About Kagawa

Kagawa Prefecture is located in the Shikoku region of Japan. Kagawa is considered the smallest prefecture in Japan with eight cities. The capital Takamatsu is a designated core city, and the economic and political center of Kagawa.
Kagawa has about 11% of the total land area designated as Natural Parks, and as such, contains many beautiful and scenic landscapes. Kagawa also has unique, small islands that are a popular tourist destination for people looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Interestingly, Kagawa was the firast place in Japan to sucessfully cultivate olives, and as such olives have been associated with the Kagawa Prefecture. Because of this, you may just find many things named after olive's alluding to the prefecture's history with olives. Kagawa is also rich is culture and is known for their art scene and they have well-known art displays and architecture museums. They also have about twenty-three Buddhist temples in Kagawa that are each visited by people as part of a pilgrimage and a spiritual journey.

Where To Go

---Naoshima---
For those who are a fan of art, Naoshima is definitely the place to visit. Naoshima is most famously known for the giant red pumpkin sculpture that sits on the island. But Naoshima also has many other famous art displays and museums. For those who are a fan of architecture, there is also "Chichu Art Museum" and "Benesse House Museum", both of which are architecturally themed and designed by Tadao Ando, a world-renowned architect. Naoshima is an art lover's paradise, complete with that island feel.

---Kotohira-gu Shrine---

Kotohira-gu Shrine is a well-known shrine in the Nakatado District of Kagawa. This historical shrine is known for their long staircase of 1,368 steps. For those who enjoy learning about Japan's religious history, this is a beautiful place to visit. There are many eateries and teahouses, as well as souvenir shops here as well so there is no shortage of things to do or look at. Visitors can even go for a ride in a kago palanquin and be carried through the area while enjoying the surrounding sights.

---National Treasures Garden--

Kotohira-gu Shrine is a well-known shrine in the Nakatado District of Kagawa. This historical shrine is known for their long staircase of 1,368 steps. For those who enjoy learning about Japan's religious history, this is a beautiful place to visit. There are many eateries and teahouses, as well as souvenir shops here as well so there is no shortage of things to do or look at. Visitors can even go for a ride in a kago palanquin and be carried through the area while enjoying the surrounding sights.

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What To See

---Sanuki Toyohama Chosa Matsuri---

The town is also famous for the Sanuki Toyohama Chosa Matsuri, an autumn festival in which several magnificent Chosa (traditional Japanese portable shrines) dance wildly.

The parade of the floats, each about 5 meters high and weighing more than 2 tons, is a sight to behold!

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What To Eat

---Sanuki Udon---
Sanuki Udon is a well-known udon dish. However, many don't realize that it comes from the Kagawa prefecture back when Kagawa was known as Sanuki. Sanuki Udon is essentially just udon noodles that are thick and square in shape in a fresh-tasting dashi broth. There are now many varieties where different toppings are added into it changing the flavor of the udon. Some popular examples of toppings include the classic pairing of noodles, dashi broth, green onions, bonito flakes, and meat. There is also a version in which the broth is curry flavored, and another in which a raw egg is added over hot noodles.

---Hone-tsuki dori---
Hone-tsuki dori loosely translates to chicken on the bone in Japanese, and that is pretty much what this dish is. The dish of seasoned chicken thigh cooked on the bone originated from Marugame of the Kagawa prefecture., but is now found in many eateries and izakayas around the country.

Visit Kagawa