Inujima

OKAYAMA CULTURE

Inujima Seirensho Art Museum　Photo：Daici Ano

Inujima is a small island with a circumference of 3.6 km (2.2 miles) and an area of 0.54 km2 (0.21 square miles) that is located about 10 minutes via a regular ferry from Hoden Port in the southeastern part of Okayama Prefecture. It is said that about 5,000 people lived here when the island's copper smelting and quarrying industries were at their peak.
Inujima is known for its production of granite called "Inujima Mikage". Stone quarried from Inujima is prized throughout Japan, and in ages past Inujima was used as a quarry site for the stone used in the walls of Edo Castle, Osaka Castle, and Okayama Castle.
In 2008 the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum was opened, which preserved and reconstructed the remains of the smelter. In 2010 the Inujima "Art House Project" was launched by artistic director Yuko Hasegawa and architect Kazuyo Sejima.

View scenic routes that include this spot

A Journey Through the Diverse Culture and Art of Tokyo and Chugoku/Shikoku

More Information about Inujima

Street address: Inujima, Higashi-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 704-8153
About OKAYAMA

Access

Route1

Around 20 mins. by car from Okayama Blue Line Saidaiji IC to Hoden Port, then around 10 mins. by boat from Hoden Port.

Route2

From December 2023 to the end of February 2024, you can conveniently reach Hoden Port from JR Saidaiji Station in approximately 25 minutes by taxi.

Commencing March 2024, a dedicated direct bus service will be available, connecting Saidaiji Bus Center/JR Saidaiji Station to Nishi-Hoden.

For Travel to Inujima:
Board the "Bound for Nishi-Hoden" Bus at Saidaiji Bus Center (departs at 10:15), JR Saidaiji Station (arrives at 10:20), and Nishi-Hoden (arrives at 10:45).

This bus conveniently aligns with the regular boat departure from Hoden Port to Inujima at 11:00.

For Travel to Okayama:
Disembark from the "Bound for Saidaiji" Bus at Nishi-Hoden (departs at 15:55), Kannon-in Iriguchi, JR Saidaiji Station (arrives at 16:20), and Saidaiji Bus Center (arrives at 16:25).

This bus aligns with the regular boat departure from Inujima Port to Hoden at 15:35 (arrives at Hoden Port at 15:45).

For information beyond April 2024, please check the Ryobi Bus website.

Opening Hours: 09:00-16:30 (Last entry to Inujima Seirensho Art Museum is 16:00)
Ticket Center 09:00-17:00

Closed: Tuesday to Thursday (March 1st to November 30th)
*Open on public holidays
Closed from December 1st to the end of February

Website: https://benesse-artsite.jp/en/about/inujima.html

Best season: Mar., Apr., May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct., Nov.

Point: For guests with children:
・There are some areas on the premises where structural remains and the natural environment remain untouched, which makes it difficult to use strollers. As such, we recommend leaving the strollers with the museum.
・Strollers can be left at the ticket center reception desk.
・There are no nursing rooms in the museum.
・There is one restroom with a diaper changing table, located at the ticket center.

For guests with physical disabilities:
(1) About barrier-free access
Please note that, due to the characteristics of the facility, some areas are not barrier-free.
We will do out best to assist you in visiting the facility when you visit, so please directly contact the facility.

(2) About rental wheelchairs
・Wheelchairs: Two wheelchairs are available to rent. Wheelchair reservations are not possible. Please inquire at the ticket counter.
・Writing materials: Available
・Multipurpose toilet: Available
・Guests may enter the facility accompanied by a service dog, guide dog, or hearing dog.

About viewing fees:
・The ticket is a shared ticket with the Inujima "Art House Project".
・There are no group discounts or discounts for holders of disability handbooks (physical disability handbook, rehabilitation handbook, or mental disability handbook).
・AMEX, Diners, JCB, MasterCard, NICOS, and VISA credit cards are accepted.

Requests from the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum when entering the museum:
・The number of parking spaces is limited, so please use public transportation when possible.
・There are some areas on the premises where structural remains and the natural environment remain untouched, and some areas that are dangerous (collapses and sink holes, etc.). Do not enter areas with fences or areas that are marked as no entry.
・Junior high school students and younger should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・Please refrain from bringing large baggage with you (suitcases, umbrellas, tripods, etc.). You may leave these items at the coin lockers or at the ticket counter.
・Pets are not allowed in the museum.
・Please refrain from entering the museum while in a swimsuit.
・Smoking is prohibited on the premises.
・Please refrain from using cell phones and from eating and drinking (including candy, gum, and boxed lunches, etc.) except at the cafe.
・Visitors who are under the influence of alcohol or who may inconvenience other guests may be denied entry to the museum.
・Please take your trash home with you.
Requests to Visitors:
・Please refrain from touching the walls, glass, or artworks.
・Please refrain from taking videos, taking photos, or making copies while inside the museum. Please also refrain from using fountain pens, ink, or India ink.

About the use drones:
In order to ensure the safety of our guests and for the protection of the artworks and architectural works, the use of drones without prior permission is strictly prohibited on the premises of Benesse Art Site Naoshima.

Inquiries:
327-4 Inujima, Higashi Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 704-8153
Tel.: 086-947-1112
Fax: 086-947-1115
For web inquiries, please visit the website below:
https://benesse-artsite.jp/en/contact/