History / Culture / Tour Spots in Kagawa Area

Area

Kagawa
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Nagao-ji Temple

3.5

42 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Sanukishi Nagaonishi 653

The Nagao-ji Temple is the 87th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. There are several different stories regarding the Temple’s origins, but the most widely-quoted story is that the Temple was founded when the bodhisattva Gyoki carved a statue of the bodhisattva Kannon and built a temple to install the statue in. Subsequently, when Kobo Daishi was preparing to travel to China to study Buddhist teachings there, he spent a period of seven days at the Temple, starting from New Year, performing the Gomakito fire ceremony to pray for a successful journey. A Daieyo ceremony is still held at the Temple every year on the seventh day of January in commemoration of this event. During this event, there is a competition in which participants compete to see who can carry a huge rice cake, which weighs 150 kilograms and is decorated with the Three Jewels, for the longest distance.

補陀落山観音院長尾寺（ふだらくさんかんおんいんながおじ）は、香川県さぬき市長尾西（かがわけんさぬきしながおにし）にある天台宗の寺だ。四国八十八ヶ所霊場第87番札所で、本尊は聖観世音菩薩（しょうかんぜおんぼさつ） 2020年11月13日、この日は志度寺に参拝した。そこから車で、長尾寺にやってきた。駐車場はとても広い。第87番札所ということで、順番に回っていたら大詰めだ（区切り打ちだけど...
Gosho-ji Temple

4.0

36 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Ayautagunutaduchou 1435

The Gosho-ji Temple is the 78th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. Unusually for the temples included in the Pilgrimage, the Gosho-ji Temple belongs to the Ji-shu school of Buddhism. It was originally founded in 725 by the bodhisattva Gyoki as a temple dedicated to Amida Nyorai (the Amitabha Buddha). Subsequently, Kobo Daishi visited the site, carved a statue of himself, and built a monastery. The wooden statue, which came to be known as Yakuyoke Udatsu Daishi, attracted larger numbers of worshippers for many years. Subsequently, many famous monks—including Rigen Daishi and Keishin Sozu—visited the Temple to meditate. In 1288, Ippen Shonin (the founder of the Ji-shu school of Buddhism) visited the Gosho-ji Temple, and established a hall for Odori-nenbutsu (a form of Buddhist incantation that involves dancing, drumming and chanting). As a result, the Gosho-ji Temple became a temple where both the Shin-shu and Ji-shu schools of Buddhism were practiced.

仏光山広徳院郷照寺（ぶっこうざんこうとくいんごうしょうじ）は、香川県綾歌郡宇多津町（かがわけんあやうたぐんうたづちょう）にある時宗の寺だ。四国八十八ヶ所霊場第78番札所で、本尊は阿弥陀如来（あみだにょらい）「厄除うたづ大師」として広く信仰されている。 2020年11月12日、この日は自宅を車で出発し、古街の家の駐車場にやってきた。ここに車を停め、チェックインは後にしてまず宇多津町の街歩きに...
Iyadaniji Temple

4.5

30 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Mitoyo-shi Minocho Omi-Otsu 70

A flight of 540 steps lead to the mountain top main temple of Iyadaniji Temple. It's one of the top three sacred spots in Japan according to some rankings and the 71st temple on 88 sacred places on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Known for its difficult access, worshiping there is thought to help ward off illness. These days a shuttle bus is available for those who don't want to make the climb.

四国霊場第７１番札所、弥谷寺と書いて「いやだにじ」と称する。素晴らしい寺院ですね。派手さは無いが、如何にも厳粛で、修行の場と云う雰囲気漂う山岳寺院です。８８か寺霊場の中でも印象深い寺院、寺全体が岩にめりこんでいるような景観の寺院。下の駐車場は無料だが、石段を５４０段も上がらないと本堂に行き着かない、途中にある駐車場は有料だが、本堂までは石段が２７８段、さて、どちらを選ぶかは体力とお遍路さんの考え方...
Motoyamaji Temple

4.0

26 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Mitoyoshi Toyonakachoumotoyama Kou 1445

This is a Koyasan Shingon school temple in Toyonaka-cho in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture and is 70th temple of the 88 sacred places on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. It was built in 807 by Kobo Daishi at the behest of Emperor Heizei. It is legend that the main hall was built in one night. The principal object of worship is the Hayagriva which is said to have been made by Daishi. The current main hall was reconstructed in 1300 with a tiled hip roof and is designated as a national treasure. There are many things to see in the grounds including a five-storied pagoda, a guardian god hall and a hall with an enshrined statue of Kobo Daishi. It is famous for its Cucumber Blessing held every year in July on the day of the ox.

遍路も１０周目(うち１回は逆打ち)となり、各遍路寺も余程印象が薄い寺院以外は殆どが名称聞けば、境内の様子から縁起まで思い起こされる程度に、知識は蓄積されて来ました。ここは何度遍路しても印象は変わることなく「素晴らしい」寺院でした。かつては四国の無法者、長曾我部元親の為に大変な被害を被った寺院です。ここだけでなく、四国全土が悠久の文化財をこのたった一人の不届き者の為に殆ど焼失させられたのですが、この...
Konzoji Temple

3.5

33 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Zentsujishi Konzoujichou 1160

"Known to locals as ""Okaruten-san,"" since ancient times people have come to pray at this Buddhist temple for luck in conceiving children, easy childbirth, and the protection of children and women. The temple is dedicated to the Buddhist deity Hariti, also known as Kishimojin. Prior to praying at the temple, worshippers purify themselves with pomegranate scented incense. This incense serves as a symbol of the temple; its fragrance is also highly relaxing, and the incense makes a great gift or souvenir."

まぁ、この程度の寺院でした。仁王門以外は約１０回も遍路で来ているのに・・・何の印象も残っていない。それにしても、この寺院以上に「変な」のがこのサイトの検索方法。この寺院の口コミページは「金倉寺」と入れるとすぐに登場するが、これらの寺院の王様格の善通寺はいくら正確に善通寺と入れても絶対に登場しない。てっきり、今まで口コミも1件もなくて新規で施設報告が必要なのか？とも思った。何故、総本山などと冠しない...
Koyama-ji Temple

3.5

30 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Zentsujishi Hirotachou 1765-1

The Koyama-ji Temple is the 74th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. According to tradition, when Kobo Daishi was looking for a suitable site for a temple, an old man appeared to him and told him to build the temple at the spot where he was currently standing. Kobo Daishi carved a statue of Bishamonten (one of the Four Heavenly Kings) and placed it in a cave to be worshipped. Subsequently, an order was received from the court to repair the Manno-ike, the largest irrigation reservoir in Shikoku. Kobo Daishi went to the cave and prayed that the repair work could be completed successfully; large numbers of people who revered Kobo Daishi came together to undertake the work, which was finished without any problems. Tradition has it that part of the reward paid by the court for the successful completion of the repair work was used to build the Koyama-ji Temple. The original statue of Bishamonten still survives, situated in a cave at the rear of the Temple’s Daishi Hall.

１０回も遍路した寺院なのに、依然として印象としては残っていない寺院。１２００年もの縁起があるらしいが、８８もの霊場を遍路していると余程の寺院でないと記憶には残りづらい。但し、この寺院の往復、いずれかは忘れたが、途中にあった満濃池は記憶に新しい。四国でも有数の溜池と認識している。空海の治水工事で水害が治まったと伝えられている。溜池としては大きさは四国で一番とか・・・。
Doryu-ji Temple

3.5

26 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Nakatadoguntadotsuchou Kitagamo 1-3-30

The Doryu-ji Temple is the 77th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. According to tradition, the Temple was founded when Wakino Michikata, the local ruler, carved a statue of the Bhaisajyaguru (Medicine Buddha) from a large mulberry tree and built a temple to install it in. There is a mystical legend associated with this mulberry Buddha statue. Curious about a strange light that the mulberry tree was emitting every night, Wakino Michikata shot an arrow at the tree, and killed his old nurse by mistake. Overcome with grief, Wakino Michikata carved a Buddha statue from the tree to pray to, and his nurse subsequently came back to life.

住所は善通寺市から多度津町に変わりますが、こちらも街中のお寺さんです。立派な仁王門を始め多宝塔など建造物は目をひきます。とはいえ、なかなか八十八カ所それぞれのお寺さんの特長の記憶を定着させることの難しい事といったら。。。道隆寺と聞いて、後日でも一番記憶を呼び出しやすい印象的なものといったら、境内に都合200体以上が並んでいる観音像ということになるでしょうか。
Mandaraji Temple

4.0

29 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Zentsujishi Yoshiwarachou 1380-1

This temple in Zentsuji City belongs to the Zentsuji sect of Shingon Buddhism. It is the 72nd temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. Its origins are old, established in 596 as the family temple for the Saeki clan—a powerful clan in Sanuki region. Then, after Kobo Daishi returned from Tang (China), he paid homage to the Dainichi-Nyorai here, and set up the Diamond World and Womb Realm World mandalas, renaming it “Mandala Temple.” The grounds had nurtured an “undying pine” called “Kasamatsu” —thought to have been 1200 years old—but it was cut down due to insect damage. An image of Daishi was later carved into its trunk, and is lovingly called “Kasamatsu Daishi.”

最近は昔と違って、あらゆることに対して許容とか寛容とか云うことが出来ない世の中になっているらしい。かと云って、世の中が正義で満ち溢れているのか、と云うと全く逆で世の中はむしろ悪意に満ち溢れているのが現在。若干の清濁を合わせ飲む「余裕」が今ほどほしい時代はないんじゃないか？と思う。ここの遍路については以前も述べたが、何故、面倒なバスに乗ったり降りたりしながら廻らなければいけないのか？不合理。バス遍路...
Marugame Castle

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Marugameshi Ichibanchou

Marugame Castle is a flatland-mountain castle built in Kameyama at a height of approximately 66 meters. It is also called Kameyama Castle. This castle has won fame as a fine stone walled castle; various methods of stacking stones can be seen in this castle such as using stone worked on by a mason which is stacked up and implanted with Japanese clover, stacking natural stone which has been joined together and stacking the unworked surface of quarried stones. The castle tower is enshrined by a stone wall and is said to be the highest in Japan, which is one of the castle towers out of the 12 remaining castle towers in existence and even now conveys a characteristic beauty of form which is harmonized with nature. In 1957, the Ote Ichino-mon Gate and Ote Nino-mon Gate were designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Komatsuozan Fudokoin Daiko-ji Temple

4.0

19 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Mitoyoshi Yamamotochoutsuji 4209

The Komatsuozan Fudokoin Daiko-ji Temple is a temple belonging to the Zentsu-ji school of Shingon Buddhism, located in the Yamamoto Town of Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture; it is the 67th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. The Daiko-ji Temple was originally founded as a branch temple of the Todai-ji Temple in Nara, but was subsequently reestablished by Kobo Daishi. At one point in its history the temple changed its adherence to the Tendai school of Buddhism, under the influence of the monk Saicho (the founder of Tendai Buddhism); as a result, the temple precincts now house both the Shingon Buddhist Kobo Daishi Hall and the Tendai Buddhist Tendai Daishi Hall. The statue of Kongo Rikishi (a Buddhist guardian deity), which according to tradition was carved by the master sculptor Unkei, is believed to be the largest statue of its kind in any temple in Shikoku. Also worth seeing are the Shichinichi Tomyo votive candles, which are believed to help worshippers protect themselves from illness, ensure smooth childbirth, and increase the likelihood of having a happy marriage, etc., and the huge Japanese Torreya trees and Camphor trees, which are said to have been planted by Kobo Daishi.

四国霊場巡りで初めて行きました。駐車場に車を停め、仁王門から石段を上ると、正面に本堂があり、すぐ隣でこちらを見るようなところに納経所もありました。左手に大師堂がありました。トイレを利用しましたが、すごくきれいでした。
Seto Ohashi Commemorative Hall and Exhibition Space

4.0

41 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Sakaideshi Bannosumidorichou 6-13

Seto-ohashi Bridge is one of the largest scale bridges in the world. In the commemorative Hall and Exhibition Space located in the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park, the techniques and construction of the bridge from beginning to end are showcased using images and models. The bridge has a depth of 50 meters below sea, a height of 200 meters and span of 9.4 kilometers. Don’t miss the bridge theater where you can enjoy the whole picture of the Seto-ohashi Bridge in high-definition. Audio guide is available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

瀬戸大橋坂出側に有る橋を紹介しているミュージアムです。橋が無い時代は、天気が悪いと四国が陸の孤島になったという時代だったそうです。瀬戸大橋のミニチュアも有ります。
Shushakaji Temple

3.5

25 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Zentsujishi Yoshiwarachou 1091

Located around 10 minutes’ drive from JR Zentsu-ji Station, the Shushaka-ji Temple is associated with legends about Kobo Daishi. It is the 73rd temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. According to tradition, when Kobo Daishi was seven years old he jumped off a cliff, and was rescued by a celestial maiden; the Shashingadake-zenjo Inner Temple was built in gratitude for this event. The Inner Temple is situated around 50 minutes’ walk from the main hall, but it can also be reached by car; on the way, visitors pass by a grove of Japanese cypress trees that have been designated for special preservation by Kagawa Prefecture, the Yosano Akiko and Hiroshi Garden, and Yanagai-no-mizu. From the Inner Temple, there are superb views of the Sanuki Plain and the Seto Inland Sea.

縁起が余りにも現実離れしていて、幼稚園の園児が聞いても「あり得ない」と思うようなものについては、単なる「日本昔話」ですよ、と云って余り事大げさに言わない、伝えない方がいいと思う。空想上の人ならかまわないが、空海さんは実在の方だけに少々の誇張は仕方ないとしてもこの寺院に纏わる昔話だけは到底、信じられない。信仰云々以前の問題であり、聞いても笑えるだけ、空海さんの教えや思想を折角、信奉している者(私もそ...
Uchiwa no Minato Museum (POLCA)

3.5

30 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagawa Pref. Marugameshi Minatomachi 307-15

The Uchiwa no Minato Museum (POLCA) is a museum dedicated to the history of Marugame uchiwa (traditional paper fans). During the Edo period, it became customary to buy Marugame paper fans as souvenirs of a pilgrimage to the Kotohira Shrine, and fan-making became an important local industry in Marugame. The making of Marugame uchiwa fans has been designated a National Traditional Craft. The exhibits in POLCA include examples of different types of Marugame uchiwa fan dating from the Edo period to the present day, as well as the main regional fan styles from other parts of Japan, and mannequins showing the fan-making process, etc. There is also a demonstration area where visitors can see traditional fan-making techniques being demonstrated. POLCA is located around 15 minutes’ walk from JR Marugame Station.

Making fans was so enjoyable. We have seen many wonderful temples, gardens and castles and even been to Disney Tokyo. I have to say that for some reason this was one of the most memorable...
Yokai Art Museum

3.5

21 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagawa Shozu-gun Tonoshocho Ko 405

Complex intricate alleys remain in Tonosho Town, the “Town of the Maze,” in Shozu County, Kagawa Prefecture, which were once used to escape wars and pirates. “MeiPAM” is an art project making use of the old buildings and things remaining in the town, to encourage people to visit. There are a variety of stores throughout the town to be enjoyed leisurely, including art galleries in restored former soy sauce shops warehouses, and cellars from the Meiji period. Cafeterias using Shodoshima Island and Setouchi (Inland Sea) produce, books and sundries shops, and fashionable cafes are popular for meals and breaks when exploring the town.

Had a great time wandering around to these galleries. A few tips One of the exhibitions is really dark. Wait for a minute or two at the entrance for your eyes to adjust before you wander around...
Kotohira Kaiyo Hakubutsukan (Maritime Science Museum)

3.5

21 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

953 Kotohira-machi Nakatadi-gun Kagawa Prefecture

The Kotohira Kaiyo Hakubutsukan maritime science museum is located immediately adjacent to the Kanamaru-za theater, Japan’s oldest Kabuki theater, where Konpira Kabuki performances are held; the theater is situated on the pathway leading up the famous Konpira-san shrine, dedicated to the god of the sea. The museum has a sound theatre, models that recreate an Edo-period harbor, a ship maneuvering simulator that allows visitors to experience steering a ship, etc., along with a wide range of materials relating to nature (with a focus on the sea), ships and maritime affairs.

海上交通の神様であるこんぴらさんにちなんだ施設だ。ほかけ船や千石船などのほか江戸時代の船や施設、さらには現代の船、瀬戸大橋の建設、南極船などの様子が展示されている。
Outdoor Music Plaza Theatron

4.5

8 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Sanukishi Kamoshou 1-20

This versatile open-air theater is the largest in Chugoku and Shikoku regions. It faces the Seto Inland Sea, letting visitors enjoy the natural beauty of Seto Naikai National Park while taking in plays, concerts, and more. The parking lots used for events vary, so it's a good idea to confirm the location in advance when driving to the venue.

讃岐市に位置している、音楽系のイベントに適している野外音楽広場です。剣闘士奴隷の試合があったコロセウムのような感じです。
Seto Inland Sea Folk History Museum

4.5

16 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Takamatsu-shi Kamemizu Cho 1412-2 (Goshikidai Yamaue)

This museum was established in 1973 in order to enhance awareness of the region’s history and traditional culture. The museum collects, displays, and researches items connected to the history and folk customs of the Setouchi region. The museum’s standing exhibition displays National Tangible Folk Cultural Property-designated fishing gear and vessels used on the Seto Inland Sea, and a recreation of a traditional boat-building shop, enabling visitors to come in contact with the unique traditional way of life in the Setouchi region. Outside the museum are displayed a motorized sailboat and other wooden boats, as well as stone statues. From the rooftop observatory, museum visitors can take in the idyllic scenery of the Bisan Strait.

2022年8月6日、この日は五色台展望台に立ち寄った。車で瀬戸内海歴史民族資料館にやってきた。駐車場は舗装されていないが、とても広い。高松港にあった灯台が展示されている。瀬戸内海歴史民族資料館は、瀬戸内地方の歴史、民俗等に関する資料の展示をしている。「日本建築学会賞」、「公共建築百選」に選ばれている建物だ。入口に、建物の模型が展示してある。無料で、撮影OKという素晴らしい施設だ。ビックリするく...
Former Zentsuji Kaikosha

4.5

16 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Zentsujishi Bunkyouchou 2-1-1

Former Zentsuji Kaikosha is an important cultural property. Established in 1896 in Zentsuji-cho, it was built by the Japanese army's Eleventh Division, a group dedicated to officer camaraderie and academic research. These buildings were once found nationwide, but today there are very few left. You can explore it from 10 am to 4 pm. The banquet hall is available for reservation too.

明治３６年に、第十一師団・陸軍将校のための親睦の場として完成した建物が、見事に復元・保存されています。
Takinomiya Tenmangu Shrine

4.0

17 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Ayautagunayagawachou Takinomiya 1314

Takinomiya Tenmangu is Sanuki's god of scholarship. In 886 Sugawara-no-Michizane became Sanuki's governor, living in the official residence located in Takinomiya, Ayananjo County. It's said the shrine grounds are built on the site. The Nembutsu dances that take place annually on the grounds have been designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Lots of visitors come on August 25 for the annual rites to pray for rain and a good harvest. These ceremonies have been held for over 1,000 years.

「学問の神様」の菅原道真が讃岐の国司になったときに住んでいた場所です。道真はこの後右大臣まで出世しました。普通の神社でしったが、道真の絵などが飾られていました。
Shiratori-jinja Shrine

3.5

8 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Higashikagawashi Matsubara 69

This shrine is in Higashi-Kagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture. Stories tell that the spirit of Yamato Takeru became a swan and alighted at this shrine, and the grounds now hold garden lanterns donated by generations of feudal lords. It also has Mt. Miyama, which boasts of being Japan's lowest mountain at 3.6 meters, and the shrine offers certificates as evidence of your mountain climbing.

猪熊邸を見るために車を走らせているとこちらを発見。こちらは日本武尊（ヤマトタケルノミコト）の魂が白鳥になって降り立ったといわれる神社で、春・夏・秋に、盛大な大祭が開催され、また、神社内にある通称「みやま（御山）」は標高3.6m。日本一低い山として地域おこしをしており、白鳥神社では登山証明書を発行してあるそうです。境内には大きな御神木があり、近寄ると体にビリビリ感がありました。

Kagawa

Takamatsu Kotohira / Kanonji Sakaide / Marugame Shodo Island Tosan

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

Kagawa Areas

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.