Leaving home at 5:30 AM, I boarded the first Shinkansen from Tokyo Station bound for Okayama.
This trip marks my third visit to the Setouchi International Art Festival. I considered flying, but after weighing the hassle of accessing the islands, I opted for the Shinkansen.
My first destination was Inujima, a place I'd never visited before. I'd long been curious about the Inujima Exile Art Museum, but whenever I toured the standard stops of Naoshima and Teshima, I somehow never made it this far. This trip was finally my chance. Since I had a talk event with Studio as the topic planned for tonight, I needed to be back at Okayama Station by around 5 PM.
After researching, I decided on the route: "Okayama Station → Bus → Hoden Port → Inujima."
Arriving at Okayama Station, I hurriedly searched for a coin locker, shoved my suitcase into one at Sansute Okayama, and jogged to the bus stop.
The bus ride to Hōden Port took about 50 minutes.
I'd thought Inujima might not be too crowded, but boarding the third run of the 60-passenger high-speed ferry, it was packed—no surprise given it was late autumn during the exhibition season.

The high-speed ferry takes about 10 minutes to reach Inujima.
After arriving, I first visited the House Project F residence before heading to my main destination, the Inujima Refinery Art Museum.
The Inujima Refinery Art Museum is a museum that preserves and revitalizes the remains of the copper smelting works still present on Inujima.
It's also fascinating that sustainable initiatives are implemented here, such as Hiroshi Mito's architecture utilizing natural energy sources like solar and geothermal power to minimize environmental impact, and the introduction of an advanced water purification system harnessing the power of plants.
It seems over 2,000 employees worked here at its peak, but operations ceased in 1919 due to factors like the collapse of copper prices, and it was completely shut down in 1925.
The chimneys and bricks, chipped and crumbling in places while retaining traces of their former self, overgrown with grass and vines, create an indescribably nostalgic and cool atmosphere.
Moreover, the view of the Seto Inland Sea from there was incredibly beautiful, evoking a sense of slow-flowing time.

After filling your stomach, enjoy a pleasant stroll toward the artworks scattered across Inujima.
Inujima is a small island, just 3.6km in circumference and 0.54k㎡ in area, so you can walk from one end to the other, taking in the art, in just 1-2 hours.The Inujima Smelting Plant opened in 1909. During its peak 10-year operation, the population exceeded 3,000 residents. However, following the plant's closure and the decline of the quarrying industry, the current population is said to be just one-hundredth of that.
The "House Project," which transforms Inujima's houses into art, is led by Artistic Director Yuko Hasegawa and architect Kazuyo Sejima.
Various artists' works are integrated into the houses for display, making even just strolling around fascinating.
Moreover, the weather was perfect—a T-shirt was sufficient, making it an ideal day for a walk.

After circling the entire island, I still had time before the high-speed ferry departure. So I ended up ordering a café au lait at the café attached to the ticket center and spent a little time writing my blog on a terrace bench with a great view of the Seto Inland Sea.
Lately, whenever I have a little free time during my travels, I've been writing this blog lol
The return high-speed ferry departed at 15:35, but apparently this time is the busiest. When I headed to the boarding area, there was a long line...
Since I had received a priority ticket for this time slot upon arriving at Inujima, I managed to get on within the capacity limit. If I hadn't gotten it, I would have definitely been on the second ferry or later.
Please enjoy the photos of Inujima in the "Enjoy Inujima Through Photos" section below.

After finishing breakfast at the inn at 7 a.m., I boarded the 8 o'clock ferry and headed for Naoshima.
Gazing at the beautiful islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea from the ferry's observation deck, I arrived at Naoshima in just about 20 minutes.
Rental Bicycle I picked up the rental bicycle I had reserved at Ougiya and headed for the Lee Ufan Museum, which I had never visited before.

Having visited several art festivals before, Naoshima might just be my favorite. (Teshima's Teshima Art Museum is also highly recommended, but I've already been there, so I'll skip it this time lol)

The Lee Ufan Museum is an art museum born from the collaboration between internationally acclaimed artist Lee Ufan and architect Tadao Ando. Simple, refined artworks without excess are displayed within the expansive space, creating a highly sophisticated and beautiful environment.
Furthermore, the works displayed outside the museum were also splendid. The arches, positioned as if facing the vast expanse of the Seto Inland Sea, harmonized beautifully with nature, creating a truly pleasant feeling.

After taking a break with a café latte, I enjoyed strolling around and taking in the art of the House Project scattered around this area. Naoshima itself is quite large, but I was happy that the House Project was clustered together in one area, making it easy to see.
I had already seen them before, but it was interesting to see my favorite artists' works again: Shinro Ohtake's "Haiya" and Hiroshi Senju's "The Faure".
There is a place called "I♥︎Yu" designed by Shinro Ohtake, an art facility where you can actually take a bath. You can only enter this facility if you take a bath. It's also interesting, so if you have a chance to visit Naoshima, I highly recommend this public bath.

After touring the island, I returned the rental bike that had served me well for the day and boarded the ferry to Uno Port in Okayama, bringing this journey to an end. The Seto Inland Sea, bathed in the evening glow on the way back, was truly beautiful.
Goodbye, Naoshima.
Well, with this, only one more trip remains on this journey.