Travel / Tourism Spots in Kagawa Area

  • Roadside Station Shodoshima Olive Park
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    4.0
    439 Reviews
    Transportation
    Kagawa Pref. Shouzugunshoudoshimachou Nishimura A: 1941-1
    This rest area is located within Shodoshima Olive Park in Shodoshima Town, Shodoshima County, Kagawa Prefecture. About 2,000 olive trees and over 130 types of herbs are cultivated here, and the park offers an expansive view of the Seto Inland Sea. The pure white “Greek windmill” and other features give the area a distinctly Mediterranean feel. The site includes a cafe with a wonderful view, as well as the “Olive Museum,” which has a shop that offers various olive-themed goods. There’s also an herb garden and the rocket used in the live-action adaptation of “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” along with a natural hot spring, a craft workshop facility, a lodging facility, and more. The cherry blossoms from late March through early April are gorgeous, and there are night cherry blossom light-up events held as well.

    Its a nice place, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes. While the pathways are smooth, there are some steep ones and if youre not careful, you might end of sliding accidentally. This place has...

  • Tamamo Park (Ruins of Takamatsu Castle)
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    4.0
    315 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Tamamochou 2-1
    Takamatsu Castle was the residence of the Ikoma family, the lords of Sanuki Province, and subsequently of the Matsudaira clan, the rulers of the Takamatsu domain. Tamamo Park has been created around the Castle ruins. Takamatsu Castle was famous as one of Japan’s three great “water castles.” The Castle’s Ushitorayagura Tower and Tsukimiyagura Tower still survive, along with the Hiunkaku villa and garden, which has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. With beautiful cherry blossom in the spring, a chrysanthemum exhibition in the autumn, etc., there is plenty to see and do at any time of year.

    I loved the castle - maybe it is because takamatsu is somewhat of a hidden tourist gem, but there were no crowds. great!

  • Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio
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    4.0
    273 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Pref. Shouzugunshoudoshimachou Tanoura
    This is a theme park that has repurposed the open set that served as the filming location in the 1987 movie Twenty-Four Eyes. Homes, the school and fishermen’s residences that stand side-by-side harken back to the early Showa period and convey the appearance of the film’s world. In addition to the Tsuboi Sakae Memorial Museum dedicated to the author of the novel the film was based on, the Shochikuza Movie Theater that regularly screens Twenty-Four Eyes, and the “Kinema no Iori” gallery that introduces various Japanese films of the 1950s, there is also a restaurant and cafe on site.

    Fantastic location, on the tip of a peninsula. If the weather is nice, the seaside view is tremendous. Familiarity with the 1954 film would add value to the experience, but the old sets are quaint...

  • Zentsuji Temple
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    4.5
    193 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Pref. Zentsujishi Zentsujichou 3-3-1
    Zentsuji Temple is the grand head temple of the Shingon sect Zentsuji school, located in Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture. It is the 75th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. The area where the temple stands is known as the birthplace of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), and he himself built the temple over a period of six years from 807 with the aid of donations from his father. The temple is noted as one of the three holy sites linked to Kobo Daishi and has drawn worshipers since the olden days. Within the vast temple grounds are housed National Treasures relating to Kobo Daishi and numerous Important Cultural Properties. Saiin, or the Western Temple, is called the birthplace temple and it is here where visitors will find the ordination platform revered as the place of Kobo Daishi’s birth.

    Beautiful Temple and surroundings. You can learn so much from this visit. The birthplace of Kobo Daishi and Temple number 75 on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage on Shikoku.

  • Shikoku Mura open-air museum
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    4.0
    175 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Yashimanakamachi 91
    Shikoku Mura (“Shikoku Village”) is an open-air museum located about 20 minutes’ drive to the east of JR Takamatsu Station. The exhibits include traditional farmhouses from various parts of Shikoku (dating from the Edo and Meiji periods) that were moved and re-erected here, as well as traditional public buildings such as a village kabuki stage, and several traditional industrial facilities that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties, including a traditional sugar-cane processing facility. The Shikoku Mura Gallery located on the museum site exhibits a wide range of artworks, from European paintings to Oriental sculptures, etc.

    BRILLIANT landscape design and historic preservation. Super-sophisticated design linking historic buildings by varied paths with varied materials and so experiences. The historic buildings are...

  • Marine Station Naoshima
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    4.0
    98 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Pref. Kagawagunnaoshimachou 2249-40
    You’ll find this station at the Miyanoura Port ferry terminal in Naoshima Town, Kagawa County, Kagawa Prefecture. It features a bold design that befits its role as the entrance to Naoshima, and island known for its culture and artistry. Inside the facility, there’s a tourism information center, a cafe, a waiting area, a ticket purchasing area, a specialty goods shop, and a bus terminal, and the place is always bustling with tourists. Next to the building is the “red pumpkin,” an impressive outdoor art installation by Yayoi Kusama featuring a vibrant red dotted design.

    直島と、高松港や宇野港とをフェリーの行き来する際に重要となるフェリーターミナルです。フェリーへの乗船チケットの購入と、目的のフェリーに乗るまでの待合スペースのみがあるだけでなく、カフェや土産物店も併設しています。待合スペースは屋外にもありますが、屋内にもあるため、日差しが強かったり悪天候の日等は屋内でのんびり過ごすのもいいでしょう。直島を周遊するためのバス停やタクシー乗り場は勿論、道路を挟んで向か...

  • Temple No. 84, Yashimaji Temple
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    4.0
    172 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Yashimahigashimachi 1808
    The Yashima-ji Temple is an Omuro-sect Shingon Buddhist temple in Takamatsu City. It is the 84th temple visited on the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage, and is said to have been founded by the monk Ganjin in 754. The Yashima-ji Temple has several Important Cultural Properties, including the Hon-do hall and the temple bell, as well as a wooden statue of a seated Senju Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) which is the main object of veneration in the temple and which can be viewed in the Homotsu-kan (Treasure Hall). Other artifacts on display in the Homotsu-kan include an illustrated scroll of the Genpei Josuiki (an extended version of the Heike Monogotari, or “Tale of the Heike”), a white banner of the Genji clan, and a folding screen painting of the Battle of Yashima.

    There are many interesting statues throughout the temple grounds. We were particularly taken by the tanuki statues. On the side of the main hall there is a small pathway through red torii beside...

  • Kotohira-gu Shrine
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    4.0
    25 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Prefecture Nakatado-gun Kotohira-cho 892-1
    Kotohira-gu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located halfway up Mt. Zozu (which is 521 meters high) in Kotohira Town; it is commonly known as Konpira-san. There are a number of legends concerning the origins of the shrine, all of which suggest a mixture of Shinto and Buddhist influences. Besides the principal kami (deity) of the shrine, O-mono-nushi-no-kami, the spirit of the Sutoku Emperor is also worshipped there. O-mono-nushi-no-mikoto is worshipped as the guardian deity of seafarers. Besides the Homotsu-kan (Treasure Hall) and the Omote Sho-in hall, there are many other fascinating things to see, including the Takahashi Yuichi Hall, where oil paintings by the renowned artist Takahashi Yuichi are on display.

    本宮の手前にあります。昔は本宮と間違えてしまい、こちらを参拝して帰ってしまう人もいたそうですが、なるほどと思います。 今は本宮の帰りに参拝するようにロープで歩道が区切られています。正面に屋根付きのベンチが置かれていて、長い階段を上ってきた後に、ここで一息入れることができます。 彫刻が素晴らしく、じっと見入ってしまいそうです。

  • Marukin Soy Sauce Museum
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    4.0
    162 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Pref. Shouzugunshoudoshimachou Nouma A 1850
    This museum was constructed in 1987 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of Marukin Shoyu. The gassho-zukuri (a traditional style of Japanese architecture with a steep thatched roof) building has been designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Inside the museum are panels that introduce the soy sauce manufacturing process and displays of tools that were actually used in the production of soy sauce since the company was founded. Visitors can try soy sauce soft cream in the adjacent production building and this unique flavor can only be had here. Tours of the press factory that is currently still in use are also possible.

    Interesting place. You can see here the old advertisement posters of the Marukin soy sauce and various tools and processes used in making soy sauce.

  • Chichibugahama Beach
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    4.5
    72 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Pref. Mitoyoshi Niochounio Otsu 203-3
    This roughly one-kilometer long beach is also known as the Salar de Uyuni of Japan. It's been designated one of the Japan’s 100 best sunset destinations. The scenery is truly superb between 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after sunset when two conditions are satisfied: the tide and sunset coincide and there is no wind to make waves on the surface of the water.

    We plan to visit this beach to take amazing photos like other visitors however we forgot to do enough research and came here around noon. The beach is quite large and a bit windy. It s a nice beach...

  • Kankakei Ropeway
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    4.0
    106 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Pref. Shouzugunshoudoshimachou Kankakedori Takase Yu 168
    The Kankakei Ropeway runs across Kankakei Gorge, which is considered to be one of the three most beautiful gorges in Japan; the Ropeway extends from the foothills right up to the mountain peak. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the beautiful scenery in the Gorge, which changes with the seasons. The views of the Seto Inland Sea in the distance provide a marvelous contrast to the mountain vistas. The journey up the Ropeway takes approximately five minutes to complete.

    We travelled in Japan from mid October to mid November, hoping to enjoy the colorful Fall reds, but we missed out on the colors, too early. On the Kankakei ropeway, we finally saw the beauty of the...

  • Okuboji Temple
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    4.5
    85 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Pref. Sanukishi Tawa Kanewari 96
    Okuboji Temple located in Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture is a temple of the Shingon sect Daikakuji school and the 88th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. It is the place for completing a Shikoku pilgrimage, and the kongozue (sticks) and hats which belonged to pilgrims who completed the pilgrimage are dedicated next to the main hall. It is said that Gyoki established the temple in the Yoro period (717 to 724), and Kobo daishi built an edifice and enshrined a statue of Bhaisajyaguru carved by him later. It was popular for the principal image of Bhaisajyaguru which is said to blow away calamity and sicknesses, and also as a Nyoninkoya where women can access the mountain. The main hall and a two-story tahoto pagoda line up are backed by Taizogamine Peak, and it is said that you can receive the same fortune as with the pilgrimage of the 88 sites when you walk one lap around the Osunafumidojo (sand stepping field) of Daishi hall. It is also well-known for fall foliage.

    第88番札所 大窪寺 結願のお礼にお伺いしました。最初にお伺いしたのが5年前、久しぶりのお参りです。 境内は広く見ごたえも十分。8月の四国とは思えない雨で寒さもなかなかでしたがゆっくりとお参りさせていただきました。

  • Yakuri-ji Temple
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    4.5
    87 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Murechoumure 3416
    The temple is the 85th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage in Mure Town, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. It is located half-way up Mt. Goken and is of the Shingon sect Daikakuji school. Legend has it that when Kobo Daishi, a Japanese Buddhist priest, was completing Gumonjiho training, a method where a person chants the Shingon or “True Word” one million times over 50 days or 100 days, five swords fell from the sky. Daishi buried the five swords as the guardian of the mountain and in 829 he built the temple. It is said that the name of the temple comes from the eight grilled chestnuts Daishi planted that grew. In front of the approaching path where the Shotendo Hall stands, a Buddhist Ganesh Kangiten is enshrined, and it is thought that it brings luck for a prosperous business, academic achievement, and marriage.

    A gem of a Temple (& Shrine) off the beaten track near Takamatsu in Kagawa. Accessible via the Kotoden Electric Railway its well worth a visit for its giant Getas and its syncretic Temple/Shrine...

  • Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kai Setouchi Art Museum
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    4.0
    81 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagawa Pref. Sakaideshi Shamijima Nantong 224-13
    This art museum overlooks the Seto-ohashi Bridge and Hitsuishi-jima Island, the birthplace of Higashiyama Kai’s grandfather. It stores more than 270 lithographs donated by the Higashiyama family, and holds exhibitions of various themes. The view from the cafe overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto-ohashi Bridge is a magnificent.

    This is a very select collection of incredible paintings, drawings, displays dedicated to the famous artist, Kai Setouchi. If you are a fan of his art, you will be quite pleased with the gallery. If...

  • Roadside Station Genpei no Sato Mure
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    4.0
    69 Reviews
    Transportation
    Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Murechouhara 631-7
    Approximately 15 minutes by car via Takamatsu-higashi/Shido Interchange. This roadside station is located in Mure Town, Takamatsu City—stage of the Genpei-Yashima battle. The spacious lot includes an information center, a rest area, a seafood restaurant and shops offering local products. Products are displayed for sale in a corner featuring traditional cultural goods, sake, sweets, and Kagawa’s famous Sanuki udon. There are fresh local vegetables too. The seafood restaurant “Jakoya” is self-serve, primarily offering fresh seafood from Seto Inland Sea for a reasonable price.

    高松から志度方面にサイクリング中に出会いました。公園は広く、ちょっとした運動会なら開けそうです。瀬戸内海の景色も素晴らしいです。

  • Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum
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    4.5
    93 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Murechoumure 3519
    This art museum lets you bask in the world of Isamu Noguchi, a leading 20th century sculptor. He worked on an enormous range of projects like landscape design involving monuments, gardens, and parks, interiors with furniture and lighting fixtures, and stage art. He was a singular artist, and this cosmopolitan space has a universality that transcends genres.

    To visit the garden museum you have to reserve a date and time in advance. It is an expensive visit, large group and nothing much to see in the garden (lawn with few stones arranged by the...

  • MIMOCA (Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art)
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    4.5
    72 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kagawa Pref. Marugameshi Hamamachi 80-1
    MIMOCA (Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art) is an art museum in Marugame City. The museum was established to celebrate the artistic career of Genichiro Inokuma, an artist who grew up in the Marugame area and who later became a leading figure in international art circles, as well as to help reinvigorate culture and the arts in the Marugama region. MIMOCA’s location was chosen to make it easily accessible from the nearby railway station, giving it a more convenient location than more or less any other museum of its kind in Japan. The permanent exhibitions showcase the roughly 20,000 artworks that have been donated to the museum; in addition, several special exhibitions are held every year. The museum café has won acclaim for its “limited-edition” desserts, which are changed frequently to accompany MIMOCA’s special exhibitions.

    The museum is 2min from JR Marugame Station. The building is beautiful and contemporary. Inside is spacious and many exhibits on each floor. It was interesting to know that Mr. Inokumas art changed...

  • Negoro-ji Temple
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    4.5
    50 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Nakayamachou 1506
    The Negoro-ji Temple, which is a mountain temple located on the slopes of Mt. Ao-mine, around 30 minutes’ drive from JR Takamatsu Station, is the 82nd temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. According to tradition, the origins of the Temple lie in the Kezoin Temple that Kobo Daishi built to worship the Godai Myo-o (Five Great Wisdom Kings) of Ao-mine. Subsequently, a new temple, the Senju-in Temple, was established nearby to house the statue of the bodhisattva Kannon with “one thousand” arms that was carved by Chiso Daishi from an aromatic tree growing in the Renge-tani Valley; the two temples were combined to create what is now the Negoro-ji Temple. Particularly worth seeing are Kobo Daishi’s statue of the Godai Myo-o, the statue of an Gyuki (cow-headed devil) situated in a corner of the car parking area, and the approximately 33,000 statues of the bodhisattva Kannon arranged along a three-sided cloister just in front of the Hon-do (Main Hall). The path leading up to the Temple is lined by trees, and is a marvelous place to view autumn foliage in the autumn months.

    堂塔も縁起も素晴らしい寺院、創建1100年を超える古寺名刹。ここの数々の仏像や石像も実に素晴らしい!五大尊堂内の五大明王像は圧巻、一種の尊厳をさえ感じる重厚なもの。青峰山に居た「牛鬼像」が睨みを利かせる駐車場から計130段ほどの石段を登ると本堂、紅葉の季節なので得も言われぬ美しさの石段、坂道であり、しんどいのも暫し忘れさせてくれる。何度、遍路しても飽きない素晴らしい遍路寺でした。ここは真言宗じゃな...

  • Unpenji Ropeway
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    4.0
    38 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagawa Pref. Kanonjishi Onoharachoumarui 1974-57
    This high-speed ropeway has a capacity of 101 people and links the foot of Mt. Unpenji in Onohara Town, Kan-onji City, Kagawa Prefecture with the summit on the Tokushima Prefecture side. Nearby is Unpenji Temple, the 66th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage and the temple with the highest altitude in the Pilgrimage. Many worshipers come here as a result. It takes about seven minutes one way. From the window, you can enjoy a view of the Seto Inland Sea, the Chugoku region, and the Seto Bridge, combining amazing scenery with the thrill of a high-speed ride. In the winter, many people come to visit Snow Park Unpenji.

    If you are traveling from overseas, make sure you carry your passport when you purchase tickets for Unpenji Ropeway. Presenting your passport will give foreigners 50 % discount.

  • Shodoshima Island
    Travel / Tourism
    Kodo-cho, Shodojima-cho, Shodo-gun, Kagawa prefecture
    Floating in the Seto Inland Sea with its groves of olive trees, Shodoshima Island was also the stage for Sakae Tsuboi’s novel, Twenty Four Eyes. There is a whole host of things to do on the island including the Twenty Four Eyes Movie Village, the Olive Park, and the Nakayamano Tanada (terraced rice paddies), known as one of the best 100 rice terraced fields in Japan.

Kagawa Areas

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Japan’s smallest prefecture, Kagawa, may take up just a small corner of Shikoku, but it has grown increasingly popular with the recognition of Naoshima, its "art island" in the Seto Inland Sea between Shikoku and Honshu. Just a stone’s throw from the islands, mainland Kagawa’s prefectural capital, Takamatsu, holds history in its castle ruins and its pride and joy, Ritsurin Garden, is known as one of the country’s best gardens.

Kagawa Photo Album

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