Visiting Kagawa: Sanuki Udon, Takamatsu, Konpira and the Art Islands

Kagawa is Japan's smallest prefecture, on Shikoku facing the Seto Inland Sea. Distances are short, so moving between sights is easy. It is known as the udon capital, and many people come just to eat fresh noodles at several local shops between visits to gardens and shrines. This guide suits travellers who want a short trip full of detail.

Who it suits and how many days

For Takamatsu and udon alone, one day is enough, but adding Kotohira shrine and Naoshima calls for two to three days. It suits couples, friends and families who enjoy contemporary art and local food. People wanting many big headline attractions may find it small and quiet.

Best months and weather

The Seto Inland Sea climate is mild and relatively dry, so you can visit almost year-round. Spring and autumn colour give Ritsurin Garden its best look. Summer is hot with strong sun, especially on shade-free islands, while winter is dry with little snow, though sea winds can bite on early mornings.

Getting there and getting around

From Okayama, a rapid or limited express train crosses the Seto Ohashi Bridge to Takamatsu Station in about an hour or less. Takamatsu Airport has domestic flights. Locally, the Kotoden railway runs to Kotohira and main-line trains go to Marugame. Takamatsu Port is near the station, with ferries to Naoshima, Teshima and Shodoshima.

• Many udon shops close fairly early, so start eating early in the day.
• Ferries to the islands can be sparse in some seasons, so always check the return sailing.
• Naoshima has buses and rental bikes, but some art venues need advance reservations.

Main sights

Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu is a large Japanese garden set against a hill backdrop. Kotohira-gu, also called Konpira-san, sits on a hill reached by a very long stone staircase, so wear comfortable shoes. Naoshima holds art museums such as Chichu and Benesse House, plus works by Yayoi Kusama. Marugame has a castle with strikingly tall stone walls.

Quieter places and hidden gems

Shodoshima has olive groves, Kankakei Gorge and a sandbar called Angel Road that appears at low tide. Teshima has an art museum designed like a drop of water, and Yashima is a table-shaped plateau tied to the Genpei War with viewpoints over the city and the Seto Inland Sea.

Areas worth knowing

Food and souvenirs

Sanuki udon has springy, chewy noodles served many ways, cold or hot, with sauce or broth, and many shops are self-service where you add your own toppings. One bowl can feel light for a hungry person, so hopping between shops in a day works well. Other local items include wasanbon, a fine-grained sugar used in sweets, and olive oil from Shodoshima, a popular gift.

Sample budget thinking

Food in Kagawa, udon especially, is usually modest in price. The main costs are lodging, ferries to the islands and art museum admissions, which change over time. During periodic art festivals lodging can be pricey and fill up fast, so book ahead.

A common mistake is cramming Naoshima, Kotohira and Takamatsu into one day. Each takes longer than expected, especially the Kotohira staircase, which needs several hours up and down. Pick one main sight per day.

Pakketten voor Short sample

1. Day 1: Takamatsu, Ritsurin Garden and a few udon shops.
2. Day 2: Kotoden to Kotohira, climb to the shrine, then return to Takamatsu.
3. Day 3: Ferry to Naoshima for the museums you have reserved.

Kagawa is Japan's smallest prefecture by area, which tempts visitors to rush. A better approach is to anchor each day around one area: the city of Takamatsu and its garden, the islands reached by ferry, or the inland and coastal towns. Ferry crossings depend on weather and operators, so keep a flexible buffer, and do not schedule a tight connection straight after an island visit.

When hopping between islands and checking ferry times or entry bookings, constant data helps a lot. A Japan eSIM set up before departure is an easy option.

Bekijk eSIM-bundels voor Japan

Good to know and FAQ