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Kagawa Travel Guide

Kagawa Travel Guide

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Between misty gardens and island horizons, Kagawa in Japan unfolds with a quiet confidence that rewards slow discovery. Pine-framed ponds at Ritsurin Garden mirror centuries of craftsmanship, ferries drift toward Naoshima’s art sanctuaries, and the scent of soy and sea fills old port streets. Here, every bowl of Sanuki udon and every step up Kotohira’s stone path connects travelers to a living rhythm of land and water. Kagawa blends serenity, artistry, and everyday warmth into one graceful coastal prefecture.

Quick Facts: Kagawa, Japan

Best forCouples, Families, Foodies, Art Lovers, Island Hoppers
Time ZoneJapan Standard Time, UTC+9
Nearby DestinationsOkayama, Naoshima, Shodoshima, Tokushima, Kurashiki, Matsuyama
Best TimeMarch to May and late October to November for mild weather, spring blossoms, and autumn colors
Average TemperatureWinter 4–11°C, Spring 10–20°C, Summer 24–33°C with humidity, Autumn 12–22°C
Geography & LandscapeSet on the Seto Inland Sea, Kagawa blends coastal city life in Takamatsu with pine clad gardens, island dotted horizons, and olive groves on Shodoshima
Languages SpokenJapanese, basic English at major sights. Handy phrases: “Arigatō” (thanks), “Sumimasen” (excuse me), “Kudasai” (please), “Udon o hitotsu” (one udon)
CurrencyJapanese Yen (JPY)
Cash or Card?Cards accepted widely in cities and museums. Small udon shops and rural ferries often prefer cash. ATMs in convenience stores work with foreign cards
Getting AroundJR Shikoku trains, Kotoden private rails and buses, city buses, ferries from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima, Teshima, Shodoshima. IruCa card works on Kotoden
Must-TrySanuki udon slurped at the counter, olive soft serve on Shodoshima, sunset from Yashima overlooking island speckled seas
Local VibeUnhurried port city rhythm with craftspeople, gardeners, and island ferries setting the pace
Top HighlightRitsurin Garden in Takamatsu, plus world class art on Naoshima and dramatic Kankakei Gorge on Shodoshima
🔥 Pro Tip: Start days at Ritsurin Garden right at opening to catch mirror still ponds, then ride the mid morning ferry to Naoshima. Ferries and popular art museums often sell out on weekends, so book Chichu Art Museum slots in advance.

Destination Overview

Why Visit Kagawa?

Kagawa is Japan’s smallest prefecture with big character. Takamatsu anchors the coast with a walkable downtown, a rail hub, and ferries fanning out to art rich islands. Ritsurin Garden sets the standard for daimyo landscape design, while Kotohira’s stone steps lead to a sea guardian shrine with sweeping views. Offshore, Naoshima mixes Tadao Ando architecture with contemporary installations, and Shodoshima delivers olive orchards, cliff line ropeways, and tide revealed sandbars. Portions of Kagawa feel timeless, yet trains, buses, and boats make exploring refreshingly simple.

Best Time to Visit Kagawa

  • Spring – Late March to May brings cherry blossoms in parks and gentle temperatures. Golden Week can be busy, so reserve ferries and museum tickets early.
  • Summer – June to August is hot and humid. Expect cicadas, beach time, and lively island events. Hydrate and plan indoor art sites in midday.
  • Autumn – Late October to November is prime. Kankakei Gorge ignites with scarlet and gold foliage, and sunny island days are crisp and clear.
  • Winter – December to February is cool but rarely severe. Garden light and low crowds suit photographers. Some island services run reduced schedules.

Travel Difficulty & Ideal Duration

Difficulty: Easy. Transit is frequent and signage at major sights includes English.

Recommended: 3 to 5 days for first timers, 7 days to combine art, islands, and inland shrines with slow meals and strolls.

💡 Insider Insight: Museum tickets for Naoshima, especially Chichu Art Museum, are timed entry and often sell out on weekends. Buy online before you finalize hotel dates, then plan ferry crossings around your slot.

Essential Travel Information

Visa & Entry

Most travelers from visa waiver countries can enter Japan visa free for short stays. Requirements change, so confirm current policy with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and follow the arrival steps at immigration. See the official guidance at Japan MOFA Visa Information.

Money & Realistic Daily Costs

  • Budget: ¥7,000–¥12,000 per person per day for a hostel or business hotel, transit, a ferry, and two udon meals
  • Mid-range: ¥15,000–¥30,000 for a comfortable city hotel or ryokan plan, museum tickets, island ferries, and dining with drinks
  • Luxury: ¥40,000–¥90,000 for suite class hotels or a ryokan with kaiseki, private transfers, and curated art experiences

Language & Communication

English is understood at major museums and hotels. Install an eSIM before arrival or purchase a data SIM at the airport. Pocket translation apps work well for menus and bus signs. Free Wi Fi is common at stations, ferries, and museums.

Getting There & Around

Air, Rail, Bus: Fly into Takamatsu Airport, then take the Kotoden Airport Limousine Bus to JR Takamatsu Station and Takamatsu Port in about 40 minutes. JR Shikoku trains on the Yosan Line connect Takamatsu with Okayama and Matsuyama. Limited express services run to Tokushima and Kochi via transfers.

Local transport: In Takamatsu use JR, Kotoden private rail, and city buses. The IruCa IC card and one day Kotoden pass are convenient for trams and buses. Ferries from Takamatsu Port reach Naoshima, Teshima, and Shodoshima. Taxis are reliable, and cycling is excellent on islands.

🔥 Pro Tip: The Kotoden 1 Day Ticket is ¥1,400 and covers all Kotoden lines. Combine it with a morning Ritsurin Garden visit, a Yashima viewpoint stop, and Shikoku Mura on a single pass day.

Top Things to Do in Kagawa

Must-See Landmarks & Cultural Sites

  • Ritsurin Garden
    Address: 1-20-16 Ritsurincho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0073
    Admission and timing: Adults ¥500, Children ¥170, open daily. Seasonal hours roughly sunrise to sunset. Arrive at opening for reflections.
    Best visiting time: Early morning in spring blossom or late autumn color.
    A daimyo stroll garden of mirror calm ponds, arched bridges, and sculpted black pines. Hire a wasen boat ride for a slow glide under tea house eaves.
  • Kotohira-gū (Konpira-san)
    Address: 892-1 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa 766-8501
    Admission and timing: Grounds free, inner treasure halls separate fees. Dawn to dusk access on the stone stair approach. 785 steps to the main shrine, 1,368 to the inner shrine.
    Best visiting time: Early morning before tour buses, or late afternoon golden light.
    A storied sea guardian shrine on Mount Zōzu. Lanterns, sake barrels, and cedar shade line the pilgrimage climb with views over Sanuki Fuji.
  • Takamatsu Castle Ruins, Tamamo Park
    Address: 2-1 Tamamocho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0030
    Admission and timing: Park entry from around ¥200 to ¥300 depending on areas, 7:00 or 8:30 to late afternoon, hours vary by season.
    Best visiting time: Mid morning for boat rides on the seawater moat when light hits the stone walls.
    One of Japan’s few true water castles. Saltwater moats draw directly from the Seto Inland Sea, and seabream sometimes surface near boats.
  • Shikoku Mura Open Air Museum
    Address: 91 Yashima Nakamachi, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0112
    Admission and timing: Typically 9:30–17:00, last entry 16:30, adult tickets around ¥1,600 when including gallery. Closed some Tuesdays or for exhibit changes.
    Best visiting time: Late morning shade under thatch. Combine with Yashima lookout nearby.
    A hillside village of relocated farmhouses, bridges, a lighthouse, and a kabuki stage. The Tadao Ando designed gallery adds contemporary contrast.
  • Mount Yashima Lookout and Yashimāru
    Address: Near 1784-6 Yashima Higashimachi, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0111
    Admission and timing: Viewpoints free. Yashimāru facility typically 9:00–17:00 on select days, closed Tuesdays or following day if Tuesday holiday.
    Best visiting time: Sunset for silhouettes of island chains and ferries tracing the water below.
    A flat topped mesa above the city, with history from the Genpei War and broad decks that scan the Seto archipelago.
  • Naoshima Art Island
    Address: Benesse House Museum, 2550-2 Naoshima, Kagawa District, Kagawa 761-3110 (hub address for the museum area)
    Admission and timing: Chichu Art Museum requires timed tickets, from about ¥2,500 weekdays. Benesse House Museum around ¥1,500 on site. Hours vary by facility.
    Best visiting time: Weekdays with early or late slots. Plan around your Chichu entry time.
    Ferries land at Miyanoura. Minimalist concrete, site specific art, and coastal paths with open air installations define the experience.
  • Kankakei Gorge Ropeway, Shodoshima
    Address: Kankakei Ropeway stations, Shodoshima-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa
    Admission and timing: Round trip fares usually around ¥2,000–¥2,500 adults, seasonal hours with extended runs in peak foliage late November.
    Best visiting time: Clear mornings in late autumn for long sightlines and fewer queues.
    A dramatic ravine of crags and maples, with a ropeway connecting trailheads and observation decks.
  • Angel Road, Shodoshima
    Address: Off the coast near Tonosho Port, Shozu-gun, Kagawa
    Admission and timing: Free. The sandbar appears roughly two to three hours around low tide, twice daily.
    Best visiting time: Aim to arrive 30–60 minutes before low tide for relaxed photos and a walk to the islets.
    A tide revealed path where couples stroll across glimmering sand toward lookout points above.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

  • Ogijima Lighthouse Walk – A breezy island trail from Ogijima Port to a white lighthouse, best with the first ferry. Cafés by the harbor open late morning.
  • Busshozan Onsen – A retro bathhouse district in Takamatsu with cedar scented waters. Pair a soak with a neighborhood udon shop.
  • Marugame Uchiwa Workshop – Try fan making in Marugame, a craft center since the Edo period.
  • Megijima Momotaro Cave – Folklore caves and hilltop views just a short boat from Takamatsu.
  • Saitsu Olive Terrace – Small family run groves on Shodoshima with tastings of oils and citrus marmalades.

Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss

  • Hand Make Sanuki Udon Class – 90 minutes, from ¥3,000 per person. Knead, cut, and slurp your own bowl at a local studio in Takamatsu. Book 3–7 days ahead.
  • Naoshima Art Cycling – Half day rental from ¥1,000–¥1,500. Electric bikes help on hills. Reserve on site at Miyanoura or near Benesse House.
  • Kankakei Gorge Hike and Ropeway – One way hike and one way ropeway ticket from ¥1,500. Allow 2–3 hours. Wear grippy shoes, trails can be slick after rain.
  • Moat Boat at Tamamo Park – 30 minute ride about ¥1,000. Feed seabream that drift in from the sea. Seasonal operations in fair weather.
  • Sunrise Wasen in Ritsurin – Private boat charter from around ¥1,500–¥2,000 per person depending on group. Book on arrival at the garden gate office.

Best Photo Spots

  • South Pond at Ritsurin Garden with Engetsukyo Bridge reflected at dawn
  • Dankorei Observation Deck on Yashima, wide angle of Takamatsu and the archipelago at sunset
  • Promised Hill Lookout over Angel Road’s S curve of sand near low tide
  • Benesse House beach sculptures on Naoshima in the late afternoon
  • Upper Kankakei ropeway platform with layered cliffs and autumn canopy
  • Tamamo Park stone walls with seawater moat, best on still mornings
✨ Local Secret: For Angel Road, check tide charts the night before. Arrive one hour before the day’s lowest tide, walk the sandbar first, then climb to the lookout after crowds gather.

Where to Stay in Kagawa

Best Areas or Neighborhoods

  • Takamatsu Station and Port – Easiest for ferries to islands and JR trains. Suits first timers and island hoppers. Nights are quiet, restaurants nearby.
  • Kawaramachi and Kataharamachi – Central shopping grid in Takamatsu with bars, cafés, and easy Kotoden access. Great for food lovers.
  • Kotohira Town – At the base of the Konpira steps. Choose a ryokan with onsen and dine on local kaiseki. Evenings are peaceful.
  • Naoshima Benesse Area – For art centered stays with museum access and seafront paths. Book far ahead for weekends.
  • Shodoshima West Coast – Angel Road facing hotels with sunset views. Good for couples and families aiming for Kankakei and olive farms.
🔥 Pro Tip: For weekend museum slots on Naoshima, lock accommodation first, then book Chichu and Benesse tickets. If your preferred time is sold out, try the earliest slot, then bike clockwise to stay ahead of crowds.

What & Where to Eat in Kagawa

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sanuki Udon – Chewy wheat noodles in light dashi. Try kamaage dipped in hot tsuyu or chilled zaru. Typical bowl ¥350–¥700.
  • Shōyu Mame – Local snack of fava beans marinated in soy. Find it at markets and Shikoku Mura cafés. Small pack ¥300–¥500.
  • Olive Beef – Shodoshima wagyu finished on olive lees. Steak or donburi from ¥2,500–¥5,000.
  • Hamachi and Setouchi Sashimi – Yellowtail platters at port restaurants. Sets from ¥1,200–¥2,500.
  • Olive Soft Serve – A creamy island specialty with a hint of green fruit. Cone around ¥400.

Restaurants & Cafés

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