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.

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)

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

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.

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

Takamatsu is a stylish coastal city on Shikoku, renowned for its gardens and art. Every stop on this guided tour lies within easy reach in central Takamatsu. The tour opens at Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens with six ponds and thirteen hills against Mt. Shiun, offering optional matcha at Kikugetsu-tei teahouse. Continue to Takamatsu Castle, a rare seawater-moated castle facing the Seto Inland Sea where sea bream swim in the moat. While the main keep is under restoration, Hiunkaku villa and turret gates remain open. The tour then visits Kitahama Alley, a trendy district of renovated warehouses, before concluding at Takamatsu Art Museum, home to postwar Japanese art and traditional Kagawa lacquerware. Because these sights sit close together, the public-transport and private-vehicle versions cover the same route—the private vehicle is simply an upgrade for comfort and pace. Either way, the itinerary can be adjusted within the allotted time.

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.

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.

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.

Unlike typical food tours with fixed menus, this experience lets you explore Kagawa’s udon culture in a flexible and personal way. Based on your preferences, your guide will take you to selected local udon shops within easy walking distance, allowing you to visit multiple spots in a short time. The tour includes a food allowance (JPY 1,000 per restaurant), so you can freely choose what to try while comparing different styles and flavors. Kagawa is known as Japan’s “Udon Prefecture,” where locals often visit multiple shops in one outing—this tour brings that authentic habit to life. You’ll experience udon the way locals do, from quick dining to discovering hidden neighborhood spots. With a small group and relaxed pace, you can enjoy not only great food but also local insights beyond guidebooks. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, this tour offers a memorable taste of everyday life in Kagawa.

It is a shooting plan at Chichibogahama, which is famous as "Lake Uyuni in Japan". We will depart from Takamatsu city at dusk, which is the most popular time for photography. It is a chartered taxi that can pick you up anywhere in the city.

This is not just a night out — it’s a curated introduction to Kagawa’s local food and drinking culture. Instead of choosing places at random, your guide selects spots based on your preferences, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience across two carefully chosen venues. From lively izakaya to more hidden local spots, each stop offers a different atmosphere and a deeper look into how locals actually spend their evenings. With food and drinks included and a private guide to lead the way, you can relax, explore with confidence, and enjoy an authentic night without the stress of navigating unfamiliar places on your own.

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.

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.

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.

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 tour will take you around the attractive Takamatsu areas. You can experience of making Sanuki Udon noodles which is the specialty of this area. After enjoying the Udon cooking experience, you can stroll through the famous scenery at Ritsurin Park. If the weather is clear, you will be able to spend a peaceful time overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. In this tour, you will enjoy immersive cultural experiences, insider knowledge, and memorable encounters with local traditions.

・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 ＜Short description＞ Meet a certified 'Udon Taxi Driver' - a real local credential - for a temple visit and a real udon breakfast, paid on-site. Solo travelers welcome, done by 9am.

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.

Explore Shodoshima by e-bike with a local guide, discovering coastal scenery, peaceful villages, local food, and island culture. Choose from four routes: **Island Scenery & Countryside:** Visit Angel Road, Nakayama Rice Terraces, Olive Park, and a traditional somen noodle maker. **Island Food & Fermentation (weekdays only):** Enjoy local sweets, somen noodles, and gelato while discovering soy sauce traditions and local sake culture. **4-Hour Custom Tour:** Enjoy a private ride with lunch and a few stops chosen to suit your interests. **6-Hour Custom Tour:** Explore more of the island's nature, food, history, and art, with lunch included. The two standard routes start at Tonosho Port and end at a ferry port for Takamatsu. Custom tours start and finish on Shodoshima, with hotel meeting points available. Depending on arrangements, bikes are provided on the island or carried from Takamatsu. Additional bicycle ferry fees are covered; passenger fares are separate.

Naoshima is the main island of a township made up of twenty-seven islands administered by Kagawa Prefecture. The island has a documented history going back to the Heian period, but today it’s known for its contemporary art museums, which draw visitors from all over the world, especially during the Setouchi Triennale art event held every three years in the region. Since the island is part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park, there are strict rules for the visual impact of new buildings, so many of the art museums are built into the ground, creating an interesting aesthetic of their own. ・You can enjoy to go around Naoshima island by a private car with Private English Speaking guide.

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.

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.