Popular Tours & Experiences in Kagawa

Shodoshima Island is renowned for its unique natural scenery and artistic atmosphere. Must-visit attractions include Olive Park, where you can experience making olive oil or enjoy olive ice cream. Angel Road is a sandy path that emerges at low tide, creating a romantic experience. The Soy Sauce Production Center (Shoyu no Sato) allows you to visit traditional soy sauce factories, learn about the brewing process, and sample soy sauce-related products. Additionally, the beautiful sunsets over the Seto Inland Sea and the diverse creative shops are worth savoring, allowing you to deeply experience the island's relaxed pace and unique charm.

For an in-depth experience of Kagawa Prefecture, we recommend allocating 4 to 5 days for a self-guided trip. A three-day itinerary can focus on major attractions in Takamatsu city, Ritsurin Garden, and Kotohira-gu Shrine, with an option to visit either Naoshima or Teshima for an art island hopping tour. With five days, you can more leisurely arrange a dual island art hopping tour of Naoshima and Teshima, or head to Shodoshima Island to experience its island charm. You can also add local specialty activities like handmade Sanuki udon making to enrich your itinerary.

Naoshima is famous for its world-class art architecture and the Chichu Art Museum, making it a paradise for modern art lovers. It's recommended to focus on visiting the Benesse House, Chichu Art Museum, and the Art House Project. Teshima, on the other hand, is characterized by its art installations integrated with nature. The Teshima Art Museum offers a unique architectural and spatial experience, while the Teshima Yokoo Museum and the Les Archives du Cœur are also highly representative. Naoshima has a more intense art atmosphere, whereas Teshima emphasizes a tranquil beauty in harmony with nature. Both islands are worth dedicating a full day to explore thoroughly.

Kagawa Prefecture's autumn foliage scenery is truly captivating. Top recommendation is Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu city; the diverse maple trees display rich colors in autumn, making it an excellent spot to admire Japanese gardens and fall colors. Kankakei Gorge on Shodoshima Island is also a popular destination during the autumn foliage season. Taking the cable car offers a panoramic view of the gorge ablaze with autumn colors. Additionally, maple trees line the approach to Kotohira-gu Shrine, allowing you to experience the autumn ambiance surrounded by vibrant foliage while climbing for worship. These locations allow you to immerse yourself in Kagawa Prefecture's unique autumn charm.

The most convenient way to get from Takamatsu Airport to the main urban areas of Kagawa Prefecture is by Limousine Bus. The buses run frequently between the airport and key locations like Takamatsu Station and Takamatsu Port, with a journey time of approximately 40-50 minutes. If you plan to visit other areas within the prefecture or desire more flexibility, renting a car is also highly recommended, especially for families or group travelers. You can find several car rental counters within the airport terminal for easy pickup upon arrival. Whether you choose the bus or self-drive, you can easily reach various parts of Kagawa Prefecture and begin your enjoyable journey.

Kagawa Prefecture's charm extends beyond art island hopping. You can visit Kotohira-gu Shrine and challenge yourself with its long staircase, experiencing Japanese faith culture. In the birthplace of Sanuki udon, try making udon noodles yourself and savor your delicious creations. Explore the world-class Japanese garden, Ritsurin Garden, and enjoy its ever-changing seasonal beauty and harmonious atmosphere. You can also try taking the Yashima Ropeway for spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea from above, or participate in local handicraft experiences to gain a deeper understanding of Kagawa Prefecture's local culture and customs.

Visiting Kotohira-gu Shrine is a test of stamina; climbing to the main shrine requires ascending 785 stone steps. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Along the way, you'll find many shops selling unique souvenirs and snacks, and there are also sedan chair services for visitors. Upon arrival, you can pray for maritime safety and business prosperity. Recommended surrounding tours include visiting Konmaru-za, Japan's oldest Kabuki theater, and enjoying Sanuki udon near Kotohira Station on the Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad, soaking in the atmosphere of the ancient town.

The most famous must-try food in Kagawa Prefecture is undoubtedly Sanuki udon, known for its chewy noodles and refreshing broth. Many restaurants offer a self-service ordering experience, which is a unique dining culture. Another local specialty is 'Otsukidori' (bone-in chicken thigh), which is crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside after roasting, pairing perfectly with beer. Additionally, fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea and olive-related delicacies from Shodoshima Island (such as olive beef and olive ramen) are also local flavors not to be missed.

Kagawa Prefecture is very suitable for family travel. Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu city has a vast area where children can play on the wide lawns and enjoy a Japanese boat ride. The New Yashima Aquarium allows children to get up close with marine life and watch dolphin shows. On Shodoshima Island, Olive Park not only offers beautiful scenery but also features scenes from 'Kiki's Delivery Service' for photo opportunities, where parent and child can enjoy pretending to fly with a broom. Furthermore, arranging a handmade Sanuki udon experience will be enjoyable for the whole family, creating unforgettable travel memories together.

To conveniently book day tours or local experience tours in Kagawa Prefecture, you can use travel booking platforms. Booking through KKday offers support in Chinese and flexible cancellation policies, alleviating language communication concerns, and providing a diverse range of itinerary options, including art island hopping, handmade udon experiences, and popular attraction day tours. Online booking allows you to plan your itinerary in advance, secure spots for popular experiences, and enjoy professional services, making your trip to Kagawa Prefecture smoother and more worry-free.