2025 Kagawa Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Shikoku is known for its beautiful scenery, and many people think it's difficult to explore without driving. However, with proper planning and the use of JR trains and buses, you can easily tour Shikoku. For first-time visitors, this 5-day 4-night itinerary covering Kagawa and Tokushima is a great reference. Day 1: Takamatsu Airport ✈️ → Takamatsu Shopping Street → Takamatsu JR Station → Tokushima JR Station → Nearby Hotel Day 2: Take a bus from outside Tokushima JR Station to Naruto Whirlpools → Uzu no Michi → Naruto Park → Take JR to Oboke Station, then hotel shuttle to Onsen Hotel ♨️ Day 3: Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Boat 🚤 → Iya Vine Bridge → Return to hotel to pick up luggage, then take JR to Kotohira Station → Kotohira-gu Shrine → Hotel near Takamatsu Station Day 4: Takamatsu Port → Day trip to Shodoshima → Takamatsu Hotel 🏨 Day 5: Take the Kotoden Kotohira Line to Ritsurin Koen Station → Ritsurin Garden → Return to hotel to pick up luggage → Takamatsu Airport ✈️ 【Must-Visit Attractions】 1. Naruto Whirlpools: Taking a sightseeing boat is one of the best ways to view the whirlpools 🤩. You can not only see the whirlpools up close but also feel the turbulent and rotating water when the boat gets close to the whirlpool area, which is both thrilling and breathtaking 🤪. 2. Iya Vine Bridge: The vine bridge spans a steep gorge with rushing river water below. Although it has been reinforced and is very safe, it still wobbles when you walk on it 🫨. 3. Ritsurin Garden: The entire park is composed of a series of lakes, small bridges, and pavilions, perfectly blending the essence of Edo-period garden design. Walking through it feels like being in a graceful and charming landscape painting 😍. 【Must-Try Foods】 1. Sanuki Udon in Kagawa is one of Japan's top three udon varieties, and there are many famous small shops around 🍜. 2. Kagawa's Bone-in Chicken is also a must-try 😋. It's grilled chicken leg seasoned with salt and pepper, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. 3. Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes are a specialty of Tokushima, with golden-yellow flesh that is very delicious 🍠. 【Accommodation Recommendations】 ⭐️ Recommended Area: If staying in Takamatsu, it's recommended to stay near Takamatsu JR Station for convenient transportation and proximity to Takamatsu Port. 🏨 Hotel Name: JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu 📍 Hotel Address: 1-1 Hamano Cho, Takamatsu, Takamatsu, Japan, 760-0011 【Photo Spots】 1. The viewpoint under the Naruto Bridge offers a closer view and great photo opportunities of the spectacular Naruto Bridge 🌁. 【Tips】 ⭐️ If you want to see the full-sized Naruto Whirlpools, be sure to check the official website for information. The whirlpools are affected by tides and seasons, and the website has detailed viewing guides and schedules. Checking this before booking your sightseeing boat tickets will increase your chances of seeing the full whirlpools.

#Sign up for September hotel test sleeper Visit Naoshima, Teshima, and Shodoshima! //// Transportation and Travel Guide ✈️ You can first arrive in Osaka or Tokyo, Japan, and then take a domestic flight or Shinkansen to Takamatsu. ⛴️ Take a ferry from Takamatsu Port. Be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance so you can plan your trip. There are different ferry times and types to choose from depending on your needs. 🚲 After arriving at each island, there are bicycle rental points near the port. Renting a bicycle is highly recommended as it is the most enjoyable way to explore Teshima. You can also choose to take the island's bus, but services are relatively infrequent, so check the timetable in advance to avoid delays. //// Attractions Recommended 📍 Chichu Art Museum 📍 Lee Ufan Art Museum 📍 Tadao Ando Museum 📍 Teshima Art Museum //// Important Notes 🕙 Plan your time wisely to avoid staying too long at one attraction and missing out on other attractions. Likewise, keep an eye on ferry and bus times to ensure you don't miss your return transport. 🚲 Transportation on the island isn't very convenient; consider renting a bike or taking a bus. ☀️ Remember to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water and snacks. 📸 Most museums do not allow photography, so make sure to bring your album to record the moment~ #Naoshima #Teshima #Shodoshima #Seto Inland Sea #travel tips #Japan Travel #Japan Tours #Japan Hidden Treasures #Island Hopping #Teshima #travel inspiration #nature #architecture #best vacations #worldwide travel #visiting tips

#AccommodationTrip Opening March 1, 2024 CRAFT HOTEL Setouchi is a glamping hotel that makes you feel like you're overseas💕 About 10 minutes by car, there is a private beach of the hotel where you can do SUP👏 Activities that cost 1100 yen per person✨ Sauna🧖🏻♀️ and pool (shallow so children are safe!) You can drink the drinks you order at the bar by the pool, or you can drink at the bar, and you can see the beautiful starry sky, and the night is so stylish that it looks great no matter where you go❕ You can also roast marshmallows over a bonfire Address 1880 Sanbonmatsu, Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture • IN: 15:00 ~/OUT:~ 11:00 Rooms: 35 rooms Closed: Irregularly

I took the Jumbo Ferry and enjoyed a two-day whirlwind trip from Kobe to Kagawa Prefecture♪ We departed at 5:00am, before dawn. We took the shuttle bus from Sannomiya Bus Terminal to Kobe Port. As soon as we arrived, we boarded the ferry. The interior of the ship was spacious and clean, and I was excited! When I went out to the observation deck, it was just sunrise, and the morning sun seen from the ship was truly beautiful. And one hour after we departed, we passed under the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. It was a powerful boat show! The ship had seats where you could lie down, box seats, reclining seat areas, and more. There was also a foot bath and a large observation bath, so I was able to enjoy watching the morning sun while relaxing in the foot bath. The Shodoshima gelato I had at the restaurant on board was also delicious♡ After arriving at Takamatsu Port in Kagawa, I took the shuttle bus to Takamatsu Station. In Takamatsu, I enjoyed gourmet food such as udon and chicken on the bone, and went up to Konpira Shrine to pay my respects! Then I returned to Kobe on a late-night ferry. There are women-only rooms, so even women traveling alone can enjoy themselves with peace of mind♪ #Travel with me #Bullet Traveler #Ferry Trip #Kagawa Trip

Introducing some super cute spots you definitely want to visit in Kagawa✍🏻 (All photos are from May 2023) ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ This is "Hidamari Park Ayagawa" in Ayagawa Town, Kagawa Prefecture A new park that opened in April 2023🌼 And this park is also known as "Slowpoke Park"💗 There are lots of Slowpokes!! 🌸 There are Shellders that look like they're about to bite your tail, and on both sides of the bench, there are male and female Pikachus💛 (the one with a heart-shaped tail is female) The giant Slowpoke in the center, which is also the symbol of the park, was especially cute💖 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ＼Why Kagawa and Slowpoke?! / ▫️Kagawa Prefecture has the highest consumption of udon! Because "udon" and "yadon" are similar ▫️Kagawa Prefecture is famous for "Wasanbon"! Because sweet ingredients come out of Yadon's tail ▫️Kagawa Prefecture has a water shortage... Because Yadon "yawns and it rains" ☔️ Yadon officially promotes Kagawa as the "Udon Prefecture PR Team" 🤍 It seems that they also collaborate with buses, ferries, vending machines, and even hotel rooms 💗 There are a total of 18 Pokefuta in Kagawa Prefecture alone! (As of 2023) ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ That means there are a lot of sunny days in Kagawa...! But then it started raining 🥹 I thought maybe Yadon was yawning 😌 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 　 📸 ᴘʜᴏᴛᴏ ᴛɪᴘs ˊ˗　 It gets crowded on holidays and at lunchtime, and you might have to line up to take a photo with Yadon 🫣！ I arrived at 8am on a rainy Sunday, but there were still about 3 groups (adults) there 🫡 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 　　 ✍🏻 ɪɴғᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ (As of December 2023) Hidamari Park Ayagawa (Yadon Park) 📍Address | 253-7 Kayahara, Ayagawa-cho, Ayauta-gun, Kagawa Prefecture 🕰Hours | 24 hours 🎫Admission fee | Free 🚐Parking | Available ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ #Domestic travel #Kagawa tourism #Kagawa tourism #Photogenic spot #Yadon Park #Hidamari Park Ayagawa #besttrip2023

A hidden restaurant near the mountains in Higashikagawa City! 　　 There are wooden signs here and there, but it's quite hard to find. But when you get there, you'll be impressed 🎵 They have a lunch set, but I recommend ordering your favorite dishes from the a la carte menu! The pizza, pasta, and creative dishes are delicious, and they're happy to help you with your order. It's a very popular restaurant, so reservations are required. Information about remaining reservations is also posted on Instagram. Perfect for girls' nights! Budget 1500 yen per person ~ 436-1 Mizunushi, Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture 769-2606 #gourmet trip #gourmet #Kagawa #Kagawa Prefecture #Higashikagawa #Italian restaurant #hideaway #pasta #pizza #countryside

This time, we found 7 amazing views in Japan that look like Ghibli scenes! ☺️ Seeing so many different places just adds to the number of places I want to go back to✨ Of course, you can stay in a hotel, but it's also fun to compare the tourist attractions and amazing views of the area with Ghibli😍 [𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𓏗𓏗] ❶ Olive Park (Kiki's Delivery Service) 📍1941-1 Nishimura, Shodoshima-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture ❷ Sayama Hills (My Neighbor Totoro) 📍1169-1 Mikashima 3-chome, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture ❸ Takeda Castle Ruins (Laputa: Castle in the Sky) 📍169 Takeda Furushiroyama, Wadayama-cho, Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture ❹ Tomonoura (Ponyo on the Cliff) 📍 Tomo, Tomo-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture ❺ Shimonada Station (Spirited Away) 📍 Okubo, Futami-cho, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture The railway line leading to the sea is privately owned, and entry for photography is prohibited. ❻ Harbor View Park (Up on Poppy Hill) 📍 114 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture ❼ Shiratani Unsuikyo (Princess Mononoke) 📍 Kusukawa, Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture #Free Spot #Amazing View

Go to Shodoshima in addition to going to Witch's Delivery Service 😆 Many people will pretend to try their famous products ❤️ HISHIO ramen🍜💕 Explain 😂 Kodo Island transportation is very inconvenient 😅 You eat this noodles may have to expect 1 middle of the traffic 🥲 because d buses 🚌 really very sparse and crowded 🙂 This is the Shodoshima Angel Road shop of Shodoshima Ramen HISHIO🙈 It's only about 5 minutes walk from the attraction Angel Road 😌 So this one can visit the attraction by the way 🤣👍🏻 Actually, this ramen 🍜 is special to insist on using the ingredients of Shodo Island 😬 The manager's recommendation is the sauce ramen 🍜😆 It's the signature one It is a kind of octopus off the coast of Shodoshima and chicken feet and several vegetables boiled for 13 hours😳 so I know it will be quite tasty😄😄 It tastes rich but not greasy at all But most importantly it adds heirloom sauce🤫🤫so it tastes special🙈 Remember to try it 😃 If it doesn't rain and you're not afraid of strong winds, it's actually very pleasant to sit outdoors #JapanTravel #overseastravel #familygoodplaces #foodie #afternoon teainfo #I miss #summerfood recommendations #summergoodplaces

Angel Road is a sandy road that appears twice a day at low tide. It is said that if you hold hands with your loved one and cross the road, an angel will come down from the middle of the sandbar and grant your wish. It is a romantic place known as a "sacred place for lovers." It was also used as a filming location for the movies "My Yellow Bicycle" and "Setouchi Pirate Story"! #FreeSpot #Beach #Shodoshima #AngelRoad #SummerShortTrip #BreathtakingView

Kotohira Shrine is a shrine located on Mount Zozu in Kagawa Prefecture. The deities enshrined at the main shrine are Omononushi-no-Mikoto and Emperor Sutoku. Since ancient times, they have been worshipped as the deities of agriculture, production, medicine, and the protection of the sea. The "yellow amulet of happiness," the 785 stone steps from the temple town to the main shrine, and the "Konpira dog" are famous! If you climb all the steps, the view from there is very beautiful and pleasant 🍃 There is a cute "Konpira dog" halfway up the steep stairs, so try your best to climb 🏃‍♂️ #Shrine #Kagawa Prefecture #Kagawa #Konpira-san #Konpira Shrine #Breathtaking view

Kotohira Shrine, affectionately known as "Konpira-san," is a representative tourist spot in Kagawa Prefecture. Although you have to climb a long flight of stone steps to reach the main shrine, there is no end to the number of worshippers flocking to the shrine from all over the country. In fact, I was very tired, but I managed to reach the top by taking breaks along the way to enjoy the scenery, meet the sacred horse, buy candy sold by Gonin Hyakusho, and stop by a shop on the approach to the shrine. As well as the scenery, the atmosphere around Kotohira Shrine is very good, and it is a place where you can spend a whole day. Please come and visit us! ! #Amazing views #Trip to enjoy spring #Historic sites #Free spots #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Amazing nature #Amazing views #Trip to enjoy spring #Trip with children

The whole area was a very charming streetscape😊 The stairs were really long, but the view from the main shrine was beautiful! I went all the way to the inner shrine and received a special amulet. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes❗️ There were a lot of worshippers, so it was lively♪ #Free spot #Amazing view

Kofuen A Japanese garden located at 1-1 Honmachi, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, that is a designated cultural asset of Sakaide City. It is a 4-minute walk from JR Sakaide Station. Opening hours are 8:30am-6pm from January to June and September to December, and 8:30am-8pm in July and August. Open all year round, admission free. #Kagawa #JapaneseGarden #FreeSpots #SummerShortTrip

Kotohira Shrine Located on the hillside of Mount Zozu at 892-1 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture, this shrine has been worshipped since ancient times as the god of agriculture, production, medicine, and the protection of the sea. There are 785 steps, but there are souvenir shops along the way, so it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. The view after the climb was very refreshing! There are a total of 1,368 steps to the inner shrine, but I couldn't go after 5pm. Next time I'd like to head there earlier. The starting point of the stone steps is a 20-minute walk from JR Kotohira Station or a 15-minute walk from Kotoden Kotohira Station. #summertrip#greatview

Tall Lantern One of the famous spots of Kotohira Shrine, located at 314 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture. 1 minute walk from Kotoden Kotohira Station, 3 minutes walk from JR Kotohira Station. According to the information sign at the entrance, it was donated by the people of Samukawa-gun, Kagawa Prefecture in 1865. It is currently designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. You cannot visit the inside, but you can get up close and personal. #Kagawa #Sanuki #Summer Trip

Do you know about the Angel Road that appears only twice a day? 👼 This road can be seen in Kagawa, Shodoshima 📍 The Angel Road between Bentenjima and Nakayoshima, which appears only at low tide, can be enjoyed in two ways: You can walk on it! You can also enjoy it from above! When you walk along it, you will see a mysterious phenomenon of the sea on both sides. You will be impressed by the art of nature and the beauty of the sea that you can see all around you 🌊 Please include the low tide in your travel itinerary and go see it 🌟 #Kagawa #Shodoshima #Amazing view #Seaside scenery #Summer resort you want to keep secret #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Remote island trip #Cool travel experience #Trip to visit remote islands #Summer trip #Amazing view #Trip with children

[Kagawa, Mitoyo] Setouchi Kitchen is an Italian restaurant located in front of Chichibugahama Beach. The dishes made with local ingredients and the appetizers that change depending on the season are delicious 🍽 The walls are made of glass, so you can get a full view of Chichibugahama Beach from inside the restaurant 🌊 #Kagawa #MitoyoCity #SeasideScenery #SummerShortTrip #GourmetTrip

Kotohira-gu Shrine is located in Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku, at an altitude of 521m. The approach to the shrine is famous for its many stone steps. There are 785 steps to the main shrine and 1,358 steps to the Oku-sha Shrine. There are many specialty souvenir shops and local specialty restaurants along the shrine, which can be used for a day trip and visit. There are many famous Kagawa udon noodle shops nearby. The noodles are delicious, smooth and chewy. You must try it😋 #Scenic spot shooting guide#Overseas travel#Good place for parents and children#Hiking#Resident writer#Good place for summer

A cafe in Sanuki City that is loved by people of all ages ☕ The recommended dish is the Spiral Omelette Rice 🥚🍅 It's super creamy and delicious!! ! It seems they also have a variety of pancakes, so I'll try them next time ♪♪ #supporttourism #kagawa #cafe #cafehopping #supporttourism #gourmettrip

It may not be that well known! "Takei Cape" in Aji Town, Kagawa Prefecture, is the northernmost point of Shikoku. It's not a tourist spot, so there aren't many people, and the sea is beautiful and I was able to relax 🌊🌿 The temple carved into the rock at the very back also had a unique mystical feel to it! #supporttourism #kagawa #seasidescenery #supporttourism#greatscenery

If you have watched Xianminxiu (translated into Japanese as Miaoguomin in Taiwan), you will definitely be impressed by Kagawa's gourmet food, Bones and Birds. The scene of taking big bites of a chicken leg is as tempting as it can be. It is said that the idea of ​​bone-in chicken was first conceived by a couple from Marugame restaurant after they saw a Hollywood movie in which the heroine munched on fried chicken. Nowadays, most of the restaurants in Marugame sell bone-tsuke tori, and it is even so popular that there is a store in Takamatsu. This time I visited a small restaurant in the shopping district - Honke Nagoyan Ramen. It is the most popular ramen restaurant in Kagawa and is also a famous restaurant visited by many celebrities, with signatures all over the walls. Because it has not passed the review, I will attach another photo of another restaurant I ate in Takamatsu called Ichiraku-bone-skewered torii. It is also a famous restaurant with long queues, and the chicken rice is a must-order for tourists. Back to the Marugame restaurant, the crispy roasted chicken bone is served with sliced ​​cabbage lettuce, and underneath is the chicken fat that dripped from the roasting process. The store thoughtfully provides scissors, but the authentic way to eat it is to pick up the chicken leg, take big bites, and then drink a big gulp of wine, which is cool and happy. By the way, the store’s fried tofu in soup is so delicious that you’ll want to reorder it. The shop owner is very unique and has a large collection of models in the shop. Friends who like models will definitely like it. Why did bone-feeding bird become popular in Marugame and even in the whole of Kagawa? In fact, it has something to do with the local economy. Kagawa has its own port, which has been a gateway for importing grains since the past. In addition, because it is close to Osaka, a large number of chicken farms have emerged in Kagawa, producing eggs for sale in Osaka. The eliminated old hens will eventually become chicken dishes. Because there is a large source of chicken, bone-crusted bird has become a local specialty. By the way, when ordering boneless chicken, you can choose おやどり (old hen) or ひなどり (young chicken). One has a chewy texture, while the other is tender and juicy. It depends on which one you like. 📍Address: 52-1 Toricho, Marugame, Kagawa 763-0043 Japan 🚗JR Marugame Station is a 10-minute walk away #AprilGoodDestinations2025

#EnjoyJapan On a mild day, we thoroughly enjoyed Kagawa Prefecture in one day🎶 This is a girls trip plan that will fully refresh you in one day. In the second half, we will introduce the aquarium and cafes to enjoy in Kagawa city☺❤ In the second half of the trip, we will visit the most talked-about spot in Shikoku, "Shikoku Aquarium"🐟✨ Not only the dolphin and sea lion shows, but the performances held in the "Dolphin Pool" facing the sea are incredibly realistic! The show you can enjoy with the sound of the waves is unique to this place 🌊 The fantastic displays of jellyfish and deep-sea fish are also attractive, and you'll forget the time without even realizing it 💭💕 After enjoying the aquarium, we went to "Kitahama Alley" near Takamatsu Station ☕️ This fashionable spot was renovated from a former warehouse district, and the cafes and general stores lined up along the sea make it feel like you're in a foreign country 🎨 The lemonade and freshly baked scones we had at the counter seat overlooking the sea gently soothe our tired bodies... 🍋🥐✨ And the last thing we did on our trip to Kagawa was to have Sanuki udon! We were impressed by the chewy and firm udon noodles at a popular restaurant 😭🍜 Actually, we were also aiming for "grilled chicken on the bone," but there was a huge line and we couldn't get in... We'll definitely get revenge next time! 🌹From now on, Kagawa will be in full bloom to see famous rose spots such as Akao Rose Garden! With the perfect combination of flowers, ocean, and gourmet food, it's the perfect destination for spring and early summer✨ #GoldenWeek #ShikokuAquarium #KitahamaAlley #Kagawa #KagawaTourism

#EnjoyJapan How about a trip to Kagawa to enjoy nature and gourmet food on your next day off? 💗 Not only can you enjoy the exquisite Sanuki udon noodles that are unique to Kagawa Prefecture, but you can also find stylish cafes and an aquarium where you can meet many animals! 🐟 We bring you the first part of a girls' trip plan that you can enjoy even on a day trip💌 [Access] To travel from Tokyo to Kagawa, fly from Haneda or Narita to Takamatsu Airport✈️💨 You will arrive in Kagawa in about 1 hour and 20 minutes! [Sightseeing plan] When you arrive at the airport, take the cute "Yadon Bus" to Kotohira🚌💕 Enjoy the pink wrapping and have fun on the bus trip of about an hour✨ When you arrive at Kotohira, go to Kagawa's classic spot "Konpira-san"⛩ Challenge the stone steps of 785 steps to the main shrine and 1,368 steps to the inner shrine! Along the way, you can enjoy the historic buildings, fortune slips, and scenery of the approach to the shrine, and the feeling of slowly climbing up will make you feel like you're on a trip 🥾🌿 And the spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea from the top is so refreshing that it's hard to put into words ✨ After working up a sweat, treat yourself to a parfait at Shiseido Parlour Kamitsubaki, located halfway along the approach 🍊🍨 Take a relaxing break in a stylish space and pamper yourself for your hard work 💕 Next time, we'll introduce the aquarium and a seaside cafe in Takamatsu 🌊By the way, roses are also in full bloom in Kagawa at this time of year! Now is the best time to take a trip to be healed by flowers and nature ✨ #GoldenWeek #KonpiraSan #Kagawa #KagawaTourism

Whenever I visit a new place, I love seeking out local sweets—sometimes traditional Japanese wagashi, other times Western-style confections. Just like in Taiwan, where I would look for sun cakes and pineapple cakes, in Kagawa, there's a beloved local sweet called "kamado." Shaped like a small bun with a hollowed-out center, its design is inspired by traditional stoves. Legend has it that during the Nara period, Gyoki, a revered monk, traveled to Shikoku to spread Buddhist teachings. On Ano Beach, he gathered local girls and taught the community how to make salt from seawater using large traditional stoves. Eighty years ago, a local shop created "kamado" to commemorate this history. The treat is small and adorable, filled with white kidney bean paste, and its taste is reminiscent of Japan's popular souvenir, "chick buns." Over time, it has become a signature sweet of Kagawa. Another notable treat is "tiger buns," which gained fame after being featured on a TV program by celebrity Tsurutaro Kataoka. These buns are filled with chunky red bean paste and have a crust similar to mooncakes, offering a flavor that's both familiar and unique. If you're traveling to Kagawa, don't miss the chance to try these delightful local sweets. 📍Address: 〒766-0001 Kagawa Prefecture, Nakatado District, Kotohira Town 700-2 🚗 Access: An 8-minute walk from JR Kotohira Station or Kotoden Kotohira Station.

Marugame Castle, located in Kagawa Prefecture, is a strategic fortress facing the Seto Inland Sea and serving as the gateway to Shikoku. It boasts Japan's tallest stone walls, reaching a total height of 60 meters—equivalent to the foundation of a 20-story building. Among Japan's 12 remaining castle keeps, Marugame Castle is the smallest. However, it is one of the few castles, alongside Hirosaki and Kochi Castles, that still preserves both its keep and main gate. The castle's origins date back to the Muromachi period when Nara Motoyasu built a branch castle in Naka District, marking the earliest form of Marugame Castle. During the Keicho era, Ikoma Chikamasa, who was granted the Sanuki Province, modeled the castle after Osaka Castle and Azuchi Castle, initiating major construction. However, in the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate implemented the "One Castle Per Province" policy, leading to the dismantling of Marugame Castle while retaining Takamatsu Castle. In 1645, under the approval of the shogunate, the then-lord Yamazaki Ieharu rebuilt Marugame Castle. Its gracefully curved stone walls and three-story keep remain intact to this day. The keep, Japan's smallest, is entirely wooden and features a blend of Karahafu and Chidorihafu architectural styles, making it a charming and elegant structure. The craftsmanship is evident in the second gate, where two massive wooden beams are joined to form the lintel. One unique feature of Marugame Castle is the "Heart Stone," embedded within the stone walls. Touching this stone is said to bring good fortune in love. A word of advice: since the castle's stone walls are quite high, the climb can be physically demanding. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for your visit. 📍Address: Ichibancho, Marugame, Kagawa 763-0025, Japan 🚗 Access: A 15-minute walk from JR Marugame Station along Tomachi Street.

#EnjoyJapan Do you know Naoshima in Kagawa Prefecture, where you can enjoy art and fine arts to your heart's content❔☺️ Even if you don't usually go to art museums, you can enjoy the island's art with all your senses🎶 Let's visit photogenic objects and famous art museums💘 Here is a report on the first part of a day trip to Naoshima😚💞 [Access] It's a bit of a long journey from Tokyo to Naoshima. But that's also the best part of the trip😌🚢 It takes about 3 and a half hours by Shinkansen to Okayama Station. From there, take the JR to Uno Station, and finally take a ferry for about 20 minutes🎶 We recommend enjoying the famous "Ebimeshi" and "Muscat sweets" at Okayama Station on the way before heading out! 🦐🍇 [Tourist Plan] When the ferry arrives at Miyanoura Port in Naoshima, the first thing you see is Yayoi Kusama's "Red Pumpkin." The contrast between the blue sea and the red dots will get you excited as soon as you arrive🌊🍅 Don't forget to check out the different colored yellow pumpkins on the island! 💛 The first destination is the famous Chichu Art Museum🍃 This museum, designed by architect Tadao Ando, ​​exhibits Monet's "Water Lilies," as well as works by James Turrell and Walter de Maria, using only natural light. The quiet and sacred atmosphere, where art and nature blend together, is truly one of a kind. It is easily accessible by municipal bus🚌 For lunch, try the specialty fluffy omelet rice at "Nakaoku"🥺 The interior of the restaurant, which was renovated from an old house built over 100 years ago, is somehow nostalgic and relaxing. A truly relaxing lunch spot where you can feel the slow flow of island time🍽️ Naoshima is a special island where you can feel the healing power of art and nature. You can feel its charm even just in the morning😚 In the second part, we also headed to another featured art museum🍀 The people are kind and the time flows slowly, which is very relaxing...🩵 Why not refresh yourself on an island in the Seto Inland Sea on your next trip? 🏝️ #GoldenWeek #Kagawa #Naoshima #KagawaTourism #NaoshimaTourism #ArtMuseum

During the Edo period, people were not allowed to travel anywhere, except for visiting Kotohira-gu Shrine. In that era, visiting Kotohira-gu Shrine became an important itinerary for the annual trip. What if I still can’t get there? The people came up with the idea of ​​tying the incense money and food expenses to the dog, and let the pilgrims who went to worship take the dog with them. This is the origin of the Kinbira dog. Because of this history, the lot here is designed as a Konpira dog lot, which is quite creative. Kotohira-gu Shrine is located in Kotohira-cho, Kagawa. It enshrines Omononushi and Emperor Sutoku, and is even affectionately called Konhira-god by the locals. Omononushi is the Miwa Myojin in Japanese mythology, who possesses the divinity of snake god, water god and thunder god. In Kotohira-gu Shrine, Omononushi has been worshipped as the god of the sea since ancient times. If you have watched the Japanese drama "The Abnormal Solution Room", Omononushi is also in it. In the Heian period, it was believed that the eight million gods were the incarnations of Buddha and Bodhisattva, and the name was combined with the Buddhist Konpila and changed to Konpila Daigongen. Later, due to the order to separate gods and Buddhas, the guardians of Konpira (Avalokitesvara), Acala and Bishamonten, were invited to Okayama Nishidaiji Temple, and for a time it was changed back to Kotohira Shrine. Later, because Konpira-kun was so deeply rooted in people's hearts, it got its current name. The gold characters on the large gold-lettered lanterns were designed during the Edo period. At that time, they were also made into fans and became souvenirs after visiting the shrine. Visiting Kotohira-gu Shrine is a very demanding task. It takes 785 steps from the bottom of the mountain to the main shrine, and more than 1,300 steps to the Oku-shrine, with stone steps going up the right and down the left. If you count going up and down the mountain, you can easily break through 2,000 steps. 📍Address: 〒766-8501 892-1 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture 🚗From JR Kotohira Station or Kotoden Kotohira Station, walk for 15 minutes to the entrance of the mountain. It takes 1,368 steps to climb to Okusha. #AprilGoodDestinations2025

This Miaofa Temple can be traced back to 1,300 years ago and belongs to the Tiantai Sect. During the Warring States Period, this was a temple where the feudal lords' families prayed and worshipped, and it was also a spiritual sustenance for the people of Marugame. The temple enshrines the secret Buddha Vairocana, as well as a statue of Mahakala made by the Tiantai sect's missionary master, and a statue of Master Yuansan subduing demons. Speaking of Genzo Master, he is also known as Ryogen, Kaku Master, Dou Master, and Jike Master. He is the 18th abbot of Tendai and the lord of the revival of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei. It is said that the monk army that influenced Japanese history was created by him. According to legend, a plague broke out in Kyoto during the Eikan period, and Master Yuansan was also infected. He entered a meditative state, transformed into a Yaksha, and drove out the evil spirits. After he woke up, he asked his disciples to draw the image of Yaksha and distributed it to the people. The epidemic gradually subsided. Because of the image of Yaksha, he was called "Koksha Master". During the COVID-19 period, many Japanese also put Kaksha Master amulets at home. There is another kind of Bean Master amulet. Because the pronunciation of "豆" (まめ) is similar to "魔灭", it is regarded as a talisman to ward off evil spirits and eliminate disasters. This Myoho-ji Temple has an area called "Buson-no-Ma" that displays the works of the three great masters of the Edo period, Yoshihiko Buson. Six of the paintings have been designated as national cultural properties, including the cycad painting and the Hanshan and Shide painting, which have been converted into folding screens for display. 📍Address: 9 Tomiyamachi, Marugame, Kagawa 763-0021 Japan 🚗Five minutes walk from JR Marugame Station #AprilGoodDestinations2025