Discover Kagawa Prefecture

Kagawa Prefecture can be explored through a range of interests: collections devoted to folk history and art sit alongside volcanic landscapes, pilgrimage routes and a distinctive udon culture. First consider whether you would like to focus your trip on museums and history, landscapes and nature observation, or culinary experiences. The places and activities below offer concrete starting points.

Landscapes, Views and Pilgrimage Routes

Yashima is a flat-topped lava plateau known as a setting for the Genpei War. From its summit, you can see Takamatsu and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Here, a striking landscape, expansive views and historical significance come together.

Goshikidai has facilities for outdoor activities, historic sites and pilgrimage routes. Options include hiking, nature observation and exploring historical sites. Kankakei offers a different kind of scenery: The gorge is counted among Japan’s three great gorges and is a representative landscape in Setonaikai National Park.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage is also a feature of the prefecture: 23 temples on the famous 88-temple pilgrimage route are located in Kagawa. This is a useful point of reference for anyone wishing to include pilgrimage sites in their exploration of the region.

Collections and Art

The Seto Inland Sea Folk History Museum displays wooden boats and equipment related to fishing, household life, religion and shipbuilding. A total of 5,966 collection items—including fishing equipment from the Seto Inland Sea, shipbuilding tools and back-carried panniers from western Japan—are designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan.

The permanent exhibition at the Kagawa Prefectural Museum includes materials on Kūkai’s life and work, historical documents related to the Takamatsu-Matsudaira family, and artworks by artists associated with Kagawa. In the broader destination of Japan, the Shikoku Mura Gallery houses paintings and sculptures by artists such as Picasso and Bonnard, as well as Oriental artworks. These offer a range of collection interests: folk and material culture, regional history and art.

Udon and Hands-On Craft Experiences

For a culinary guide: Kagawa Prefecture has more than 600 udon restaurants. Another experience featuring local sweets is making Sanuki Wasanbon confections. Participants choose four wooden molds and four colors, shape twelve sweets, and enjoy two of them with matcha. Check before your visit to see whether this experience is currently available.

Hands-On Activities and Travel to Naoshima

The Information Communication Exchange Center (e-topia Kagawa) offers hands-on experiences with IT devices for children and adults, as well as courses and programs ranging from IT basics to advanced technical skills. Individual programs may not always be available.

At Sanuki Mannou Park, visitors can take part in guided walks through the Nature Ecology Garden, seasonal craft activities, and bread- and pizza-making classes. Check the dates of individual classes before your visit.

Ferries to Naoshima depart from Takamatsu Port in Kagawa and Uno Port in Okayama. Check current schedules before your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Naoshima, Ayauta District, Sakaide, Takamatsu, Marugame, Nishishirakata, Mime, Kotohira, Tadotsu, Tonoshō, Sanuki, Shozu District, Zentsūji, Higashikagawa, Manno, Furue.

For the overview of the wider destination: Japan.