Kagawa Prefecture is widely known across Japan as ‘Udon Prefecture,’ but it’s also a major tourism destination packed with diverse attractions, from cultural heritage sites steeped in long history to photogenic natural wonders.
This time, we’ve carefully selected ‘5 Absolutely Essential Spots’ that are a must-see for everyone, from short-term visitors to those exploring Kagawa more deeply. Beyond just introducing the locations, we’ll provide real, on-the-ground information that you can only get by visiting, including the best times to visit, tips for avoiding crowds, and little-known deep attractions.
Ritsurin Garden
📍 Address: 1-20-16 Ritsurincho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0073, Japan
A strolling garden of a feudal lord, dating back to the Edo period. Its charm lies in the meticulously crafted scenery that changes with every step, earning it the moniker ‘Issho Ikkei’ (one step, one view). Mount Shiun, towering in the background, is masterfully incorporated as a borrowed landscape, and the vast grounds are beautifully laid out with six ponds and thirteen artificial hills.
To enjoy this garden more deeply, a ride on the ‘Nanko Pleasure Boat’ (850 yen for adults), separate from the admission fee (500 yen for adults), is highly recommended. As you listen to the boatman’s engaging commentary, the beauty of the pine branches seen from a low perspective and the structure of the bridges’ undersides reveal details you’d never notice while walking. While same-day reservations for the pleasure boat are possible, it’s popular, so securing tickets at the vending machine early in the day is the best approach.
Also, if you have time, try utilizing a free volunteer guide (reservations possible up to one week in advance). You’re sure to satisfy your intellectual curiosity with insights into the garden’s history and the profound artistry behind the approximately 1,000 meticulously maintained pine trees. For a break during your stroll, a classic way to relax and immerse yourself in the garden’s beauty is to enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets at the large teahouse ‘Kikugetsu-tei.’
Kotohira-gu Shrine
📍 Address: 892-1 Kotohira, Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa 766-8501, Japan
Affectionately known as ‘Konpira-san,’ this is a classic among Kagawa’s tourism mainstays. A daunting 785 stone steps lead to the main shrine (Hongu), and a total of 1,368 steps await if you continue to the inner shrine (Okusha).
The keys to a successful visit are ‘don’t push yourself’ and ‘prepare in advance.’ While the ascent starts pleasantly, browsing the souvenir shops lining both sides of the path, the gradient becomes relentlessly steep in the latter half. You can rent a walking stick for 100 yen at shops along the approach, which is highly recommended, especially to reduce strain on your knees during the descent.
The breathtaking views, including Sanuki Fuji, and the sense of accomplishment after reaching the inner shrine are exceptional, but even if you’re not confident in your stamina, visiting just the main shrine offers plenty of wonderful scenery. Also, a parfait at ‘Shiseido Parlour Kamitsubaki,’ located midway up the stone steps, is the perfect reward for tired bodies. Receiving the popular ‘Lucky Yellow Amulet’ and strolling at your own pace, slowly feeling the breath of history, is the local way to enjoy it.
Marugame Castle
📍 Address: Ichibancho, Marugame, Kagawa 763-0025, Japan
This famous castle boasts the tallest stone walls in Japan (approximately 60m in total height), despite having the smallest keep among the twelve remaining original castles. The ‘Mikaeri-zaka’ (Looking Back Slope) leading to the keep lives up to its name with a steep gradient that makes you want to look back. Visiting with comfortable walking shoes, such as sneakers, is a must.
And currently, one of the biggest highlights of Marugame Castle is the ‘stone wall restoration project.’ Restoration work is underway (targeting completion by the end of March, Reiwa 10 – March 2028) on the stone walls that collapsed due to heavy rains several years ago. During the dismantling process, new ‘buried stone walls’ have been discovered, making this a truly valuable sight in the history of Japanese castles. It’s a ‘living historical site’ that can only be seen now, and by visiting the stone wall restoration PR museum alongside the site, you’re sure to be impressed by the fusion of the overwhelming craftsmanship of ancient stonemasons and modern civil engineering techniques.
Chichibugahama Beach
📍 Address: 273-1 Niootsu, Nio-cho, Mitoyo, Kagawa 769-1404, Japan
This stunning spot in Mitoyo City gained instant fame on social media as ‘Japan’s Uyuni Salt Flat.’ At low tide, the vast tidal pools that appear on the shallow sea transform into a magical water mirror, perfect for capturing beautiful reflection photos.
The two conditions for capturing a miraculous shot are ‘the overlap of low tide and sunset (magic hour)’ and ‘no wind.’ Pre-research is essential, as the Mitoyo City Tourism and Exchange Bureau’s official website publishes tide tables and optimal viewing times. Once you arrive, the trick is to find a ripple-free puddle and position your camera as close to the ground as possible for your shot.
While summer and holidays can be crowded with people and congested parking, winter, despite the harsh cold, offers clear air and fewer people, allowing for a luxurious photography experience at your own pace (however, be sure to take thorough measures against the cold sea breeze!).
Angel Road
📍 Address: 24-92 Ko, Tonosho-cho, Shodoshima-gun, Kagawa 761-4101, Japan
A romantic and iconic scenic spot representing Shodoshima Island. Twice a day, for approximately three hours before and after low tide, a sandbar emerges from the sea, allowing you to walk across to Yoshima Island.
While many tourists visit during the daytime, ‘early morning’ or ‘twilight’ are overwhelmingly recommended if you’re aiming for truly beautiful moments. Especially at sunrise, there are fewer people, and the tranquil sea along with the sandbar glowing golden in the morning sun creates a mysterious atmosphere truly befitting the name ‘Angel’s Walkway.’
As it’s a place dependent on nature, there might be days when the path doesn’t fully connect due to tidal conditions. However, even the experience of ‘just missing it’ adds a unique flavor to your trip, allowing you to truly feel the grandeur and beauty of nature. Be sure to check the tide table before visiting and allow plenty of time for your journey.
Local Tips to Enjoy Kagawa Tourism 120%
A characteristic of Kagawa’s tourist attractions is that many require a lot of walking. The long stone steps of Kotohira-gu Shrine, the steep slopes of Marugame Castle, and the vast grounds of Ritsurin Garden will use more stamina than you might expect. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, such as worn-in sneakers, for your travels.
Furthermore, for scenic spots like Chichibugahama Beach and Angel Road, aligning your itinerary with ‘nature’s schedule (tides)’ is crucial. When planning your trip, the biggest secret to ensuring a successful Kagawa journey is to first check the tide tables for each location to identify optimal viewing times, and then work backward to fill in your schedule with ‘Sanuki Udon shop hopping’ and other tourist attractions like a puzzle.
