Top Kagawa Prefecture Culture

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Takamatsu! This buoyant port city boasts many attractions, including Takamatsu Castle, regional culinary specialties like Sanuki-udon, and one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, Ritsurin Koen. Takamatsu also serves as the gateway to the many beautiful islands in the Seto Inland Sea, making it a perfect base for exploring the region. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Explore the stunning landscapes of Kagawa on a private 8-hour tour in a comfortable Toyota Noah. Start your day at the serene Ritsurin Garden, the unique and futuristic design of the Ship-Shaped Gymnasium, a local architectural landmark. Next, ascend Unpenji Mountain for panoramic views and a photo op at the 'Swing in the Sky.' Visit the sacred Takaya Shrine and finish at Chichibugahama Beach, famous for its reflective tide pools resembling Japan’s Uyuni salt flats. This customizable journey includes a guide, transport, and lunch tailored to your preferences. - Back to ship Guarantee - Private tour for up to 6 people, ensuring a personalized experience - Knowledgeable guide fluent in English, offering insights into local culture - Visit iconic locations like Unpenji Mountain and Chichibugahama Beach - Includes pick-up from Takamatsu Station or your hotel for convenience

This immersive walking tour takes you through the historic and cultural highlights of Yashima, a plateau in Takamatsu renowned for its rich history and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Once a battlefield during the Genpei War, Yashima is now a peaceful area with temples, museums, and breathtaking natural scenery. Perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and cultural enthusiasts, this tour combines educational insights with leisurely exploration. Experience the blend of history, nature, and tradition that makes Yashima a hidden gem in Takamatsu. This tour is great for any types of travelers , such as adventure seekers, families with children, etc.

A government-certified foreign language and tourist guide will pick you up by car from the train station, hotel, etc. The standard destinations are as follows, but depending on your needs, weather, traffic conditions and season, the destinations and length of your stay can be adjusted. Optional locations are also included as much as possible.

Make the most of your time in Takamatsu on a fully customizable private tour. Don’t waste time and energy following around a group of tourists to sites you’re not interested in. Pick your top choices and your guide will customize the tour. Check out Takamatsu Castle, the Folkcraft Museum, gardens, shrines and temples, and much more. This is an ideal introduction to Takamatsu and Shikoku.

This tour is designed not just to show you Naoshima, but to change how you experience contemporary art. Instead of rushing between locations, it follows a carefully selected route that helps you understand why these works exist and why they matter. You will begin with one of Naoshima’s most iconic artworks, guided by simple but powerful questions about meaning and place. Inside Benesse House Museum, you will learn a clear way to approach contemporary art—focusing on space, context, and your own perception. By the time you reach Valley Gallery, you will start to see connections between art, architecture, and nature, and understand how Naoshima itself is designed as a complete artistic environment. Rather than just visiting famous spots, this tour gives you the tools to interpret what you see and experience art with confidence.

Do you really know Naoshima? Most visitors come for the Yellow Pumpkin and Chichu Art Museum—but that's only part of the island's story. As a former Benesse House staff member, a local guide from Kagawa, and someone with personal connections to artists featured on the island, I'll take you beyond the guidebooks to discover hidden artworks, untold stories, and remarkable places that most travelers never experience. This isn't just a sightseeing tour. It's an opportunity to experience Naoshima through the eyes of someone whose life has been deeply connected to the island, its art, and its people. Language Support This tour is conducted in English or Japanese. To help guests who speak other languages, I provide multilingual visual materials on an iPad and translated explanations with audio support when appropriate. This allows many international visitors to comfortably enjoy the tour even if they are not fluent in English.

Discover the history, culture, art, and natural beauty of Takamatsu, the vibrant gateway to Shikoku. This immersive full-day tour takes you through the city's most iconic landmarks, from elegant Japanese gardens and historic castle grounds to sacred pilgrimage temples, traditional villages, and contemporary artistic spaces. Experience Takamatsu's unique blend of old and new as you explore centuries of local heritage, enjoy scenic views overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, and gain insight into the traditions that have shaped the city for generations. Along the way, you'll encounter remarkable architecture, spiritual sites, waterfront charm, and the artistic legacy that continues to make Takamatsu one of Japan's most culturally rich destinations. Perfect for first-time visitors and culture enthusiasts alike, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the many facets of Takamatsu in a single unforgettable day.

1. Kandaka Shojuen, a gentle slope leads from Prefectural Route 33 towards Takamatsu Nishi High School. This is the main street of bonsai known as "Bonsai Street." Along the way, the towering "Dohyo-iri" pine tree serves as a landmark, and that's where you'll find "Kandaka Shojuen." 2. Kitatani Yoseien, located northeast of Kinashi Station, is home to 400 to 500 black pine bonsai trees estimated to be over 100 years old, collected from the mountains and potted on Seto Inland Sea islands about 60 years ago.

This is a private day tour from Takamatsu for shore excursion travelers. We have many spots to visit. Due to the time limit, please let us know where you'd like to explore. Mt.Yashima : This roof-shaped mountain next to the city of Takamatsu is popular for its scenery and as a nighttime photo spot.From the summit, look out on the city’s downtown and the myriad islands of the Seto Inland Sea Kotohira-gu Shrine : affectionately called Konpira-san, has long been revered in Japan. Of the numerous Kotohira and Konpira shrines that dot the nation, this one is the head of them all. Ritsurin Garden : the largest cultural treasure garden in Japan to be designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Here, enjoy one thousand picturesque pine trees, as well as scenery that changes with the seasons. Other Photogenic Spots of Kagawa : Unpenji Ropeway, Takaya Shrine, Chichibugahama Beach. Please refer the detail from the Itinerary.

This is not just a temple visit — it’s a chance to experience the essence of the Shikoku Pilgrimage in a short time. Rather than simply observing, you will actively take part in meaningful practices that reflect a real pilgrimage, guided step by step with clear cultural context. Each experience is carefully designed to help you understand not only what pilgrims do, but why they do it, connecting physical actions with deeper spiritual meaning. You will move through the temple grounds with a clear narrative, from introduction to hands-on experience and inner reflection, creating a journey that feels both structured and personal. This approach transforms a simple visit into a deeper understanding of Japanese spirituality. As a private experience, the tour offers a quiet, personal atmosphere, allowing you to slow down, reflect, and engage more deeply with one of Japan’s most enduring spiritual traditions.

Sakaide City in Kagawa Prefecture is one of the most convenient places in Shikoku. There is a permanent karate dojo in Sakaide City. Karate originated in Japan and became an official event of the Tokyo Olympics. We would like to invite you to experience karate. The curriculum is designed to make it easy for beginners and those who are not good at exercising to experience it, and we never practice recklessly. Without thinking, just say “Sei! Say! and kicking without thinking, you can forget about everyday life and learn the spirit of Bushido. We look forward to seeing you soon. -Please come dressed lightly for exercise. -Clothing is not available for rent.

This tour transforms your visit to Marugame Castle from simple sightseeing into an interactive journey through samurai strategy. Instead of just viewing the castle, you’ll experience it as a defender would—learning how its towering stone walls, gates, and steep paths were designed to slow and expose enemies. Your guide brings the structure to life by explaining not only what you see, but why it was built that way, making every step up the castle meaningful. You’ll also gain rare insight into one of Japan’s original surviving castles, including its compact yet highly functional keep and the craftsmanship behind its construction. By the time you reach the top, the panoramic view is no longer just scenic—it becomes part of the story, revealing how geography and design worked together for defense. This combination of physical experience, clear storytelling, and historical depth makes the tour both engaging and memorable, even for first-time visitors to Japanese castles.

Explore the best of Kagawa on this full-day tour from Takamatsu, combining history, culture, scenic beauty, and local food. Visit the famous Kotohira-gu Shrine and climb its historic stone steps while enjoying beautiful views along the way. Afterward, enjoy a delicious Sanuki udon lunch at a popular local restaurant. The tour continues to Marugame Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, followed by a relaxing visit to Nakazu Bansho Garden, a traditional Japanese garden known for its peaceful atmosphere and seasonal scenery. You will also stop at Zentsu-ji Temple, the birthplace of Kobo Daishi and one of the most important temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage route. This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience Kagawa’s major highlights comfortably in one day.

This is the ideal tour for travelers who want to discover the highlights of Takamatsu and the Kagawa region efficiently, in a private vehicle with a government-licensed, experienced English-speaking guide. Takamatsu, the gateway to Shikoku on the shore of the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, blends classic Japanese scenery with deep history. Stroll through Ritsurin Garden, one of the most beautiful landscape gardens in all of Japan, where every path frames a new view of ponds, bridges, and pine-clad hills. Stand atop Yashima for sweeping panoramas over island-dotted waters, and climb the famous stone steps of Kotohira-gu, the revered shrine of seafarers. With your own guide and vehicle, the day is yours to shape. Choose among historic castles, Shikoku pilgrimage temples, open-air heritage villages, and lively shopping arcades, traveling in comfort without the stress of public transport. Your guide shares the stories and local flavors behind each site and tailors the pace to your interests.

You will stroll through Nakayama Senmaida, explore the beautiful nature of the Nakayama area, and experience over 400 years of history and culture, including terraced rice farming. Additionally, they will have the rare opportunity to visit the interior of the Nakayama Rural Kabuki Stage and equipment storage house, which are usually not open to the public. For lunch, enjoy the popular "Terraced Rice Field Onigiri Set Meal" at Komame Shokudo, featuring rice from Nakayama Senmaida and locally sourced ingredients from Shodoshima. Not only will local guides accompany you, but as you explore Nakayama Senmaida, you will also have the chance to meet and interact with local residents, making this tour a truly enriching experience.

This tour is not just a climb, but a true pilgrimage experience. Rather than simply visiting the shrine, you will follow the same path as generations of pilgrims who have made their way to Konpira over centuries, each step carrying meaning. Along the stone stairway, you will encounter cultural elements that reflect this tradition of faith, including offerings, symbols of devotion, and stories of proxy pilgrimage, where people once sent others—or animals—in their place. With the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert, you will reach the shrine and understand the rituals and beliefs that shaped this journey. You will learn how to approach the shrine, purify yourself, and take part in worship in a meaningful way. As you ascend, the physical effort becomes part of the experience, transforming the climb into more than just a challenge. By the time you arrive, you will gain panoramic views and a deeper appreciation of the cultural and spiritual significance of the journey.

・Ride with an officially certified "Udon Taxi" driver — a unique Kagawa credential ・Trace the 1,200-year story of Sanuki udon, said to have been brought from China by Kobo Daishi ・Enjoy fresh udon for breakfast at Miyagawa Noodle Factory, in the historic Zentsuji temple town ・Wear a traditional Shikoku pilgrim outfit for a memorable, photo-worthy experience ・Visit Zentsuji, the birthplace temple of Kobo Daishi ・Finished by 9am — fits perfectly before hotel check-out ・Free Wi-Fi and translation app support on board

At Sekimon-do, a sacred mountain site located in Kankakei Gorge within Setonaikai National Park, participants will experience a Goma fire ritual and Ajikan meditation in a serene setting surrounded by beautiful nature. While interacting with the head priest and local parishioners, guests can spend a peaceful and unhurried time in a tranquil atmosphere away from everyday life.

Unlike typical museum visits, this experience focuses on how to read everyday life through architecture rather than simply viewing old buildings. As you walk through carefully designed spaces, you will explore how geography, climate, and local industries shaped the way people lived in different parts of Shikoku. The tour is structured around observation and reflection, with simple questions guiding you to notice details you might otherwise miss. Instead of memorizing information, you will gain a new perspective on how buildings, landscapes, and human activity are connected. With a small group and a thoughtful pace, this tour offers a deeper and more personal way to experience traditional Japan—one that stays with you even after you leave.

A tour that goes around Mount Goishi, which is the first mountain sacred site at the Shodoshima Pilgrimage Site at 88 locations. Theme: “Resonating in the Heart and Soul” Perched high above the sea, Goishizan, the 2nd temple of the Shodoshima Pilgrimage, is a dramatic sacred mountain site rich in spiritual atmosphere. At the main hall, Hououku (Phoenix Cave), where the principal deity Namikiri Fudō Myōō is enshrined, a powerful Goma Fire Prayer is performed daily. Inside the cave, flickering flames, fragrant incense, and the resonant chanting of sutras create an otherworldly experience that feels far removed from everyday life. From the temple path, sweeping views open across Uchiumi Bay, the Harima-nada Sea, and the island-studded Seto Inland Sea, offering one of the region’s most breathtaking panoramas. The tranquil scenery provides a refreshing sense of peace for pilgrims and travelers alike.

Recognized as part of a Japan Heritage site, Shodoshima is known as the “Island of Stone,” where massive stones for the walls of Osaka Castle were quarried centuries ago. This tour begins with a visit to an actual stone quarry where these stones were cut from the mountain. You will then explore Osaka Castle Stone Memorial Park and experience traditional stone-working activities, including stone splitting, pulling stones using a wooden sled (shura-biki), and sandblasting letters or patterns onto stone. A visit to the museum provides insight into the techniques and history of the stonemasons who shaped these materials. Through seeing, touching, and hands-on participation, this tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the distinctive stone culture that has been passed down on Shodoshima.

Takamatsu is a stylish coastal city on Shikoku, renowned for its gardens, art, and elegant streetscapes. The highlight is Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens, featuring manicured pines and serene koi ponds—a perfect immersion into Japanese aesthetics just a short ride from the port. Near the waterfront, explore Tamamo Park, home to the unique saltwater moats of Takamatsu Castle ruins. From there, stroll through Kitahama Alley, a trendy district of renovated warehouses filled with charming cafés and boutiques. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Takamatsu City Museum of Art, which blends local and international works. With major sights within easy reach, Takamatsu offers an elegant port call filled with culture and creativity.