Kagawa Prefecture, located on the beautiful island of Shikoku, is the smallest prefecture of Japan. This is one of the reasons this place is distinguishable. The other would be famous udon noodles which got the name by the prefecture’s old name Sanuki. Even their prefecture’s PR campaign has been called “Udon Prefecture”. Other important tourist destinations are Kankakei, well-known for its maple trees, and Ritsurin Park with its historical garden. There is also an island of Naoshima where you feel the touch of culture or enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
1. Relaxing walk at Ritsurin Park
You can reach Ritsurin Park from the nearby train station or by foot. You can get brochures in French, German, and English. The admission fee is 410 yen. Everything is perfectly cut and tidy. The acoustics are amazing. You can almost forget that you are still in the city. Many of the popular viewpoints are in the south part and there is where you can take the most wonderful photos. Very nice place to relax. Worth the visit.
Information
- Name: Ritsurin Park
- Address: 1-20-16 Ritsurincho, Takamatsu 760-0073, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 87-833-7411
- Website: http://ritsuringarden.jp/en.Top/en.top.html#_=_
2. Kompira-gu Shrine
This shrine has a history that stretches back more than millennium. It is set at an altitude of approximately 800 meters. It is easily accessible by train. Once you are at the temple, you have a wonderful view of Kotohira city. The place is often crowded by the locals. You can spend some time in a cafe or a restaurant nearby.
Information
- Name: Kompira-gu Shrine
- Address: 892-1, Nakatado-gun, Kotohira-cho 766-0001, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 877-75-2121
- Website: http://www.konpira.or.jp/#_=_
3. Chichu Art Museum
The building itself has been designed to impress the visitors and provide a spectacular experience. Once you gain some insight on the architecture you can focus on the exhibits presented inside. And there you will find some paintings by famous Claude Monet and a beautiful sculpture by Walter de Maria where it is hard to recognize where the architecture begins and art ends. There is a free shuttle bus to reach the museum.
Information
- Name: Chichu Art Museum
- Address: 892-1, Nakatado-gun, Kotohira-cho 766-0001, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 877-75-2121
- Website: http://www.konpira.or.jp/#_=_
4. Art House Project
Here you get the opportunity to wander around a small fishing village which is now a home to many art projects. You get a map which will clearly highlight the places you would want to visit and explore. There are some home-run shops where you can grab a bite or a drink. The main office has a shop, free wifi, bookshop, and a lounge. Meditative, surprising, eclectic. A nice place to visit.
Information
- Name: Art House Project
- Address: Kagawa-gun, Naoshima-cho 761-3110, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 87-892-3223
- Website: http://benesse-artsite.jp/?index#/art#_=_
5. Shodoshima Seaside Golf Club
This is the only golf course you will find in Shodoshima. This is an old and historic course set on the high altitude with an amazing view of the Seto Inland Sea. Rental cars are recommended because otherwise you will need to walk 50 minutes from the Tonosho Port.
Information
- Name: Shodoshima Seaside Golf Club
- Address: 185-4 Otsu Atehama, Shozu-gun, Shodoshima-cho 761-4403, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 879-84-2000
- Website: http://www.olive-resort.jp/#_=_
6. Naoshima Bath
Naoshima is located in the center of Miyanoura Port. Very easy to find, close to the main port of Naoshima. A lot of accommodations and bars available nearby. Artistic and very clean. This is an old public bath that is redecorated by Shinro Otake, a Japanese artist. The style is almost psychedelic. There is even an elephant statue at a place dividing the two bath sections.
Information
- Name: Naoshima Bath
- Address: 2252-2, Kagawa-gun, Naoshima-cho 761-3110, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 87-892-2626
7. Marugame Castle
An elegant little castle, almost 400 years old. The castle is three stories high, all covered in timber wood. The place is original which is a real rarity. It is built on a small hill in the middle of the city. When you get there, you have an amazing panoramic view. Unusually attractive and symmetrical volcano is to the west. It is called Linoyama.
Information
- Name: Marugame Castle
- Address: Ichibancho, Marugame 763-0025, Kagawa Prefecture
- Hours: Monday to Sunday 9 am – 4:30 pm
- Website: http://www.city.marugame.kagawa.jp/sightseeing/spot/marugamejo/index.html#_=_
8. Eating Udon
Kagawa is popular for sanuki udon, the kind of udon that has flat edged and a square shape. The four ingredients are key to its taste: dried sardine, wheat, soy, and salt. Wheat is used for preparing the noodles whilst the remaining three ingredients are important for the soup base. You can be purchase all the ingredients in the local shops and their quality is not questionable. Using these ingredients combined the soup of udon is more subtle does not have a strong smell like ramen. You can try this literally everywhere with the shops and restaurants scattered around the Kagawa.
9. Mt.Yashima
This is a tough climb. You should carefully check your maps in order to find the right path to go. The path that starts somewhere nearby the elementary school would be a good choice. There are some bike rentals if you prefer that. Once you go up, you will be presented with a some wonderful picturesque landscapes. There is also a small cable car station which is abandoned and a bit creepy. All in all, an interesting adventure.
Information
- Name: Mt.Yashima
- Address: Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture
10. Japan Dolphin Center
You can go there by car. There are enough parking spaces. You will have the opportunity to see the dolphins up-close and interact. The staff is friendly and efficient and will do everything to make your stay more enjoyable. There is a small beach nearby where you can do some swimming. A memorable experience.
Information
- Name: Japan Dolphin Center
- Address: 1520-130 Tsudamachi Tsuruwa, Sanuki 769-2402, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 879-23-7623
- Website: http://www.j-dc2.net/#_=_
11. Angel Road
This is one of those popular tourist spots. It is usually pretty crowded. If you like banana riding or snorkeling you can spend an exciting day at the beach. Follow the crowd to the viewpoint and experience the marine life and rich wildlife.
Information
- Name: Angel Road
- Address: Ashima, Shozu-gun, Tonosho-cho 761-4100 , Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 879-62-7004
- Website: http://www.town.tonosho.kagawa.jp/kanko/tnks/info133.html#_=_
12. Former Konpira Old Theater Kanamaruza
This is an oldest active kabuki theater. People are used to kabuki in the big cities but this is something special. It is all naturally lit and totally wooden. You will be guided to see audience areas, under-stage space, backstage. If you are lucky enough to see one of the plays, you will see all the actors up-close which will enrichen your experience. Possibly the highlight of your trip.
Information
- Name: Former Konpira Old Theater Kanamaruza
- Address: 1241 Otsu, Nakatado-gun, Kotohira-cho 766-0001, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 877733846
13. Movie Village of 24-no-Hitomi
The movie village is located right beside the ocean where the film “Twenty four eyes” was shot. The movie was completely recorded on Shodoshima Island. The surroundings are almost exactly the same as it were back then. You have to see the movie to truly enjoy this place which now turned into sort of a museum.
- Name: Movie Village of 24-no-Hitomi
- Address: Tanora, Shozu-gun, Shodoshima-cho 761-4424, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 879-82-2455
- Website: http://www.24hitomi.or.jp/#_=_
14. Kankakei Gorge
This is an astonishing valley located at the center of Shodoshima Island. It is considered as one of the most beautiful gorges in whole Japan. A visit during the autumn will allow you to enjoy the most amazing panoramic views with the typical brownish colors. Ropeway stations are also accessible for the cars and there are plenty of parking places. You will find a restaurant and a souvenir shop in this area. Additionally, you have two hiking trails between a lower and upper ropeway station.
Information
- Name: Kankakei Gorge
- Address: Kankakedori, Shozu-gun, Shodoshima-cho 761-4433, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 879-82-2171
- Website: http://www.kankakei.co.jp/#_=_
15. Busshozan Onsen
Multiple baths. Beautiful architecture. An amazing experience under the open sky while you can chat with the locals. If you need some time to relax this is the perfect spot to do it. It is a family friendly place. Foods and drinks are available outside.
Information
- Name: Busshozan Onsen
- Address: 114-5 Busshozanchootsu, Takamatsu 761-8079, Kagawa Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 87-889-7750
- Website: http://busshozan.com/#_=_
Embrace the mild climate of Kagawa, the luminous, blue Seto Inland Sea, and the peaceful Sanuki Mountain Range. This is the place in which historic cultural legacy and modern culture flourish side-by-side. Visit some of the oldest castles and enjoy the magnificent picturesque views.
Have a good Trip and Travel!
