Kagawa prefecture is one of the four prefectures that are included in the Shikoku Island of Japan. It also is the closest to the main Honshu Island of Japan, and can be accessed by the Mariner Rapid Train from Okayama City (Or by the Highway Buses from Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe areas). Takamatsu City is the largest city in Kagawa Prefecture, and from Okayama City, Takamatsu can be reached in approx.. 1 hour if you use the Mariner Rapid Train.
Depending on your priorities you may like to base yourself in Takamatsu City for the convenience, However, we at Experience Japan Travel would also always recommend a stay in the Kotohira Town (which is also known as a Hot Springs (Onsen) town). How does a Ryokan style stay with your own private hot springs bath in the room, sound?
If you are going to Kagawa Prefecture, the following are the must visit locations, not to mention the incredibly famous Sanuki Udon Noodles which can be found all over Kagawa prefecture.
The number one visited location in Kagawa Prefecture is the Konpira Shrine (official name is Kotohira-gu Shrine, but everyone calls it Konpira-san). To reach the main shrine hall, you need to climb all 785 stoned stairs. It enshrines the deity Omononushi-no-Kami and the deified spirit of Emperor Sutoku. For centuries, pilgrims have journeyed to pray for success in farming, trade, medicine, and seafaring If you can climb all the stairs, your wishes will come true. Konpira san is approx.. 1 hour from Takamatsu City by train.
Close to Konpira-san, is the birth place for Kukai, a famous Monk who lived in the late 700, early 800’s. Kukai went to China for a supposed 30 years to learn the latest Buddhism, culture, fashion. Kukai mastered everything in a mere 3 years and returned to Japan to spread the Shingon Sect of Buddhism which is an esoteric Buddhism style. Zentsuji Temple if the 75th of 88 Temples in all of Shikok Island that make up the Ohenro or Pilgrim route. The Ohenro route spans for some 1400 km around the entire Shikoku Island, and Zentsuji Temple is a Japanese National Heritage site.
Located only 10 minutes from Takamatsu Station is the famous Ritsurin Garden. Ritsurin Garden is the largest Cultural Property Garden in all of Japan, and is an important cultural asset that has been maintained for nearly 400 years. The garden features six ponds and thirteen landscaped hills in front of the green vista of Mt. Shiun, along with stunning rock arrangements and a wide variety of beautiful plants.
If you wanted to see one of the best sunset’s Japan can over, approx..1 hour from Takamatsu Station is the Chichibugahama Beach area. If you plan the time correctly, the sea and sky melt together
into a world of imagination. Chichibugahama Beach has been elected as Japan’s best sunset spot, and many people come to take THAT one perfect photo.
Kagawa Prefecture let’s you get away from the hustle and bustle of other populated and tourist areas. You can instantly feel the tempo of life here is a lot slowly than the main island of Japan.
From Takamatsu City, you also can access many of the islands that make up the Seto inlet. Included in these islands is the very popular island of Naoshima, which is also called the Art Island. If art is not your preference, the very large island of Shodoshima is also accessible from Takamatsu City. Famous of the olives that are made on Shodojima, the island also has been the motive for Ghibli Movies. Shodoshima is about one hour by ferry from Takamatsu Port. It is called the Mediterranean of Japan as it is graced with a warm climate all year round. People are attracted to its beautiful scenic spots, such as “Angel Road”, where a sand bar appears at low tide, and “Kankakei Gorge”, which is considered one of the most spectacular gorges in Japan. You also can stay on Shodoshima if preferred, which truly is a romantic location.
Highlights: Takamatsu City • Ritsurin Garden • Konpira-san Shrine (Kotohira-gu Shrine) • Zentsuji Temple • Sanuki Udon • Naoshima Island (Art Island) • Shodoshima (Olive Island) • Chichibugahama Beach
Recommended length of stay: 1-3 days