ando “ANDO MUSEUM” Photo by Tadasu Yamamoto

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na27B Architecture: Tadao Ando "Naoshima New Art Museum" ⓒTadao Ando Architect & Associates

[Accommodation] Benesse House Park Building

Day 3

Hotel (breakfast) - na25B Valley Gallery...na20B Lee Ufan Museum (visit) - na19B Benesse House Museum (visit and lunch) - na21B Chichu Art Museum (visit) - Miyanoura Port - (ferry) - Uno Port - JR Okayama Station around 16:30 + (Shinkansen) + JR Osaka Station around 17:35

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na19B Architecture: Tadao Ando "Benesse House Museum"

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na20B Art: Lee Ufan_Architecture: Tadao Ando "Lee Ufan Museum" Photo by Tadasu Yamamoto

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na21B Art: Claude Monet, James Turrell, Walter De Maria Architecture: Tadao Ando "Chichu Art Museum"_Photo by Seiichi Ohsawa

*Regarding the itinerary marks above, "++" indicates travel by Shinkansen, "-" indicates travel by bus, "~" indicates travel by boat, and "..." indicates travel on foot.

Basic information about the tour (departure date, price, precautions, etc.)

Travel departure date

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

travel fee

250,000 yen to 310,000 yen (adult, per person)

・2 people per room: 250,000 yen (twin room)

・One person per room: 310,000 yen for adults (single use or single room)

・Same amount for children

Meeting point

Meet at 8:20 in front of the Chuo Shinkansen ticket gate at JR Osaka Station

Minimum number of participants

7 guests

If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the event will be cancelled.

・A decision will be made to proceed with the trip at least 3 weeks before the departure date, and customers who have applied will be notified.

Precautions

・Food provided on the tour may not be able to accommodate food allergies.

For more information, please contact the following:

・Please note that the tour guide will speak English.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel the Travel Contract at any time by paying the cancellation fee below.

The following dates counting back from the day before the start of the trip:

Up to 21 days before...Free

20 to 15 days before: 20% of the tour price

7 to 2 days before...30% of the tour price

The day before...40% of the tour price

On the day (before the trip begins)...50% of the trip price

On the day (after the trip has started)...100% of the trip price

Application and Inquiry Contact

Make a reservation here

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Email: fp@ryobi-tours.jp