Top Kagawa Prefecture Sightseeing Tours 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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♪

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.

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.

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.

Discover the scenery, culture, and flavors of Shodoshima on a full-day guided e-bike tour from Takamatsu. After crossing to the island by ferry, ride an electric-assist e-bike along coastal roads, quiet countryside, and historic streets. Visit Dofuchi Strait, cycle through the maze-like old town, and stop at Angel Road for sea views and local sweets. Continue to the Hitoyama Rural Kabuki Stage and the beautiful Nakayama Rice Terraces before visiting Shodoshima Olive Park and a traditional somen noodle producer. With an English-speaking guide, you can enjoy photo stops, local stories, and the island’s landscapes at a relaxed pace. The e-bike makes the hills and longer distances easier, so you can focus on discovering Shodoshima beyond its usual sightseeing spots.

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.

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.

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

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 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.