Kagawa
Shikoku
Birthplace of udon noodles, home to Ritsurin Garden, and island-hopping through the Seto Inland Sea.
Capital
Takamatsu
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April) for Ritsurin Garden cherry blossoms; autumn (October) for island art festivals; year-round for udon — Kagawa udon shops open early.
Getting There
From Osaka, JR Marine Liner from Shin-Osaka to Takamatsu (2h 15min, ~¥7,000). Also highway bus from Osaka Namba (3h, ~¥3,500). Ferries connect Takamatsu to Naoshima.
Top Highlights
Ritsurin Garden
One of Japan's finest daimyo gardens (taking 100 years to complete), with six ponds and 13 scenic hills framing Mt. Shiun backdrop.
Seto Inland Sea Island Hopping
Benesse Art Site Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima islands host world-class contemporary art museums and installations.
Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san)
Famous shrine complex requiring 785 stone steps to reach the main hall, rewarding climbers with panoramic Sanuki Plain views.
Shodo Island
Second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, famous for olive groves, soy sauce brewing, and scenic Angel Road tidal sandbar.
Local Cuisine
Sanuki Udon
Kagawa is Japan's udon capital. Thick, chewy Sanuki noodles in light dashi broth, often self-service at tiny shops — locals eat udon for breakfast.
Honetsuki Dori
Bone-in grilled chicken thigh marinated in garlic soy sauce — a rustic Kagawa bar food perfect with Sanuki beer.
Shodo Island Olive Oil
Japan's only major olive oil production area, with fresh pressing available in October — used in local dishes and sold as premium souvenirs.
Stay Connected in Kagawa
Yesim eSIMs activate on arrival — no SIM swap needed. Japan data plans from $5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Setouchi Triennale?+
A contemporary art festival held every three years across 12 Seto Inland Sea islands. The next edition is 2025. Even outside festival years, permanent art installations at Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima are open to visitors.
Things to Do in Kagawa
12 sustainable experiences
Naoshima Private Tour with Private Car
Embark on a journey to Naoshima, Japan’s island of contemporary art and natural beauty, with a knowledgeable guide. Explore the world-famous Chichu Art Museum, stroll through the Benesse House Museum, and discover Naoshima’s iconic outdoor art installations. Begin your tour by exploring the Chichu
From US$452.27
Naoshima Private Custom Tour with Local Guide
This tour explores Naoshima's celebrated contemporary art destinations with an English-speaking guide, available by public transport or private vehicle, meeting at Miyanoura Port. Begin at Chichu Art Museum, Tadao Ando's underground landmark housing works by Claude Monet and James Turrell. Continue
From US$193.83
Tracing the Stones of Osaka Castle by Stone Experience Tour
Recognized as part of a Japan Heritage site, Shodoshima is known as the “Island of Stone,” where massive stones for the walls of Osaka Castle were quarried centuries ago. This tour begins with a visit to an actual stone quarry where these stones were cut from the mountain. You will then explore Osak
From US$516.88
Japans Sailboat Boatyard Seto Inland Sea Sail
This tour takes place on Shodoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea and offers a rare opportunity to visit Okazaki Boatyard, the only yacht-specialized builder in Japan. Guests will explore the craftsmanship behind sailboat construction and observe the manufacturing process up close. After the factor
From US$956.24
Hand Towel or Handkerchief Indigo Dyeing Workshop in Sanuki
Use natural indigo dye to create a unique souvenir that you can take home with you! Trained in Tokushima Prefecture, the home of indigo dyeing, the owner of Khimaira will show you how to use indigo dyeing techniques to create your very own, original design. Enjoy a little time for yourself while
From US$12.92
Kagawa: Marugame Castle Tour – One of Japan's 12 Original Castles
This tour transforms your visit to Marugame Castle from simple sightseeing into an interactive journey through samurai strategy. Instead of just viewing the castle, you’ll experience it as a defender would—learning how its towering stone walls, gates, and steep paths were designed to slow and expose
From US$63.96
Goma Fire Ritual and Ajikan Meditation Experience at Shodoshima
At Sekimon-do, a sacred mountain site located in Kankakei Gorge within Setonaikai National Park, participants will experience a Goma fire ritual and Ajikan meditation in a serene setting surrounded by beautiful nature. While interacting with the head priest and local parishioners, guests can spend a
From US$484.58
Experience Japanese Martial Arts Karate in Kagawa
Sakaide City in Kagawa Prefecture is one of the most convenient places in Shikoku. There is a permanent karate dojo in Sakaide City. Karate originated in Japan and became an official event of the Tokyo Olympics. We would like to invite you to experience karate. The curriculum is designed to make
From US$64.61
Goma Fire Ritual Tour at Goishizan, Shodoshima Pilgrimage
A tour that goes around Mount Goishi, which is the first mountain sacred site at the Shodoshima Pilgrimage Site at 88 locations. Theme: “Resonating in the Heart and Soul” Perched high above the sea, Goishizan, the 2nd temple of the Shodoshima Pilgrimage, is a dramatic sacred mountain site rich in s
From US$516.88
Seven Temple Pilgrimage Private Full-Day Tour in Kagawa
Visit 7 temples with a guide and experience the charm of pilgrimage and Buddhism. Seven Temple Pilgrimage or Nanakasho Mairi is a one-day tour to visit seven temples of the 88 sacred temples of Shikoku Pilgrimage, from the 71st to the 77th temple. Guests will visit all seven temples with a guide by
From US$273.35
Private Marugame Uchiwa Fan Workshop using Paper or Fabric
Choose from a variety of Japanese papers and fabrics dyed with glue-resist dyeing techniques or indigo to create your very own Marugame Uchiwa Fan! Marugame Uchiwa Fans have been produced for 400 years using a 47-step process. At Uchiwa Studio Kaze no Tane, one craftsperson performs all 47 steps t
From US$37.47
Kotohira: Kazurabashi Vine Bridge & Oboke Gorge Shuttle Bus (Iya)
Explore the Hidden Iya Valley – Half-Day Bus Tour from Kotohira Discover Iya Valley, one of Japan’s “Three Great Remote Regions,” on an easy half-day trip! From thrilling walks across the vine-made Kazura Bridge to the breathtaking views of the Oboke Gorge, this tour lets you experience the natural
From US$31.01