• kagawa's photo
  • kagawa's photo
  • kagawa's photo

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KAGAWA

22℃

Shikoku is one of the Japanese islands located near the southwest corner of Honshu, Japan’s main island. It consists of four prefectures, one of which is Kagawa, a gateway to Shikoku Island. Kagawa is traditionally called “the country of Sanuki” and is also known as the birthplace of Koubou-Daishi (Kukai), a major figure in the growth of Japanese Buddhism.

Facing the Seto Inland Sea that lies between Honshu and Shikoku main islands, Kagawa contains more than 100 small islands. Among these, Naoshima and Teshima are world-famous for modern arts and architecture. Travel in Kagawa also offers the irresistible attraction of exploring many small islands in the Seto Inland Sea by ferryboat.

For many Japanese people, Kagawa is known as “the prefecture of udon.” The popularity of Kagawa’s udon — Japanese traditional noodles — is so great that many Japanese people visit there expressly to enjoy this delicious dish. Among the greatest pleasures of travel in Kagawa, udon and art are deeply rooted in local culture, which inspires residents through its regional cuisine and scenic beauty.

    • Spring: 10°C to 20°C
      Cherry blossoms; olive blossoms; Japanese Spanish mackerel (cero)
    • Summer: 25°C to 30°C
      Setouchi Triennale international art festival (held every three years); butterfish; hand-stretched soumen noodles; Sanuki-Takamatsu Festival
    • Autumn: 12°C to 25°C
      Regular annual festival of Kotohira-gu; olive young yellowtail
    • Winter: 1°C to 7°C
      Young yellowtail
    • Takamatsu City
      Center of Kagawa Pref. and gateway to Shikoku through its airport. Departure point for cruises/ferries to islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
    • Naoshima (island)
      One of the islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Central venue of the Setouchi Triennale international art festival. Popular worldwide for arts and architecture.
    • Shodoshima (island)
      The second biggest island in the Seto Inland Sea. Famous for cultivation of olives. Japanese traditional industries such as soy sauce production still remain.
    • Kotohira
      Known for the Kotohira-gu shrine. Second most popular sightseeing spot in Kagawa Pref., next to Takamatsu City. One-day trip from Takamatsu City is possible. Many fine udon shops are located nearby.
    • Teshima (island)
      Another island like Naoshima where visitors can appreciate arts and architecture. Ferry services are available from Naoshima.
    • Car
      Kagawa offers public transportation including train and bus lines. Visitors can travel around major sightseeing spots without needing a car. If you prefer to tour islands in the Seto Inland Sea by car, taking ferries together with rent-a-car service is recommended.
    • Bus
      Shuttle buses are available between the airport and major train stations. If you choose bus services, virtually no transfer is necessary and access is often easier than by train. Services to Takamatsu and Kotohira Stations can be frequently used during your trip.
    • Train
      Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad (also known as “Koto-den”) and JR are available. Koto-den services are used mostly for travel inside Takamatsu City while JR services are convenient for departure from Takamatsu to Kotohira. Train services are not available in the islands of Naoshima, Teshima, Shodoshima, etc.
    • Airlines
      The only airport in Kagawa Pref. is Takamatsu Airport. Available services are from/to Haneda Airport (Tokyo) and Naha Airport (Okinawa). There is no airline service from/to Kansai areas.
    • Access to the Takamatsu Airport
    • From Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) - 1 hour and 15 minutes
    • From Naha Airport - 1 hour and 55 minutes
  • Sanuki udon
    Sanuki udon

    available in various areas

  • Ritsurin Garden
    Ritsurin Garden

    Takamatsu

  • Kotohira-gu
    Kotohira-gu

    Kotohira

  • Benesse Art Site Naoshima
    Benesse Art Site Naoshima

    Seto Inland Sea

  • Naoshima - island living and cafés
    Naoshima - island living and cafés

    Seto Inland Sea

  • Teshima - island living and cafés
    Teshima - island living and cafés

    Seto Inland Sea

  • Shodoshima
    Shodoshima

    Seto Inland Sea

  • Great Seto Bridge
    Great Seto Bridge

    Seto Inland Sea