Higashikagawa Travel Guide

Plan your travel to Higashikagawa with this comprehensive tour guide that lists the must-visit places, outdoor adventures, best things to do, and where to stay and eat. Learn about local culture, customs, do's and don'ts, and how to travel to and around Higashikagawa.


Introduction to Higashikagawa

Higashikagawa is a small town located in Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku in Japan. It is a quiet and peaceful town, surrounded by mountains and the Seto Inland Sea. Higashikagawa is known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic views, outdoor adventures, and delicious local food. It is also the site of the famous Konpira-san shrine, a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.

List of Places to Visit in Higashikagawa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Konpira-san Shrine: Said to be one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Japan, Konpira-san is known for its 785-step staircase leading to the shrine that offers a breathtaking view of the town and the sea.
  • Kanamaru-za Theater: Built in the early 1900s, Kanamaru-za is one of the oldest Kabuki theaters in Japan and is still in use today.
  • Higashikagawa Furusato Folk Museum: This museum showcases the local culture and history of Higashikagawa, including traditional crafts and festivals.
  • Higashikagawa Municipal Agriculture and Fishing Center: Visitors can experience the traditional farming and fishing methods of Higashikagawa and taste the fresh seafood and vegetables.

Natural Attractions of Higashikagawa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Takaya Shrine: A small shrine located on a hill, offering a stunning panoramic view of the town and the Seto Inland Sea.
  • Kisen-bashi Bridge: A suspension bridge spanning the Maruyama River, surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms during spring.
  • Yakuo-ji Temple: A temple with a long history and a stunning garden, famous for its stunning autumn foliage.
  • Maruyama Park: A large park located in the heart of Higashikagawa, famous for its cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Higashikagawa

  • Konpira-san Pilgrimage Route: A 17.5 km round trip that takes visitors to the Konpira-san Shrine.
  • Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon and 10KM Road Race: A marathon race that takes place in Kagawa, which includes Higashikagawa.
  • Shishibone Mountain Trail: A 5 km round trip to the summit of Shishibone Mountain, offering a spectacular view of the town and the sea.

Best Things to Do in Higashikagawa: Activities and Tours

  • Boat tours: Visitors can take a boat tour of the Seto Inland Sea, offering a stunning view of the islands and the sea.
  • Cycling tours: Visitors can rent a bike and explore the town and its surroundings at their own pace.
  • Local Festivals: Higashikagawa holds various festivals throughout the year, including the Higashikagawa Furusato Festival, the Konpira-san Shrine Okage Matsuri, and the Hyogo Matsuri.

Week-Long Itinerary for Higashikagawa

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Konpira-san Shrine and explore the town
Day 2 Take a boat tour of the Seto Inland Sea
Day 3 Visit the Kanamaru-za Theater and the Higashikagawa Furusato Folk Museum
Day 4 Take a cycling tour of Higashikagawa and its surroundings
Day 5 Visit the Takaya Shrine and the Maruyama Park
Day 6 Join a local festival or event
Day 7 Relax and enjoy local food and drinks

Food and Drink Scene of Higashikagawa

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sanuki Udon: Higashikagawa’s specialty is the Sanuki Udon, a thick and chewy noodle made from local wheat.
  • Mamezushi: A local specialty sushi made with soybeans grown in Higashikagawa.
  • Hamo: A freshwater eel that is a traditional summertime dish in Higashikagawa.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Kagawa Prefecture is known for its high-quality sake, and Higashikagawa is no exception.
  • Shochu: A traditional Japanese spirit made from rice, sweet potato, or barley.
  • Local Craft Beer: Higashikagawa is home to several microbreweries that produce delicious craft beer.

Where to Stay in Higashikagawa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Higashikagawa Royal Hotel
  • Kanakaku Onsen Hotel
  • Higashikagawa Youth Hostel
  • Matsushita Ryokan

What to Buy in Higashikagawa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sanuki Udon Noodles
  • Kagawa Sake
  • Local Crafts: Higashikagawa is known for its traditional pottery and lacquerware.
  • Local Food Products: Soy sauce, miso, and pickles.

Local Culture and Customs of Higashikagawa

Higashikagawa has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should respect the local customs and traditions. It is customary to bow when greeting locals, and shoes should be removed when entering someone’s home or a temple. The Konpira-san Shrine is a holy site, and visitors should be respectful and dress appropriately. It is also traditional to give gifts when visiting someone’s home or attending a festival.

Best Time to Visit Higashikagawa

The best time to visit Higashikagawa is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the cherry blossoms or autumn foliage are in full bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Higashikagawa

Do:

  • Bow when greeting locals.
  • Remove your shoes when entering a temple or someone’s home.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting the Konpira-san Shrine.
  • Speak loudly or disrespectfully on public transportation or in public areas.
  • Litter or smoke in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Higashikagawa

Higashikagawa is a safe town, and visitors should not encounter any safety issues. However, they should be aware of the natural hazards that come with hiking trails and water activities. Visitors should also be cautious of traffic when cycling or walking on the side of the road.

Health in Higashikagawa

Higashikagawa has several medical facilities, such as clinics and hospitals, in case of emergencies. Visitors should also take precautions against mosquito bites during the summer months and carry medication if necessary.

Getting to Higashikagawa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Higashikagawa

The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, which is about 40 kilometers away from Higashikagawa. From the airport, visitors can take a bus or a taxi to Higashikagawa.

Bus Stations Near Higashikagawa

Higashikagawa Station is the main bus station in town, and buses run regularly to other cities in Kagawa Prefecture and Shikoku Island.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a ferry from Osaka or Kobe to reach Shikoku Island.

How to Get Around in Higashikagawa

Visitors can get around Higashikagawa by walking, cycling or taking the local bus. Taxis are also available for short distances.

Where to Go Next from Higashikagawa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Takamatsu: The largest city in Kagawa Prefecture is known for its art and historic sites.
  • Marugame: A small town famous for its castle and traditional festival.
  • Matsuyama: The largest city in Shikoku Island is famous for its hot springs and historic castle.

Conclusion

Higashikagawa is a hidden gem of Japan that offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and cuisine. From the stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea to the delicious Sanuki Udon, Higashikagawa is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can plan their perfect trip to Higashikagawa and create memories for a lifetime.

Historic Hiketa District Historic Hiketa District