Spots List

Kotohira Town

Kotohira Town, which flourished as the temple town of Kotohira-gu Shrine, is a charming town where history and vitality from the Edo period can be felt upon stepping inside. On both sides of the approach, udon restaurants, souvenir shops, and galleries converted from sake breweries line up, overflowing with the energy of worshippers climbing the stone stairs. It also houses the "Old Konpira Grand Theatre (Kanamaru-za)," Japan's oldest theater, where you can feel the breath of traditional Japanese performing arts up close. In recent years, stylish cafes and inns renovated from old folk houses have increased, allowing for a town...

Kagawa
Area Info
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kotohira-gu Shrine Shoin

Kotohira-gu Shrine Shoin

The "Shoin" within the grounds of Kotohira-gu Shrine is an early Edo-period structure designated as an Important Cultural Property, offering a special place to appreciate masterpieces of Japanese art up close. In particular, the screen paintings (fusuma-e) such as "The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove" and "Tigers" painted by the Edo-period artist Maruyama Okyo are breathtaking, with vital tigers and serene sages preserved alongside the space of that time. Stepping inside, an atmosphere of prestige that once welcomed royalty and nobility drifts through, and the harmony with the beautifully maintained gardens is magnificent. It is a hall of culture...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Takamatsu Castle Ruins (Tamamo Park)

Takamatsu Castle Ruins (Tamamo Park)

Tamamo Park, developed on the site of Takamatsu Castle, is known as one of the "Three Great Water Castles of Japan" for its very rare feature of drawing seawater directly into the moat. Even today, seawater fish such as sea bream swim in the moat, and the unique "Tai-gan Joju" experience of feeding them from a boat is highly popular. Heavy structures designated as National Important Cultural Properties, such as the "Tsukimi Yagura" and "Watari Yagura" turrets, convey the prestige of the time, and the reconstructed "Sakura-go-mon" gate is also a highlight. Despite being right next to Takamatsu Port, a...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Bussho-zan Park

Bussho-zan Park

Bussho-zan Park, located in southern Takamatsu City, is a citizen's relaxation spot where greenery and history harmonize, developed on part of the vast grounds of Honen-ji Temple. The park features beautiful lawns, large playground equipment, and an atmospheric walking path leading to Honen-ji Temple, making it popular for families and travelers seeking leisure. In spring, about 600 cherry trees bloom profusely, and in autumn, events like chrysanthemum exhibitions and the "Bussho-zan Onari-kaido" festival, which reenacts a daimyo's procession, allow visitors to feel brilliant Japanese traditions up close. Furthermore, the surrounding Bussho-zan area has cafes utilizing old townscapes and the highly...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yashimaru

Yashimaru, born on the summit of Mt. Yashima in 2022, is an impressive architectural structure with a curved beauty designed to blend into the surrounding landscape. The corridor-like building, stretching about 200 meters, is built to undulate along the terrain, allowing visitors to feel a sense of unity with the trees and sky just by walking. Inside, there are exhibits introducing the history and nature of Yashima, panorama art, and an observation space to stimulate intellectual curiosity. Especially the sunset over the Seto Inland Sea and the night view of Takamatsu City from the glass-walled corridor provide a special experience...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yashima Area, Takamatsu City

Yashima Area, Takamatsu City

The Yashima area in northeastern Takamatsu City is a tourist spot where history and spectacular views intersect, centered on a lava plateau jutting into the Seto Inland Sea. Known as an ancient battlefield of the Genpei War, historical sites evoking romance of the past are scattered throughout. The summit area is designated as part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park, and the view from the "Shishi-no-Reigan" observatory is the epitome of archipelago beauty with islands floating in a calm sea. Various cultural facilities are available, including "Yashima-ji," the 84th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and a rare mountaintop aquarium....

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shionoe-cho, Takamatsu City

Shionoe-cho, Takamatsu City

Shionoe-cho, located in the southern part of Takamatsu City, is a historic hot spring village affectionately known as "Takamatsu's Inner Parlor." It was discovered about 1,300 years ago by the high priest Gyoki, and legend says that when Kobo Daishi Kukai practiced here, he spread it to heal the illnesses of everyone. Along the canyon surrounded by rich mountains, atmospheric hot spring inns line up, allowing for a healing time while listening to the murmuring of the river. The greatest attraction is the rich nature of each season: cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies in summer, and autumn foliage. It is...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Takamatsu Central Shopping Mall

Takamatsu Central Shopping Mall

Takamatsu Central Shopping Mall in the heart of Takamatsu City is a series of eight shopping streets with a total length of about 2.7 km, making it the "longest arcade shopping street in Japan." Soft light filters through the high domed ceilings, allowing comfortable shopping and dining regardless of the weather. It is a vibrant space where long-established kimono and Buddhist altar shops coexist with the latest fashion brands and sophisticated cafes. Especially attractive are the many famous udon shops frequented daily by locals, allowing you to experience the authentic food culture firsthand. Fusing urban convenience with a somewhat nostalgic...

Kagawa
Food
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Takamatsu City

Takamatsu City, the prefectural capital of Kagawa, is a "port town where urbanity and nature harmonize" overlooking the archipelago beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. Historical sites such as Ritsurin Garden, Japan's largest stroll-style daimyo garden, and the Takamatsu Castle ruins, which drew seawater into the moat, are dotted throughout the city area. It is also the hub for ferries heading to world-class art islands, with many travelers constantly coming and going. The city center features the longest arcade shopping street in Japan, where you can fully enjoy shopping and the local gourmet "Sanuki Udon." With a calm sea spreading...

Kagawa
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tsushima Shrine

Tsushima Shrine

Tsushima Shrine, floating on a small island just about 250 meters away from the coast of Mitoyo City, is a mysterious shrine known as a guardian deity for children. The vermilion "Tsushima Bridge" leading to the island is usually closed at the entrance, and you can only cross the bridge to pray during the summer festival on August 4th and 5th for just two days a year. The experience of crossing this "bridge with the shortest operating days in Japan" as if walking on the sea is extremely precious and fantastic. Fireworks are set off on festival nights, allowing you...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kotohira-gu Shrine

Kotohira-gu Shrine

Kotohira-gu Shrine, affectionately known as "Konpira-san" in Kotohira Town, is one of Japan's leading sacred sites that has long gathered faith as a guardian deity of the sea. Its most prominent feature is the long stone staircase of 785 steps to the Main Shrine (1,368 steps to the Inner Shrine) starting from the path entrance. Souvenir shops and udon restaurants line both sides of the stairs, and the sacred air deepens with each step you climb. The view of the Sanuki Plain from the observatory at the Main Shrine is exceptional, coupled with the sense of accomplishment. The grounds are...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ogushi Nature Park

Ogushi Nature Park

Spreading across the Ogushi Peninsula in Sanuki City, this park is an open leisure spot utilizing its location jutting out into the Seto Inland Sea. From observatories in the park, a 360-degree panoramic view stretches out, overlooking islands of Okayama and Hyogo Prefectures on the opposite shore, truly enjoying the spectacular scenery symbolizing "archipelago beauty." In particular, the white Greek-style outdoor music plaza "Theatron" looks stunning against the blue sea and sky, popular as a photogenic spot with an exotic atmosphere. A winery and campsite are also attached, allowing you to enjoy nature leisurely while tasting local wine. It is...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Angel Road

Angel Road (The Path of Angels) on Shodoshima is a mysterious sandy path that appears from the sea only twice a day during low tide. There is a romantic legend that "if you cross this path holding hands with a precious person, an angel will descend in the middle of the sandbar and grant your wish," attracting couples from all over the world as a Lover's Sanctuary. Since the time the path appears changes daily, checking the schedule in advance adds to the excitement. From the "Hill of Promise" observatory at the entrance, you can see the sandy path floating...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Old Konpira Grand Theatre

Old Konpira Grand Theatre

The "Old Konpira Grand Theatre (Kanamaru-za)" in Kotohira Town, built in 1835, is the oldest existing authentic theater in Japan. It is an extremely valuable structure conveying Edo-period architectural styles and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The interior retains numerous mechanisms symbolizing Japanese theatrical culture of the time, such as the "mawari-butai" (revolving stage) rotated by manpower and the "hanamichi" (runway) passing through the audience. Every spring, grand Kabuki performances are held, attracting fans from across the country. Outside performance periods, the interior is open for viewing, allowing visitors to feel the passion and brilliant culture of...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tsuda-no-Matsubara / Kinrin Park

Tsuda-no-Matsubara / Kinrin Park

Located in Sanuki City, Tsuda-no-Matsubara is a beautiful coastline with centuries-old pine trees stretching for about 1 km, selected as one of the top 100 white sand and green pine groves in Japan. The scenery of approximately 3,000 pine trees is the quintessential traditional Japanese seaside landscape protected since the Edo period, and it is affectionately known as "Kinrin Park" for its serene atmosphere. Unique pines such as the "root-above-ground pines" (neagari-matsu) are highlights. It is crowded with swimmers in the highly transparent sea during summer, while in winter, the snow-covered pine grove creates a fantastic sight. Strolling through the...

Kagawa
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kankakei Gorge

Kankakei Gorge, located in the center of Shodoshima, is ranked among Japan's top three most beautiful gorges and is a scenic spot with dynamic unusual rock formations created by volcanic activity about 13 million years ago. From the ropeway, you can overlook sheer cliffs and the blue Seto Inland Sea, and the aerial walk woven by sky, sea, and gorge is overwhelmingly powerful. Especially the autumn foliage, where the entire mountain is dyed in burning red and yellow, fascinates people worldwide as one of Japan's finest beauties. It shows completely different expressions in fresh green spring, cool summer, and quiet...

Kagawa
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Chichibugahama Beach

Chichibugahama Beach

Chichibugahama Beach in Mitoyo City is a spectacular 1-km long beach that has recently become a global sensation as the "Uyuni Salt Flat of Japan." During low tide on windless days, the tide pools on the shore act like a mirror, reflecting the sky and allowing you to take fantastical photos as if you were standing on the water's surface. The view during the "magic hour" at sunset, when the sky turns orange, is breathtakingly beautiful. With an increasing number of stylish cafes and shops nearby, you can spend a relaxing time while watching the sunset. This place, where you...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yashima

Yashima, located northeast of Takamatsu City, is a lava plateau jutting into the Seto Inland Sea, known for its history as an ancient battlefield of the Genpei War and its spectacular views. From the summit observatories, you can overlook the islands floating in the calm sea and the Takamatsu city skyline, making its panorama one of the representative scenic spots of the Seto Inland Sea National Park. "Yashimar," which opened in 2022, features an impressive curved architectural beauty that blends into the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to enjoy strolling while touching Yashima's history and culture. Additionally, there are diverse cultural...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Setonaikai National Park

Setonaikai National Park

Designated in 1934 as the first National Park in Japan, Kagawa Prefecture plays a central role in it. The "archipelago beauty," where nearly 1,000 large and small islands float in the calm sea, is world-famous and has been praised as the "Jewel of the World" since ancient times. Within the park, there are numerous breathtaking spectacular spots such as Yashima in Takamatsu City and Kankakei in Shodoshima. The scenery woven by the blue sea, lush islands, and white sandy beaches changes its expression depending on the time and season, offering new discoveries every time you visit. It is a vast...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mitoyotsuru

Mitoyotsuru in Mitoyo City is a unique accommodation and experience facility renovated from a historical sake brewery that continued for over 100 years. The huge "Koji-muro" (mold room) that was once the heart of sake making and the historical spaces used for brewing have been reborn as a guest house and restaurant with a modern, sophisticated design. Here, you can not only stay while feeling the breath of the craftsmen of that time, but also savor dishes using local seasonal ingredients and carefully selected Japanese sake. This creative initiative to pass on the tradition of sake making to the next...

Kagawa
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nakanishi Chinshoen

Nakanishi Chinshoen

Located in Kinashi, the "Sacred Land of Bonsai" in the suburbs of Takamatsu City, this historical bonsai garden has been in business for over 100 years. Kagawa Prefecture boasts an 80% domestic share of pine bonsai production, and here you can appreciate masterpiece bonsai crafted by skilled artisans over many years. The garden features a wide range from traditional styles to modern bonsai suitable for contemporary living spaces, and its sculptural beauty surprises international tourists. Beyond mere sales, it is a place where you can feel firsthand the traditional Japanese aesthetics and the philosophy of "condensing nature onto the palm."...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kachusha

Kachusha, located in an area with samurai residences in Tadotsu Town, is a limited one-group-per-day inn and restaurant renovated from a mansion over 100 years old. The dignified gate reminiscent of the samurai era, the beautiful Japanese garden showing seasonal changes, and the architectural designs showcasing master craftsmanship envelop visitors in exceptional luxury. Here, you can slowly savor dishes using generous amounts of local seasonal ingredients in a sophisticated Japanese space. It is a special place where you can experience traditional Japanese "living" and "eating" culture with all five senses, rather than just a simple accommodation. It is a sanctuary...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Food
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Zentsu-ji Temple (75th Temple)

Zentsu-ji Temple (75th Temple)

Sohonzan Zentsu-ji in Zentsu-ji City is the 75th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and is one of Japan's leading sacred sites, known as the birthplace of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The vast grounds are divided into the West Wing, where "Mie-do" stands on the spot where the Master was born, and the East Wing, featuring the "Kon-do" and a five-story pagoda that retain traces of the original construction. In particular, the "Kaidan Meguri," where you walk through a pitch-black corridor, is very popular among international tourists as an ascetic experience to re-examine oneself. Surrounded...

Kagawa
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Inagike

Inagike in Tadotsu Town is a spot utilizing a historical building that conveys the atmosphere of a port town that once flourished as a port of call for Kitamaebune ships. The heavy architectural style, which gives a sense of the merchant house history continuing since the Edo period, tells of the wealth and high culture of Tadotsu at that time. Currently, it also serves as a regional community hub and a guide for tourism, welcoming visitors warmly. Spending time in a space where historical designs remain everywhere, while thinking about the lives of former wealthy merchants, becomes a precious moment...

Kagawa
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter