Located in the northeast part of the Shikoku region lies the Kagawa Prefecture. Here, you can see the Great Seto Bridge, linking the Shikoku region to the Chūgoku region. Despite being the smallest prefecture in Japan, Kagawa is home to a lot of beautiful scenery and a rich cultural and historical background. It is also known for its delicious udon noodle, olive production, as well as museums and sandy beaches.
If you’re planning a trip to Kagawa, why not check out the different tourist spots that not only offer spectacular views but have historical significance too? From mountaintops with shrines and temples to castles and ogres' caves, there is a lot for you to see in Kagawa. For those visiting temples and shrines, remember to observe the proper etiquette.
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An off-beaten-path gem overlooked by most tourists, Mt. Yashima is the ideal destination for those who want to go on an excursion into the bountiful nature and cultural legacy of Kagawa Prefecture. Located on the outskirts of Takamatsu, the mountain is notable for its flat plateau resembling a roof—earning the name Yashima, which literally translates as “roof island.” Yashima is more than just a mountain, however. Visitors who venture to the top will find a museum, an aquarium, a temple. You will also see astonishing views of the landscape around the area and the sea beyond it.
Mt. Yashima is the famous site of one of the most significant battles in Japan—between the warring Taira and Minamoto clans some eight centuries ago. If you love history, why not stop by these historical sites to deepen your understanding of the stunning natural setting?
Walk the pilgrimage road starting at Yashima Station—the same path that the great monk Kobo Daishi, founder of the esoteric Shingon school of Buddhism, walked. This path takes you all the way to the summit of the mountain. It’s an easy hike—simply follow the cobbled paths and attune your ears to the rustling of leaves and other nature sounds till you reach the magnificent Yashimaji Temple. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can check out the Old Pilgrimage Path or the West Yashima Old Path. These paths take you through more scenic views of natural splendors, as well as temples and other rich historical sites.
Not far from Yashimaji Temples is the Shishi no Reigan Observation deck, one of the three main spots overlooking a breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Sea and its island—a sight no traveler should miss.
Kotohira-gu is one of the largest and most famous shrines and the head shrine of all the Kotohira shrines in Japan. Fishers, sailors, and people from the navy often visit the shrine as the deities housed there are said to protect those at sea. While no one knows the exact date when the shrine was established, it held special significance for Emperor Sutoku, the 75th emperor of Japan during the twelfth century. Pilgrimages to this shrine became popular in the 1300s. Today, the shrine receives hundreds of visitors every day who climb the steps to pay their respects.
Visiting the shrine requires climbing the extremely long staircase, consisting of 1,368 steps. Nevertheless, the views are worth it. You can enjoy the different cafes, teahouses, udon restaurants, and souvenir shops around the area. You can also rent a walking stick to make the climb easier or take a ride in a kago (palanquin) and enjoy the sights as you are carried around.
The Main Shrine stands at the midway point. It is dedicated to many gods, such as the gods of agriculture, medicine, and marine safety. You can see many beautiful paintings displayed on the ceiling of the shrine. During festival days, you can see priests and shield maidens dancing in their traditional outfits as they celebrate.
The Kotohira-gu Shrine is also home to Kanamaru-za (The Konpira Grand Theater), the oldest surviving kabuki theater in Japan. Kabuki is a classical form of Japanese entertainment that features both drama and dance. Performers often wear glamorous costumes and have heavily made-up faces.
Out of the 12 castles remaining in Japan that have survived the post-feudal ages, Marugame Castle is one of them. Also known as Kameyama, this hilltop castle overlooks the city below and some parts of the Seto Inland Sea beyond it. It was built from 1597 to 1602 and then torn down just after 13 years due to a new policy by the shogun that permitted only one castle per province. In 1660, it was rebuilt when the province split into two. Though many of the castle buildings were destroyed by fires, the original keep and several of the castle gates remain standing today.
Marugame Castle is one of the country’s most famous cherry blossom spots. Over a thousand cherry trees surround the walls and castle keep. They bloom from late March to early April, when the annual cherry blossom festival is held on the grounds.
Megijima sits just off the port of Takamatsu. It is a small island—almost four kilometers long and one kilometer wide. Megijima is also called Onigashima, the Ogre Island, in the famous Momotaro story. Legend says a boy born from a peach visited the island and fought its resident ogres. Near Megijima’s highest peak is a cave said to have served as the ogres’ fortress a long time ago. You can bike to it and explore the interconnected chambers. Some of them display large statues depicting scenes from Momotaro legend.
Aside from the cave, you can visit a mountain park with an observation deck where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the island and the sea beyond. The island is also famous for its cherry blossoms that bloom in early April. On the island, you will also find a large statue of Nichiren, founder of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, as well as a moai replica on the beach.
When you stroll through Megijima’s village, you will find several old wooden houses and narrow lanes. High stone walls called ōte protect the village from the sea and strong winds and have become part of Megijima’s unique scenery. Megijima is also one of the places of the Setouchi Triennale Art Festival, which features artwork-turned homes as a creative way to bring contemporary art and tourism to the islands.
Sitting atop Mt. Inazumi is the Takaya Shrine, a popular destination known for its magnificent views. The top of the shrine, also nicknamed "torii gate in the sky," overlooks the coastal city of Kanonji and the beautiful Seto Inland Sea beyond.
This Shinto shrine has more than a thousand years in history. You'll find mention of it in the Enghishiki, a compilation of laws and customs completed in the year 927. While many people climb to pay their respects to the deities, what draws most tourists in is the stone torii (built in 2009 to replace an old wooden gate). It serves as a frame overlooking the impressive views of Kanonji and the sea.
Takaya Shrine is also one of the many spots in Kanonji City said to bring luck with money. Tourists hike the mountain to pray for good fortune and prosperity for their businesses. If you visit in the spring, you’ll get to witness the spring chousa (float with Taiko drum) festival called Takaya Shrine Taisai. Enjoy the lion dances under the cherry blossoms and the chousa competition.
Whether you're a history enthusiast with a passion for learning about wars and ancient traditions or a traveler looking for unique places to visit, Kagawa will surely capture your attention. With its beautiful sceneries, delicious food, and historical spots, this small prefecture has a lot to offer.
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