Kagawa Prefecture
Where is Kagawa?
Kagawa Prefecture is located on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands.
Situated in the Seto Inland Sea region, it’s bordered by Ehime Prefecture to the west, Tokushima Prefecture to the south, and faces Okayama Prefecture across the sea to the north.
The prefectures’ landscape combines coastal areas with mountainous terrain inland.
The prefectural capital is Takamatsu, a coastal city serving as the primary transportation hub and offering a mix of modern and historical attractions.
What is Kagawa known for?
Kagawa Prefecture was historically known as Sanuki Province.
During the Edo period (1603-1867), the Takamatsu and Marugame Domains ruled most of the area. After the Meiji Restoration (1868), Sanuki Province became Kagawa Prefecture.
Kagawa is renowned for Sanuki udon, a type of thick wheat flour noodle considered one of Japan’s best. Visitors can explore numerous restaurants serving Sanuki udon throughout the prefecture ranging from self-service shops to high-end establishments.
The prefecture also has significant art connections.
Naoshima Island is a hub for contemporary art museums and installations, including Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin.
Lacquerware and lacquer carving are also prominent traditional crafts in Kagawa.
Where should I visit in Kagawa?
Naoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea is known as “Art Island” and houses multiple museums showcasing contemporary art and installations.
This includes the Benesse House Museum, Chichu Art Museum, and Lee Ufan Museum.
Outdoor sculptures are also scattered across Naoshima Island.
Teshima is another island that attracts art lovers. It is the home of the Teshima Art Museum, which is known for its unique architecture.
The Arioka Kofun Cluster is a large group of burial mounds located near Zentsūji city.
These ancient keyhole-shaped burial mounds provide insights into ancient Japanese culture.
Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu is the largest “Cultural Property Garden” in Japan.
With meticulously landscaped ponds, hills, and tea houses, it is considered one of the finest historical gardens in Japan.
The Kankakei Gorge on Shodoshima Island offers scenic hiking trails with impressive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, especially during the autumn foliage season.
A ropeway also traverses the length of the gorge, allowing visitors to view it from above.
Just outside Takamatsu, Mount Yashima is accessible by ropeway and offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding islands.
It also holds historical significance as the site of a famous battle between the Taira and Minamoto clans during the Gempei War in the 12th century.
Angel Road is a sandbar connecting Shodoshima Island to several smaller islands that appears twice a day during low tide.
Local legend says that lovers who walk across it hand-in-hand will have their wishes granted.
Konpira-san (Kotohira-gu Shrine) in Kotohira is an important Shinto shrine sat atop Mount Zozu and involves a challenging climb up 785 stone steps.
Numerous shops and restaurants line the stairway and approach to the shrine.
When is the best time to visit Kagawa?
The best time to visit Kagawa Prefecture depends on how the expected weather will impact on your travel priorities.
For generally pleasant weather, aim for autumn (September-November).
Temperatures are mild, rainfall is low, and the autumn foliage adds beauty to the landscape.
Spring (March-May) offers cherry blossoms and comfortable temperatures, ideal for exploring parks and gardens like Ritsurin Garden.
Summer (June-August) is hot and humid but perfect for beach activities and enjoying lively summer festivals.
If you don’t mind cooler temperatures and potential rain, winter (December-February) is the least crowded time to visit, offering lower prices and a chance to experience local winter customs.
All Events in Kagawa
The Birth of Kitaro: The Mystery of GeGeGe pop up shops open in 3 locations from April
A new pop up shop to celebrate the release of the animated movie The Birth of Kitaro: The Mystery of GeGeGe will open in Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka from April 11th.
schedule ALL DAY
payments FREE
schedule ALL DAY
payments FREE
Blue Exorcist and Sanrio collab cafe is now open
A new collab cafe between Blue Exorcist and Sanrio will open in 3 locations across Japan between April and May.
schedule 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
payments FREE
schedule 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
payments FREE
WIND BREAKER season 2 pop up shop announced
A new pop-up shop for the popular TV anime WIND BREAKER, has been announced.
schedule ALL DAY
payments FREE
schedule ALL DAY
payments FREE
Tours and Activities in Kagawa
None found.
Where should I stay in Kagawa?
The best place to stay in Kagawa Prefecture depends on your interests and budget.
For access to major attractions and transport links, Takamatsu City, the prefectural capital, is ideal.
It offers convenient access to ferries for nearby islands like Naoshima, famous for its art museums, and Shodoshima, known for its olive groves.
If you prefer a quieter experience centered around nature, consider staying near the Kotohira area, which is close to Konpira-san (Kotohira-gu Shrine).
Budget-conscious travellers might choose the JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu, which is located close to Takamatsu Station and provides easy access to public transport.
For luxury travellers, the Kiyomi Sanso Hanajukai, offering stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and Mount Yashima, provides a more upscale experience.
No matter your preference, Kagawa has accommodations suited to various needs, making it a welcoming destination for all types of travellers.
Keep in mind that the Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival held across the Seto Inland Sea islands (including some belonging to Kagawa), takes place across three seasons spring, summer, and autumn in alternating years. This event significantly impacts accommodation availability and prices.
How do I get to Kagawa?
Kagawa Prefecture is accessible by air, sea train and car.
For air travel, Takamatsu Airport (TAK) serves as the main gateway and offers domestic flights from major Japanese cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
From the airport, buses and taxis connect to central Takamatsu and other destinations within the prefecture.
Alternatively, the Shinkansen (bullet train) provides efficient access to Okayama Station, from which the JR Marine Liner rapid train operates regularly to Takamatsu.
For those travelling from other parts of Shikoku Island, local JR train lines and expressway buses connect Kagawa with neighboring prefectures.
Travelling by car is also possible, with the Seto Ohashi Bridge (Great Seto Bridge) providing access from Honshu.
Once in Kagawa, local buses and trains offer transportation throughout the prefecture, connecting cities and towns.
However, renting a car can be useful for exploring the more remote areas and islands at your own pace.
Ferry services also link various islands within the Seto Inland Sea, accessible from ports in Kagawa.
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