Kagawa Prefecture is one of the four prefectures of Shikoku, Japan’s smallest island. Kagawa is also Shikoku’s smallest prefecture, and another fun fact - it is Japan’s smallest prefecture! Despite Kagawa’s size, you’ll find that there are plenty of things to explore and discover in what is known as the Udon Prefecture. From its famous noodles to beautiful cities, let’s see what Kagawa Prefecture has to offer.
Takamatsu
An interesting fact is that while Kagawa might be the smallest of the four prefectures that comprise Shikoku, its capital city Takamatsu is actually the biggest city of the island. With fascinating history and a plethora of things to see and do, Takamatsu should be high on your Kagawa list! You can access the city from major airports such as Haneda or Narita, or even take a train from Okayama Station. Once part of Sanuki Province in ancient Japan, this port city was important throughout Japan’s history and modernisation.
One beautiful way to start your exploration of Takamatsu is to explore the Ritsurin Park. One of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, it is composed of 6 distinct ponds, and scenery that changes with the seasons. Similar to many other gardens, the cherry blossoms light up in the spring, and there are illuminations for both spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. Construction originally began in 1625, and the garden was officially finished more than 100 years later in 1745. Exploring the garden can be made even more immersive as you can enjoy a cup of tea and views of the garden from a tea room, or even be guided around the ponds in your own boat. Ritsurin is known to embody a phrase that means for every step that you take, you have a different view of the area.
As you wander closer to the water, you can also explore the former site of Takamatsu Castle, also known as Tamamo Park. Considered to be part of the Three Great Water Castles of the country, alongside Nakatsu Castle in Oita Prefecture and Imabari Castle in Ehime Prefecture, Takamatsu Castle was built in the 16th century. Its nickname of Tamamo Castle comes from the fact that its moat contains seawater! You can get some unique views of the castle by taking a boat ride through the moats, and the interior areas of the park have been restored to demonstrate historic architecture. There are even rooms available to rent for tea ceremonies!
Udon
Kagawa Prefecture is sometimes known as the Udon Prefecture for a reason. It has delicious udon! Known as sanuki udon, these noodles are characterised by their thickness and shape. As Kagawa has more than 600 different udon shops, you are never far from one when you get hungry. There is no one way to enjoy the noodles, you can pick from a huge amount of toppings and other accompaniments. Whether you’d prefer tempura, soy sauce, or something different, there will be a shop for you. You can even hop on either the udon bus or use an udon taxi, which can take you around the area from shop to shop if you want more than one helping! Noodles can be a great way to warm yourself up on a cool day, so especially during autumn and winter, heading to a local udon restaurant is a great idea.
Another delicacy you can find in Kagawa Prefecture is olive-fed wagyu beef. An even more high quality version of wagyu beef, cattle are raised on Kagawa olives, making a unique type of beef, hard to find anywhere else. As the rarity and quality of olive-fed wagyu is quite high, enjoying it may come at a premium, but it will not be an experience that you forget!
Shonai Peninsula
Within Japan’s many islands lie a huge amount of coastline and stunning views. This also means that there is a plethora of peninsulas that are deserving of having their beauty and nature taken in. From the Kunisaki Peninsula in Kyushu to the Kii Peninsula of Honshu, they contain some wonderful sights and experiences. One peninsula of Kagawa worth a visit is the Shonai Peninsula. Located on western side of the prefecture near the city of Mitoyo, the Shonai Peninsula juts out into the Seto Inland Sea, and affords stunning views of the surrounding areas. Take a walk up Mt. Shiude and you’ll be able to see the many flowers that adorn the paths, from cherry blossoms to hydrangeas.
Flower Park Urashima is another top spot on the peninsula, full with seasonal flowers and views of Awashima Island and more of the Seto Inland Sea. On your way back toward the main part of Kagawa, stop at Chichibugahama Beach in Miyoto for a stunning sunset, and why not have dinner in the city?
The Shikoku Pilgrimage
When travel to Shikoku comes up, most likely one of the top things that is recommended is to experience part of the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage. Tracing the footsteps of the famous monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) pilgrims visit 88 temples across the island, a journey that can take multiple weeks, depending on your mode of transport. The last 23 temples of the journey are found in Kagawa Prefecture, with Okuboji Temple being 88 of 88. Pilgrims that finish their 88 temple journey at this temple usually leave their walking stick, known as a kongo-zue, at the temple as a way to showcase the completion of their long journey.
Another notable temple in the prefecture is Zentsuji Temple, established by Kukai and dating back to the 9th century. In the grounds there is a five-storey pagoda and the Golden Hall, which contains a statue of the main temple deity. You don’t need to be a pilgrim to enter and explore the temples along the 88 temple paths, so why not explore the storied grounds of some of Kagawa’s most famous temples?
Takaya Shrine
One additional place in Kagawa that is well worth a visit is Takaya Shrine. Found in the northern area of the city of Kan-onji on Mt. Inazumi, you’ll be once again climbing a set of 200 plus stairs to reach the top, but rest assured that the view will be more than worth it. At the very top, where there is a torii gate framing the city and ocean, you may be able to catch glimpses of Mt. Ishizuchi in Ehime Prefecture. This Gate in the Sky, very much lives up to its name because of the panoramic view you get of the city below and the Seto Inland Sea. Visiting in springtime is one of the best times to see the area as there are festivals and cherry blossoms to take in.
Closer to the city, there is also a large sand painting of an Edo Period coin, and at night is lit up to enhance its features and beauty. Set within Kotohiki Park, and right near the sea, it is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
Kagawa Prefecture is one of Japan’s jewels, and while the prefecture may be small, there is so much culture, cuisine, and experiences for the keen adventurer to find. Whether you are climbing the many stairs to the top of a shrine, or enjoying some delicious udon, Kagawa will have something for you!
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