Kagawa Travel Guide
Discover the top attractions, best things to do, and insider tips for your trip to Kagawa. Explore the museums, historical sites, hiking trails, food scene, and more in this travel guide.
- Introduction to Kagawa
- List of Places to Visit in Kagawa
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Kagawa
- Best Things to Do in Kagawa: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Kagawa
- Food and Drink Scene of Kagawa
- Where to Stay in Kagawa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Kagawa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Kagawa
- Best Time to Visit Kagawa
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Kagawa: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Kagawa
- Where to Go Next from Kagawa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Kagawa
Kagawa, a prefecture in Shikoku, Japan, is known for its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, and culinary delights. Located on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, Kagawa is famous for its udon, a type of thick noodle that is a staple dish in the area. The prefecture is made up of several small islands that offer breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and most importantly, tranquility. Kagawa is a must-visit destination that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural riches.
List of Places to Visit in Kagawa
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Kagawa is home to several museums and historical places that give an insight into the rich culture and history of the region. Here are some of the top attractions:
- Shikoku Mura: A collection of buildings from across Shikoku that have been preserved and relocated to this open-air museum.
- Marugame Castle: A well-preserved castle with an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city.
- Ritsurin Garden: A breathtaking landscape garden and a National Treasure of Japan.
- Kotohira-gu Shrine: A shrine dedicated to the god of swords and patron saint of martial arts.
- Chichu Art Museum: An underground museum designed by master architect Tadao Ando that houses contemporary art.
Natural Attractions of Kagawa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Kagawa offers an abundance of natural beauty, from scenic views to outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top attractions:
- Seto Inland Sea: The Seto Inland Sea is known for its emerald waters and stunning islands, including Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima.
- Mt. Yashima: A mountain that offers panoramic views of Takamatsu city.
- Ogijima Island: A remote island that offers a quiet and serene atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
- Shodoshima Island: Known for its olive trees, beaches, and natural beauty, Shodoshima Island is a popular tourist destination.
- Naruto Whirlpools: The Naruto Strait’s whirlpools are created by the meeting of the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Kagawa
Kagawa’s natural terrain offers many great opportunities for hiking and biking. Here are some of the most popular routes:
- Shonai Hachiman Shrine Trekking Course: A 2.5 km trek that leads up to Shonai Hachiman Shrine, offering views of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Yashima Temple Hiking Course: A 3 km hike that leads up to Yashima Temple, offering panoramic views of the city.
- Shishiku Forest MTB Park: A trail network with a variety of difficulty levels for mountain bike enthusiasts.
Best Things to Do in Kagawa: Activities and Tours
Kagawa offers an abundance of activities and tours that cater to all types of travelers. Here are some of the top things to do:
- Udon-Making Experience: Take a cooking class and learn to make Kagawa’s famous thick noodles from scratch.
- Olive-Picking Experience: Experience the culture of Kagawa’s olive industry by participating in an olive-picking activity.
- Island-Hopping: Visit the islands of Seto Inland Sea by taking a ferry or boat tour.
- Yakumo Trolley Train: Take a scenic ride on a historic train that runs through the mountains of Kagawa.
- Paddleboarding: Try your hand at paddleboarding on the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
Week-Long Itinerary for Kagawa
Day 1: Visit Shikoku Mura and Ritsurin Garden.
Day 2: Hike up to Yashima Temple and explore Takamatsu city.
Day 3: Take a ferry to Naoshima Island and visit the art museums.
Day 4: Visit the Naruto Whirlpools and take a stroll on the beach.
Day 5: Visit Marugame Castle and go olive-picking.
Day 6: Take the Yakumo Trolley Train and visit Ogijima Island.
Day 7: Take a cooking class and learn to make udon from scratch.
Food and Drink Scene of Kagawa
Kagawa is known for its delicious cuisine, including the famous udon dish, which is a must-try for any visitor. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Sanuki Udon: Kagawa’s famous thick noodle dish, served with a variety of toppings, such as tempura, beef, and egg.
- Olive Beef: A type of Wagyu beef from Kagawa, fed with olive pulp.
- Tai-meshi: A rice dish made with sea bream, a local fish.
Local Beverages
- Shikoku Sake: A local sake made in the Shikoku region.
- Olive Tea: A tea made from Kagawa’s olive leaves.
Where to Stay in Kagawa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Kagawa offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the top recommendations:
- JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Takamatsu.
- Yumoto Konpira Onsen Hananoyu Koubaitei: A traditional Japanese-style inn with hot springs.
- Guesthouse Washi-no-Yado: A budget-friendly guesthouse located in Marugame.
What to Buy in Kagawa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Kagawa has an abundance of souvenirs and local products to bring home as a reminder of your trip. Here are some of the top recommendations:
- Sanuki Udon: Bring home a pack of authentic udon noodles to cook at home.
- Olive Oil: Kagawa is known for its olive oil and olive-related products.
- Hagi Pottery: Hagi pottery is a traditional craft of the region.
Local Culture and Customs of Kagawa
Kagawa has a rich and diverse culture, with its own dialect and customs. One of the notable customs is the Sanuki Udon prefecture’s famous thick noodle dish, which is a symbol of the region. Kagawa is also famous for its pottery, including the Hagi-yaki style, which has a history of over 400 years.
Best Time to Visit Kagawa
The best time to visit Kagawa is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is mild and comfortable, with the added bonus of cherry blossom and autumn foliage viewing. However, Kagawa can be visited all year round, with each season offering its unique beauty.
Do’s and Don’ts of Kagawa
Do:
- Try the Sanuki Udon noodles, a staple dish of the region.
- Respect the local customs and traditions.
- Try the local beverages, such as Shikoku Sake and Olive Tea.
Don’t:
- Disrespect the local religion or cultural practices.
- Eat or drink while walking on the street.
Safety and Health
Safety in Kagawa
Kagawa is a safe place for travelers, with low levels of crime. However, it is always essential to take care of your belongings and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Health in Kagawa
Kagawa is a healthy and safe place for travelers, with a good medical infrastructure. However, it is always recommended to have travel health insurance in case of any unexpected medical emergencies.
Getting to Kagawa: Transportation Options and Logistics
Kagawa is well connected to other parts of Japan via different means of transportation. Here are some of the top options:
Airports Near Kagawa
- Takamatsu Airport: The main airport in Kagawa, located in Takamatsu city.
Bus Stations Near Kagawa
- Takamatsu Bus Station: The main bus station in Takamatsu city, with buses connecting to other parts of Shikoku.
Other Options
- Ferries: Ferries connect the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, including Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima.
- Trains: Kagawa is connected to other regions of Japan through Japan Railways.
How to Get Around in Kagawa
Kagawa is a small and compact prefecture, with most of the attractions located in close proximity to each other. Here are some of the top options for getting around:
- Renting a Car: Renting a car is the best option for exploring rural areas.
- Public Transportation: Public buses and trains are reliable and run frequently throughout the day.
Where to Go Next from Kagawa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Kagawa is surrounded by several other prefectures, each offering its unique beauty and cultural experience. Here are some of the top destinations to visit nearby:
- Kochi Prefecture: Known for its lush greenery and scenic beauty, Kochi is a great destination for nature lovers.
- Hiroshima Prefecture: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and explore the culture of Hiroshima city.
- Kyoto: Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kyoto is a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Kagawa is a hidden gem that offers a beautiful blend of culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights. With its rich history, beautiful islands, and famous udon dish, Kagawa is a must-visit destination. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, Kagawa has something to offer for everyone.
