Top Kagawa Prefecture How to Get Around in 2026

Discover the fascinating Japanese island of Naoshima and learn about how it bounced back from near death to become a world-famous center of contemporary art. This private tour from Takamatsu is exclusively for your group and customized to your interests. Select three or four sites from a list of attractions, from museums to a bathhouse, and your guide will create a tailor-made itinerary.

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 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.

The Island Tour Bus is a convenient sightseeing bus that departs and arrives at Tonosho Port and tours Shodoshima's tourist spots in one day. 10:15-16:15 Recommended for those who can't decide where to start sightseeing on Shodoshima or are worried about driving in unfamiliar areas. It also comes with a guide (in Japanese), so it's safe for those visiting Shodoshima for the first time. *Guide included (in Japanese) *Audio guide available via smartphone app (in Japanese, English, and Chinese)

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.

Private tours to popular Instagrammable places in Kagawa! We will guide you to the most popular sightseeing spots such as "swing in the sky," "Honenike Dam," "Chichibugahama Beach," and more for absolutely instagrammable places. A total of 8 hours of tour! The tour can be arranged as it is a private tour! We will offer you a trip where you can take "a miraculous shot" that you normally would not be able to take♪

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. 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

Discover Naoshima’s art, nature, and culture on a flexible 5-hour private cycling tour. Meet your guide at Miyanoura Port, rent bicycles, and begin at Yayoi Kusama’s iconic Red Pumpkin. Cycle along peaceful island roads to Honmura, known for its traditional houses, shrines, cafes, and the Art House Project. See the exterior of the Tadao Ando-designed Naoshima New Museum of Art before continuing to the Chichu Art Museum, where natural light enhances works by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria. Along the way, enjoy outdoor artworks, coastal scenery, photo stops, and optional breaks. A meal break can also be included, with food and drinks at your own expense. The route may be adjusted due to weather or operational conditions. If Chichu Art Museum cannot be visited and no suitable alternative is accepted, a full refund will be provided. Otherwise, another Benesse Art Site museum may be offered.

This tour explores Naoshima's celebrated contemporary art destinations with an English-speaking guide, available by public transport or private vehicle, meeting at Miyanoura Port. Begin at Chichu Art Museum, Tadao Ando's underground landmark housing works by Claude Monet and James Turrell. Continue to Benesse House Museum, displaying art inside the gallery and across the surrounding forest, then explore the Art House Project in Honmura where traditional houses are transformed into art installations Finish near Miyanoura Port for photos with Yayoi Kusama's iconic Red Pumpkin. All four core stops sit within 5km of each other so the public-transport plan covers this same route. The private-vehicle plan covers the same four sights and adds the Lee Ufan Museum, near Chichu Art Museum—another Tadao Ando design devoted to Lee Ufan's stone, iron, and concrete installations. This private-vehicle option is available as a paid upgrade, and the itinerary can be adjusted within the allotted time.

Shodoshima is the second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea and one of the region’s most popular destinations for travelers looking to explore the Inland Sea archipelago. The island is noted for its distinctive food culture, which reflects Shodoshima’s comparatively mild climate and its location near major shipping lanes. Traditional specialties include soy sauce and long, thin somen noodles, while olives are a more recent addition. Move to Shodoshima island by Ferry from Takamatsu Sightseeing by bus at Shodoshima island. Visit the following sightseeing spots： Kankakei Vallay Ropeway Nakayama Senmaida Shodoshima Olive Park etc.

Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu stands as a premier example of Japanese historic garden design, showcasing the artistry of daimyo gardens. During this guided tour, visitors stroll through the lush landscape, revealing ponds, bridges, and carefully pruned trees along a scenic route. An expert guide shares the rich history and design principles of Japanese gardens, highlighting key features like the Hiraiho viewpoint and the iconic raised-root pine. A delightful tea break at Kikugetsu-tei adds a cultural touch, allowing guests to enjoy matcha while soaking in the serene surroundings. Choose between a local meeting point or a guided train journey from Takamatsu Station for a flexible experience. - Explore the exquisite Ritsurin Garden, a masterpiece of Japanese design - Learn about the historical significance and aesthetics of daimyo gardens - Enjoy matcha at Kikugetsu-tei, surrounded by stunning views - Flexible meeting options available for convenience, including local train travel

Begin your private shore excursion with pickup from Takamatsu Port. Travel comfortably in your own private vehicle. Unlike a large group tour, there is no need to keep pace with other travelers, allowing you to enjoy each destination at your own pace. Start at Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated traditional gardens, featuring beautiful ponds, bridges, and landscaped scenery. Continue to Kotohira-gu Shrine, a historic shrine reached by its famous stone steps and dedicated to the guardian deity of seafarers. Next, visit Zentsuji Temple, one of the most important temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and the birthplace of Kobo Daishi (Kukai). The driver speaks Japanese, with communication assisted by a translation app. Before your tour, you will receive an English digital guidebook about the itinerary and sightseeing locations. Pre-tour customer support is available in English. Return to Takamatsu Port in time for your ship’s departure.

Embark on a journey to Naoshima, Japan’s island of contemporary art and natural beauty, with a knowledgeable guide. Explore the world-famous Chichu Art Museum, stroll through the Benesse House Museum, and discover Naoshima’s iconic outdoor art installations. Begin your tour by exploring the Chichu Art Museum, where the boundary between art and nature disappears. Stroll through the Benesse House Museum, an inspiring fusion of architecture and art surrounded by stunning coastal views. Discover Naoshima’s iconic outdoor art installations, such as Yayoi Kusama’s vibrant pumpkin sculptures, dotting the tranquil island landscape. Take a leisurely walk through the Ando Museum and the Art House Project, where traditional houses are transformed into immersive art spaces. Enjoy the serene beauty of the Seto Inland Sea as you explore Naoshima’s charming villages and beaches. Learn about the art, culture, and history of this unique destination from your guide.

Learn about the fascinating history and stories behind the valley's mysteries, including the statue of a peeing boy in the middle of the mountains, the famous Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, and why samurai once lived in such a remote valley. Marvel at the Kazurabashi Bridge, woven entirely from mountain vines. Near the bridge, see crystal-clear rivers flow through the valley and visit secret photo spots that most tourists never discover. For lunch, enjoy Iya’s famous local soba noodles. Even the view from the soba restaurant is considered one of the valley’s hidden scenic highlights. After lunch, travel even deeper into the mountains to visit a hidden samurai village said to have been established long ago by warriors seeking refuge in this remote region. See traditional thatched-roof houses, some hundreds of years old, and glimpse how the samurai once lived in these isolated mountains.

Get a small taste of the Shikoku Pilgrimage by visiting temples 86-88 and seeing the goal where pilgrims finish their journey. Follow along Small and beautiful country roads to see how the pilgrims travel and learn about Japanese culture. Visit the beautiful temples and meet local people. E-bikes make this ride very enjoyable for all level riders over 150cm.

A relaxed 1-hour walk to Kanamaru-za - Japan's oldest kabuki theater - with a bilingual local guide. Small group, up to 8 guests. Rated 5.0 by travelers. ★Highlights ・See Kanamaru-za from outside, Japan's oldest surviving kabuki theater ・See Saya-bashi, a bridge used only for a sacred annual ritual ・Explore Ichinohashi Park with a knowledgeable local guide ・Bilingual guide in English and Japanese, small group of up to 8 ・Relaxed pace with time for questions - rated 5.0 by travelers

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.

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.

In principle, reservations are for two persons or more. This tour is a leisurely bicycle trip that combines British-made folding bicycle BROMPTON and public transportation, which is different from the usual cycling tour. Even if you are not a cyclist and you are not very confident in your physical fitness, the guide will support you so that you can take a tour without difficulty.

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.

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.

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.

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.