Kagawa Travel Guide: Sights, Food & When to Go

Kagawa (香川県) is a prefecture in the Shikoku region of Japan. Its capital is Takamatsu; it has a population of about 0.9 million and an area of 1,877 km². Kagawa is nicknamed the udon prefecture because of its famous Sanuki udon.

Kagawa is Japan's smallest prefecture by area, occupying part of Shikoku's Seto Inland Sea coast, yet it looms large nationally as the undisputed home of sanuki udon, with thousands of noodle shops packed into a small area and a devoted local food culture built around it. Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's largest and most respected traditional gardens, escaped wartime destruction and preserves centuries-old landscaping techniques. The prefecture is also the gateway to the Seto Inland Sea's art islands, including Naoshima and Teshima, where contemporary museums and installations have transformed once-declining fishing communities into an internationally recognized art destination. Kotohira-gu, reached by a long stone stairway, is one of Japan's most popular pilgrimage shrines for sailors and travelers.

Key facts

Japanese name香川県
RegionShikoku
CapitalTakamatsu
Population~0.9M
Area1,877 km²
How it ranks47th of 47 by area, 40th by population, about 479 people per km² (11st densest)
Known forUdon, Naoshima, Art islands, Ritsurin
Best forArt lovers, Foodies, Island hoppers
Suggested stay2–3 days
Where to stayTakamatsu
Best time to visitSpring and autumn are excellent for gardens and island trips; summer is lively but hot.
Cherry blossomslate March to early April in a typical year
Autumn leaveslate November to early December in a typical year
Main festivalsKonpira Grand Festival (October)

Why go to Kagawa

  1. Sanuki udon, the best in Japan
  2. Naoshima and the art islands
  3. Ritsurin, a stunning stroll garden

When to go

Spring and autumn are excellent for gardens and island trips; summer is lively but hot.

  • Konpira Grand Festival (October): A major festival at Kotohira-gu, the hilltop shrine long revered by sailors and travellers.

What to see in Kagawa

1. Ritsurin Garden

One of Japan's largest and most respected traditional landscape gardens.

Iconic · Time needed: 2 h · Tip: Boat ride in the pond

2. Kotohira-gu

A hilltop shrine reached by a long stone stairway, popular with sailors and travellers.

Iconic · Time needed: Half day · Tip: 785 steps to the main shrine

3. Naoshima

An art island transformed by contemporary museums and outdoor installations.

Iconic · Time needed: Full day · Tip: Book Chichu museum online

4. Teshima

A smaller neighbouring art island known for its striking Art Museum.

Hidden gem · Time needed: Full day · Tip: Bike between sites

5. Marugame Castle

One of Japan's original castle keeps, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.

Hidden gem · Time needed: 1 h · Tip: Steep but rewarding

6. Shodoshima

An olive-growing island known for scenic gorges and a Mediterranean-style landscape.

Local favourite · Time needed: Full day · Tip: Angel Road at low tide

What to eat

Sanuki udon is the signature dish. Olive products from Shodoshima and Seto Inland Sea seafood are also important.

  • Sanuki udon: Firm, glossy noodles, often self-service
  • Honetsuki-dori: Spicy roast chicken leg
  • Olives: From Shodoshima
  • Wasanbon: Fine sugar sweets

Souvenirs (omiyage): Udon kits, olive oil, wasanbon

Sample itinerary

  1. Day 1: Ritsurin, udon crawl, Kotohira-gu
  2. Day 2: Ferry to Naoshima: Chichu, Benesse House, pumpkin

Getting there and around

From Tokyo1h20 flight Haneda → Takamatsu
From Osaka1h45 via Okayama
By airTakamatsu Airport → city: 45 min

Takamatsu is a key gateway to Shikoku and the art islands, with ferries from the port.

Key cities and areas: T, a, k, a, m, a, t, s, u, , ·, , M, a, r, u, g, a, m, e, , ·, , K, o, t, o, h, i, r, a, , ·, , N, a, o, s, h, i, m, a

Travel times are approximate fastest options; always check current timetables.

Nature and landscape

Kagawa is Japan's smallest prefecture by area, with a dense island-rich Seto Inland Sea coastline.

Practical tips

  • Many udon shops close early afternoon
  • Naoshima museums close on Mondays
  • The Setouchi Triennale runs every three years

Combine with nearby prefectures

  • Okayama (37 km): Kurashiki's canal district
  • Tokushima (56 km): Awa Odori, Japan's biggest dance festival
  • Ehime (130 km): Dogo Onsen, Japan's oldest hot spring

See a route: Kagawa → Okayama → Tokushima · Explore all 47 prefectures on the map

Frequently asked questions

Is Kagawa worth visiting?

Yes — especially for art lovers, foodies, island hoppers. Sanuki udon, the best in Japan. Naoshima and the art islands. Ritsurin, a stunning stroll garden.

How many days do you need in Kagawa?

Plan 2–3 days. A good base is Takamatsu.

How do you get to Kagawa from Tokyo?

1h20 flight Haneda → Takamatsu. From Osaka: 1h45 via Okayama. Times are approximate: check current timetables.

When is the best time to visit Kagawa?

Spring and autumn are excellent for gardens and island trips; summer is lively but hot.

What food is Kagawa famous for?

Sanuki udon, Honetsuki-dori, Olives, Wasanbon. Popular souvenirs: Udon kits, olive oil, wasanbon.

Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Japan47.org, by Francesco Consalvo. Facts and travel times are approximate and can change.

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