3-Day Tadao Ando Architecture Tour: Overnight at Awaji Island & Naoshima Benesse House

• Table of Contents
• 3-Day Tour: Explore Iconic Tadao Ando Architecture from Kansai to Setouchi
• About the Architect Tadao Ando
• 3 Reasons Why This Tour is Special
• Tour Itinerary 
• Tour Information
• Inquiry & Reservation 

3-Day Tour: Explore Iconic Tadao Ando Architecture from Kansai to Setouchi

The tour begins in Osaka, Tadao Ando’s hometown, and continues to Awaji Island, an area shaped by the Great Awaji Earthquake, marking its 30th anniversary. Next, participants visit Naoshima, home to Ando’s architectural masterpieces and the new Naoshima Museum of Art. Along the way, the tour highlights the lush landscapes of Osaka and the Setouchi region, showcasing how Ando’s architecture harmoniously integrates with nature.

Find Out More About Tadao Ando Architecture Tour

About the Architect Tadao Ando

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

Tadao Ando, ​​a world-renowned architect, was born in Osaka in 1941 and turns 84 this year. A former boxer, he studied architecture on his own and obtained his architect's license. During his experiences wandering around the world in his twenties, he pondered the question, "What does it mean to live?" and came to the conclusion that he wanted to pursue what he believed in, which led him to adopt a "fighting lifestyle." His extensive use of concrete in architecture was also initiated with the aim of "creating a world that no one else could create, using materials that anyone can obtain."

In addition to his signature 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. Explore Ando’s Architecture on a Comprehensive Guided Tour

The tour begins at Umekita Park in Osaka, currently under development by Tadao Ando, who is enhancing the city’s greenery. Next, we visit Nakanoshima Island Children’s Book Mori, one of Ando’s nationwide projects—don’t miss the green apples. The tour then continues to the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, rebuilt by Ando after the earthquake. Here, you can explore the Ando Gallery, featuring his architecture worldwide, alongside the museum’s special exhibitions.

Next, we travel to Awaji Island to visit Awaji Yumebutai, where you can appreciate the buildings and the surrounding landscape, discovering patterns and insights in Ando’s work. We also visit Honpukuji Temple, another Ando-designed site, showcasing the breadth of his architectural style.

Afterwards, travel to Naoshima via Takamatsu. The island features 10 Ando-designed buildings, including the newly opened Naoshima Museum of Art, all of which you will visit. This tour offers a comprehensive appreciation of Tadao Ando’s architecture.

2. Fully Guided in English by a Licensed Interpreter

An English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the entire trip. Experienced in the Setouchi region, your guide provides detailed insights on each building and artwork. Staff at the museums and sites will also offer explanations and interpretation, giving you access to information not found in guidebooks.

All transportation for the trip is pre-arranged, ensuring smooth transfers between Shinkansen, bus, and boat. A highlight of the day is crossing two suspension bridges: the Akashi Strait Bridge and the Naruto Bridge.

3. Explore Additional Architecture on Naoshima Beyond Ando’s Works

Naoshima offers much more than Ando’s architecture. From art integrated into Setouchi’s natural scenery to the House Project in a traditional village, you can experience works found only on the island. Make the most of your visit to this world-renowned art destination.

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Tour Itinerary 

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 (visitation) / Art House Project (visit na11B Kadoya, na12B Go'o Shrine, etc.) ... na27B Naoshima New Museum (visitation) - Naoshima(dinner and Tomari)

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

na10B Tadao Ando “ANDO MUSEUM” Photo by Tadasu Yamamoto

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

na19B Architecture: Tadao Ando "Benesse House Museum"

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

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.

Tour Information

Travel departure date

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Travel fee

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

・Twin room for 2 people: 250,000 yen for adults

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

・Same amount for children

Where to Meet 

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

Minimum number of participants

7 people

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

・A decision on whether or not to proceed will be made at least three weeks before the trip departure date, and customers who have applied will be notified.

Precautions

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

For more information, please contact the following details.

・Please note that the accompanying tour guide will be English-speaking.

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 in advance: Free

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

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

The day before...40% of the travel fee

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

Inquiry & Reservation 

Book this tour

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Ryobi Tours Co., Ltd. Friends Pack

Ryobi Building 7F, 6-1 Nishiki Town , Okayama City , Okayama Prefecture Kita Ward

Email: fp@ryobi-tours.jp