Miyanoura Port is Naoshima's main ferry terminal, located on the island's northern coast. The port has served as the primary entry point for visitors since Naoshima's development as an art destination began in the 1990s.
The port area features several notable artworks that greet arriving visitors. SANAA architects (Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa) designed the Naoshima Ferry Terminal building in 2006, a transparent glass structure with a flowing roofline.
Artist Yayoi Kusama's red pumpkin sculpture sits near the ferry pier, one of two pumpkin works on the island. Shinro Ohtake's "Naoshima Bath Model" installation and other public artworks are displayed within walking distance of the terminal.
The terminal building contains ticketing counters for return ferries, a tourist information center with English-speaking staff, rental bicycle shops, coin lockers for luggage storage, restrooms, and a waiting area. Maps, bus schedules, and information about island attractions are available at the information counter.
Miyanoura serves as the transportation hub for reaching Naoshima's major art sites. The Benesse Art Site Naoshima shuttle bus departs from the port to Benesse House Museum, Chichu Art Museum, and Lee Ufan Museum, taking approximately 20 minutes to reach the southern art area.
Town buses connect to Honmura village and the Art House Project in approximately 10 minutes. Bicycle rental is available directly at the port, with standard bicycles and electric-assist bikes offered by multiple shops.
Ferry services connect Miyanoura to Uno Port in Tamano City (approximately 20 minutes, ¥300), Takamatsu Port in Kagawa Prefecture (approximately 60 minutes, ¥520), and Inujima Island. Multiple ferry companies operate these routes with varying schedules.