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.

#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

#springitinerary Manno Lake is the kind of place where you just instantly relax. It’s the largest reservoir in Japan, but honestly, it feels more like a peaceful hidden getaway than anything super official. Surrounded by gentle hills and open skies, it’s perfect for slow strolls, lazy picnics, or just sitting on a bench and zoning out. The views are super calming, especially around sunset when the light hits the water just right. If you’re into biking or running, there’s a nice path that loops around the lake, and in spring, cherry blossoms make it feel extra magical. It’s also right next to Sanuki Manno Park, so you can double up on chill nature time. There’s nothing flashy or touristy about it, and that’s kind of the best part. Whether you’re a local or just road-tripping through Kagawa, Manno Lake is a sweet, quiet spot to reset your brain.

#springitinerary Marugame Castle is one of those spots that surprises you with how charming it is. It’s a smaller castle compared to others in Japan, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with stunning views and a peaceful vibe. Located in Kagawa, the castle sits on a hill overlooking the town, and you can easily walk up to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding area, including the Seto Inland Sea. The castle itself is super well-preserved, with its original tower and a lovely surrounding park. It’s not super crowded either, which gives you a chance to really take it all in without the hustle and bustle. The moat and stone walls add to the historic feel, and there’s a great photo opportunity at every corner. If you’re in the area and want a chill, scenic stop, Marugame Castle is definitely worth a visit!

#springitinerary Sanuki Manno Park in Kagawa is seriously underrated. It’s one of those places that’s perfect for just vibing out in nature without a huge crowd. The park is massive, like, bring-your-walking-shoes massive and it changes with the seasons. In spring, it’s packed with tulips and cherry blossoms, in summer, sunflowers and fireworks; and autumn brings this epic sea of cosmos flowers. There are wide open lawns for picnics, a playground if you’ve got kids, and even a giant slide that adults secretly love too. Rent a bike, chill by the lake, or just stroll through the flower gardens at your own pace. It’s peaceful, colorful, and kind of feels like a dream sometimes, especially if you catch it during peak bloom. Not many tourists know about it, so it’s got a super local vibe. If you're in Shikoku and want a slow, nature-filled day, this park’s a win.

🇯🇵 [Kagawa Prefecture] A delicious udon restaurant with a strong texture! Susaki Grocery Store (^^) Susaki Grocery Store is a popular restaurant in Kagawa Prefecture that serves simple udon noodles, and features a self-reporting post-payment system. You can purchase tempura at the grocery store next door, and you can enjoy your udon by topping it with soy sauce and eggs yourself (^^) On weekends, there are long lines and the waiting time is long, so I recommend going on weekdays (^^) It's very delicious, so please go and try it (^^) #0 yen trip

🇯🇵 [Kagawa Prefecture] Recommended meal tea from Yakushi Nyorai! (^^)🍵 The 77th temple, Doryuji, is said to have the power to cure eye diseases! (^^) The principal image is revered as the "eye-healing Yakushi", and many people from all over the country come to pray for recovery from eye diseases! (^^)! At this shop called Sanei in front of Doryuji, they sell tea made from the deciduous tree "Megusurinoki" and medicinal herbs that are good for eye diseases and the liver! (^^) The main ingredients are megusurinoki, megusuri, loquat leaves, chamomile, licorice, and pu-erh tea (^^) #0 yen trip

#cherryblossom25 Far from the usual tourist trails, Ziyun Chushan on Shonai Peninsula in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture, offers a serene and almost secret cherry blossom experience. Every spring, the hillsides are cloaked in soft pink and white blooms, painting the landscape with gentle colors against the sparkling backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea. With fewer crowds compared to Japan’s major hanami spots, it’s the perfect place for those seeking quiet, soul-refreshing moments among nature. A leisurely walk through the mountain paths reveals breathtaking views and hidden corners where you can truly feel spring’s magic. Accessible by car, this secluded haven invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms in peace.

If you come to Kagawa Prefecture, we will introduce you to some udon restaurants that you should definitely visit! ✔️Yamakoshi Udon This is the restaurant where Kamatama Udon originated! 【Features/Attention to Detail】 The signature Kamatama is an exquisite dish of freshly boiled noodles with raw egg! The noodles were thick and chewy🤤 【Store Atmosphere/Service】 The restaurant has an open atmosphere where you can eat outside in the garden! It is a self-service format. The turnover rate is high, so even if you are in line, you can get in early. 【Location】 602-2, Hatokokami, Ayagawa-cho, Ayauta-gun, Kagawa Prefecture, 761-2207 【Business Hours】 9:00-13:30 (Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays) ✔️Original Shoyu Udon Ogata-ya This is the restaurant where Shoyu Udon originated! [Features/Attention to detail] You rub the soy sauce udon yourself and add grated daikon radish 🥣 You get about 1/4 of a daikon radish 😹 It also comes with sudachi and sesame, so you can enjoy a refreshing taste [Store atmosphere/service] The seats are spacious and the space is calm The staff were friendly! [Location] 602-2 Hatokogami, Ayagawa-cho, Ayauta-gun, Kagawa Prefecture 761-2207 [Business hours] 10:30-14:30 (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) #0 yen trip #udon prefecture

#cherryblossom25 While everyone else is squeezing into crowds at famous cherry blossom spots in Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo—waking up at the crack of dawn just to grab a photo spot—I chose to avoid the chaos and headed to one of Japan’s most underrated prefectures: Kagawa Prefecture 🌸 After visiting Japan nearly 40 times and traveling through countless cities across the country, I told myself years ago: “One day, I must visit Shikoku.” And finally—this trip, I made it happen! I once heard someone say, “People who really know how to travel in Japan, go to the countryside.” I couldn’t agree more! Now just how underrated is Kagawa? When I mention it, most people look confused—like, “Huh? Never heard of it.” But if I say Shikoku or Seto Inland Sea, maybe that rings a bell? 📍Located in the northeast of Shikoku and facing the Seto Inland Sea, Kagawa is the smallest prefecture in Japan and is often called “The Gateway to Shikoku.” Due to this year’s unusual weather, sakura season across Japan was delayed—but lucky us! 🌸 On the very day we arrived in Kagawa, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom! Over the next few days in Kagawa, every single spot we visited was just… #travel

#Spring0yentrip "▶Overview A very popular noodle factory and udon restaurant in Marugame, Kagawa. It's only open for one hour (11:30-12:30)! The chewy, springy noodles and the simple combination of broth and condiments are exquisite, and udon enthusiasts from all over the country visit ✨ ▶Thoughts You'll take a sip and say "Delicious...!". This is the chewy texture of Sanuki udon. It's worth waiting in line. The way the local ladies handle your order efficiently is also homey and amazing. You can eat as many bowls as you want...! 😋 ▶Access/Tips ・15 minutes walk from JR Marugame Station ・Only open for one hour on weekdays during the day, so it's best to line up from around 10:45 ・They also sell fresh udon for takeaway"