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Travel in Japan: How to enjoy each season【せんりみち公式】Enjoy the beauty of each season, with recommendations for traveling in Japan

For many foreign visitors considering a trip to Japan, the question of "where should I go?" plays a major role in determining their satisfaction with the trip. While major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are gaining attention, Kagawa Prefecture is quietly gaining attention as an attractive destination brimming with surprises and discoveries. Some may know it as "Udon Prefecture," famous for its udon noodles. However, Kagawa Prefecture offers much more than that. Culture, history, art, nature, and fine cuisine are all condensed into this small prefecture. This article provides a clear, detailed introduction to the highlights and access to each tourist spot, as well as cultural and gourmet experiences available, for foreign visitors considering a domestic trip to Kagawa Prefecture. It goes beyond a simple introduction to the tourist spots; it also covers perspectives unique to foreign visitors, etiquette to keep in mind, language support, accommodation information, and activity information. Please read to the end.

What is Kagawa Prefecture like? Basic information and travel styles

Kagawa Prefecture is located in the northeastern part of Shikoku and is the smallest prefecture in Japan. Facing the Seto Inland Sea, it is known for its mild climate and beautiful inland sea scenery. The prefectural capital is Takamatsu City, and it is easily accessible from the Kansai and Kanto areas. It can be easily reached by JR, express bus, plane, or ferry.

Kagawa's tourism resources are friendly to foreign tourists

Kagawa Prefecture has many tourist spots with multilingual information for foreigners, and major stations and tourist information centers offer services in English, Chinese, Korean, and more. There are also many free Wi-Fi spots, so you can enjoy sightseeing smoothly with just your smartphone. A trip to Kagawa can be divided into multiple themes, such as "art," "nature," "history," and "food," and it's possible to cover all the major spots in about two nights and three days.

Absolutely not to be missed! Top 10 tourist spots in Kagawa Prefecture popular with foreign tourists

1. Naoshima: A world-renowned island of art

Naoshima is a remote island in the Seto Inland Sea, and is a rare tourist destination where contemporary art and the island's scenery blend seamlessly together. Benesse Art Site Naoshima, Chichu Art Museum, Minamidera Temple, and other attractions are popular with art fans from all over the world. Architect Tadao Ando's buildings and Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin sculptures are sure to look great on social media.

2. Ritsurin Garden: A famous garden comparable to the three most famous gardens in Japan

Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu City is a cultural garden that is extremely popular among foreign tourists. The cherry blossoms in spring, the autumn leaves, and the garden's seasonal appearance are truly impressive. There are also plenty of English guided tours and pamphlets available, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the garden's history and landscaping techniques.

3. Kotohira Shrine: A Mysterious Shrine at the Top of 785 Steps

Affectionately known as "Konpira-san," this shrine is dedicated to the guardian deity of maritime traffic. The 785 stone steps leading up to the main shrine are a challenge even for foreign tourists. Once at the top, the view of the Sanuki Plain and the Seto Inland Sea is breathtaking.

4. Shodoshima: An Island Filled with Nature and Food

Shodoshima is home to a unique food culture, including olives, somen noodles, and soy sauce. Natural beauty is also striking, with attractions like the Kankakei ropeway and the rice terraces of Nakayama. The Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village is also recommended for travelers who want to immerse themselves in nostalgia, as it is a place where you can encounter the nostalgic scenery of Japan's past.

5. Chichibugahama Beach: A stunning spot that's sure to be Instagrammable

The scenery of the sunset reflected on the water's surface has earned it the nickname "Japan's Uyuni Salt Flats," and it has become an explosively popular spot for taking photos on social media. Low tide is the best time to visit, and travelers from all over the world flock here to take photos of the beautiful reflection.

Traditional cuisine and gourmet experiences you won't want to miss in Kagawa Prefecture

Experience Sanuki Udon, the holy land of udon

When you think of Kagawa Prefecture, the first thing that comes to mind is Sanuki udon. Once you try it, you'll never forget its chewy texture and delicious broth. There are also several facilities where you can experience making udon noodles, which is also enjoyable for foreign tourists.

Olive gourmet and local production and consumption in Kagawa

Kagawa, an olive-producing region centered around Shodoshima, is home to a wide variety of dishes made with olive oil and a brand of Japanese beef called Olive Beef. The food itself will be a memorable part of your trip.

Authentic Japanese culture that foreigners can experience in Kagawa Prefecture

There are also plenty of opportunities to experience traditional culture rooted in the region, such as the tea ceremony, washi paper making, and Sanuki Kagari Temari. Interpreters are often provided, so even first-timers can participate with peace of mind.

For art-loving visitors to Japan! Recommended Setouchi Triennale

The international art festival held on the islands of the Seto Inland Sea is held in a triennial format. Many foreign artists also participate, making it more appealing as a "world art trip" than a domestic trip. Many of the works are exhibited outdoors, allowing you to immerse yourself in the charm of art that blends with nature.

Access information: How to get to Kagawa Prefecture and transportation options

Access from Kansai and Tokyo

You can take the Shinkansen + Marine Liner route or fly directly to Takamatsu Airport. LCCs are also in service, making it possible to visit on a budget. You can also use JR passes for foreign tourists, so you won't have any trouble getting around.

Is English spoken? Language support in Kagawa Prefecture

Tourist information centers, major stations, hotels, and large tourist spots have ample English signage, and tourist maps are available in multiple languages. We also recommend using tourist translation apps and audio guides.

Top 5 Recommended Accommodations for Foreigners

There is a wide variety of accommodations available, from business hotels to Japanese-style inns and guesthouses. We will introduce carefully selected accommodations with Wi-Fi and multilingual staff. Accommodations around Takamatsu Station, on Naoshima, and on Shodoshima are popular.

Foreigner-friendly manners and rules in Kagawa Prefecture

Many foreigners are confused by Japanese etiquette. We will carefully explain the cultural rules you should know in advance, such as etiquette while eating, how to wash your hands when praying at a shrine, and how to bathe in a hot spring.

A souvenir of your trip: 10 recommended souvenirs to buy in Kagawa Prefecture

We introduce souvenirs that foreign tourists will enjoy, categorized by price range, including olive products, Sanuki udon, wasanbon, temari balls, and Naoshima-exclusive goods.

Kagawa Prefecture's four seasons and best seasons

Spring is the best time to see cherry blossoms in various places, summer is the time for island trips and seaside leisure activities, autumn is the time for autumn leaves and art festivals, and winter is the time to enjoy leisurely sightseeing in the calm air. Understanding the climate and tourist seasons will make your trip more comfortable.

Here are some tourist spots that are friendly to foreigners with children!

Family-friendly places include Reoma World (theme park) and the Takamatsu City Zoo, and there are many facilities where you can rent strollers, so you can enjoy sightseeing with your children without worry.

Travel apps and useful tools for foreigners in Kagawa Prefecture

We'll introduce Google Translate, TripAdvisor, the Japan Tourism Agency's tourism app, and the route search app "Navitime." Tools for efficiently using trains and buses are essential.

Kagawa Prefecture as a sustainable tourism destination

On Naoshima and Shodoshima, tourism that coexists with the local community is being promoted through art and agricultural experiences. Attention is also being paid to the idea of travel in a culture that reduces plastic use and promotes reuse.

summary

Kagawa Prefecture may not have the flashiness of a big city, but this small prefecture is filled with a quiet charm that captivates all who visit. History and nature, art and food culture blend together peacefully, making it a place where you can encounter the "real" Japan. That's Kagawa Prefecture. The spots and experiences introduced in this article are sure to become lifelong memories for foreign visitors. For travelers who want to experience the depths of Japan, rather than the tourist spots that attract large crowds, there is no better place. Why not choose Kagawa Prefecture as your destination on your next trip to Japan? A journey of surprises and excitement awaits you there.

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