🗾 JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE #37 — KAGAWA: The Udon Kingdom, Sacred Steps & Mediterranean Islands 🍜⛩️🫒

小豆島オリーブパークの写真が見つかりました！記事を作成します。

Episode 37 Kagawa Thumbnail

"Welcome to the smallest prefecture in Japan with the BIGGEST udon obsession!" — Yamakkii 🍜
"Kagawa officially renamed itself 'Udon Prefecture'… they're not joking!" — The Chief 🎌

👋 Welcome from Yamakkii & The Chief

Yamakkii: "Konnichiwa, everyone! We're now in Kagawa (香川) — the smallest of Japan's 47 prefectures, but mighty in flavor and beauty!" 🍜

The Chief: "Kagawa is best known for Sanuki Udon — the chewy, springy noodle that has its own religion here. There are over 600 udon shops, and locals eat the most udon per capita in Japan. But there's also a sacred mountain shrine with 1,368 steps, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, and a Mediterranean-feeling island with olive groves!" 🌴

Yamakkii: "Plus the iconic Yayoi Kusama yellow pumpkin on Naoshima Island — Instagram heaven!" 🎃

✨ Why Kagawa Belongs on Your Japan Bucket List

• 🍜 Sanuki Udon — Japan's most famous udon, with 600+ specialty shops; the prefecture officially calls itself "Udon Prefecture"

• ⛩️ Konpira Shrine (金刀比羅宮) — 1,368 sacred stone steps to one of Japan's most important shrines for sailors

• 🌳 Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園) — three-star Michelin garden, often considered "one of Japan's best gardens" (some argue it surpasses the official 3 great gardens!)

• 🫒 Shodoshima Island (小豆島) — Japan's birthplace of olive cultivation with Mediterranean atmosphere

• 💕 Angel Road (エンジェルロード) — magical sandbar trail that appears only at low tide on Shodoshima; said to grant wishes

• 🎨 Naoshima Art Island — home of Yayoi Kusama's iconic yellow pumpkin, Chichu Art Museum, and Setouchi Triennale

• 🌉 Seto Ohashi Bridge — connecting Kagawa to Okayama on Honshu (world's longest 2-tier bridge)

• 🏯 Marugame Castle — one of only 12 original castle keeps remaining in Japan

• 🍦 Mt. Yashima — historic battlefield with sweeping Seto Inland Sea views

• 🐟 Hamachi (Yellowtail) — Kagawa is the #1 producer of farmed yellowtail in Japan

📸 Featured Photo: Sanuki Udon — The Soul of Kagawa

Sanuki Udon Kagawa

"Look at those perfectly chewy noodles! In Kagawa, udon isn't just food — it's a way of life!" — Yamakkii
"There are over 600 udon shops here, more than any other prefecture. The locals know all the rankings!" — The Chief

🏯 Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Kagawa

1. 🍜 Sanuki Udon Pilgrimage (うどん巡り)
   Kagawa is so udon-obsessed that "Udon Tours" (うどんバス・タクシー) are an official tourism activity. The udon here is famous for its koshi (chewy springy texture) made from local Sanuki wheat and Setouchi salt. Try multiple shops:

• Self-service (セルフ) — pick up your noodles, add toppings, pay at the end (cheapest, most authentic)

• Famous shops: Yamagoe Udon (deep in countryside, with raw egg "kamatama" style), Nakamura Udon, Hinode Udon

📸 Photo: Konpira Shrine — The 1,368 Sacred Steps

Konpira Shrine Stone Steps

1. ⛩️ Konpira-san / Kotohira-gu Shrine (金刀比羅宮)
   Known affectionately as "Konpira-san" since the Edo era, this ancient shrine sits atop Mt. Zōzu. The journey is famous: 785 steps to the main shrine and 1,368 total steps to the inner shrine (Okusha). Dedicated to Omononushi, the deity of seafarers — sailors from across Japan come to give thanks for safe voyages. Buy a traditional walking stick at the base, then enjoy the view from the top!

2. 🌳 Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園) — Three-Star Michelin
   Built in the 17th century by the Matsudaira lords, this stunning 750,000 m² landscape garden features 6 ponds, 13 hills, and 1,400 hand-pruned pine trees. Awarded 3 stars by Michelin Green Guide (more than the "Three Great Gardens" of Japan, actually!). Rent a traditional wooden boat for a 30-minute pond cruise. Beautiful in all seasons.

📸 Photo: Ritsurin Garden — A Living Painting

Ritsurin Garden

1. 🫒 Shodoshima Olive Island (小豆島)
   Japan's birthplace of olive cultivation (since 1908!). Often called "Japan's Mediterranean Island" for its sunny climate and olive groves. Highlights:

• 🫒 Shodoshima Olive Park with iconic Greek-style windmill

• 🎬 Film location for the classic Twenty-Four Eyes (1954) — a famous old wooden school is preserved

• 🌶️ Soy sauce factories (Shodoshima is also one of Japan's top soy sauce regions)

• 🍢 Somen noodles — different from udon but equally beloved

📸 Photo: Shodoshima Olive Park with Greek Windmill

Shodoshima Olive Park

1. 💕 Angel Road (エンジェルロード) — Shodoshima
   A magical 500-meter sandbar that appears only at low tide (twice a day, ~6 hours each), connecting Shodoshima with 4 small islands. Legend says if you cross it holding hands with someone you love, your wish will come true. Check tide times! Sunset views are particularly romantic.

2. 🎨 Naoshima Art Island (直島)
   The world-famous art island of the Setouchi region — accessible by ferry from Takamatsu (~50 min). Home to:

• 🎃 Yayoi Kusama's iconic Yellow Pumpkin (and her red pumpkin!) on the seaside pier

• 🏛️ Chichu Art Museum — designed by Tadao Ando, built mostly underground with Monet, Walter De Maria, James Turrell

• 🏠 Honmura Art House Project — old village houses transformed into art installations

• 🌊 Benesse House Museum — art hotel where you sleep among masterpieces

1. 🏯 Marugame Castle (丸亀城)
   One of only 12 surviving original castle keeps in Japan. Famous for its massive multi-tiered stone walls — the tallest in Japan at 60m. The keep itself is small but charming. Beautiful sakura blossoms in spring!

2. ⛰️ Mt. Yashima (屋島) — Battlefield with a View
   A flat-topped mountain (290m) with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. Site of the famous 1185 Battle of Yashima during the Genpei War (where Heike refugees fought the Genji clan before fleeing to Iya Valley in Tokushima). The new Yashimaru building (2022) offers a futuristic visitor experience.

3. 🎭 Kanamaru-za (旧金毘羅大芝居)
   Japan's oldest existing kabuki theater (1835), located near Konpira Shrine. Still hosts traditional kabuki performances. Even when no show is on, you can explore the wooden interior with revolving stage and trap doors!

4. 🍦 Megijima & Ogijima Art Islands
   Two smaller art islands easily reached by ferry from Takamatsu. Megijima (Demon Island) is associated with the Momotaro legend — Japan's Peach Boy supposedly defeated demons here! Less crowded than Naoshima but equally charming.

🎬 4-Panel Manga: Yamakkii & The Chief Visit Kagawa

Episode 37 Kagawa Manga

Panel 1: Slurping the famous Sanuki Udon 🍜
Panel 2: Climbing the steep Konpira Shrine steps ⛩️
Panel 3: Strolling through Ritsurin Garden 🌳
Panel 4: Walking the magical Angel Road on Shodoshima 💕

🎉 Festival & Event Calendar (Typical Annual Dates)

| Festival | Typical Dates | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setouchi Triennale (every 3 years) | Spring/Summer/Fall, next 2025/2028 | Naoshima, Shodoshima & 10 other islands | Major international contemporary art festival |
| Konpira Festival (Reitaisai) | October 9–11 | Kotohira-gu | One of Shikoku's most important festivals |
| Sanuki Toyohama Chosa Festival | October | Kanonji | Massive ornate festival floats |
| Ritsurin Garden Spring/Autumn Illuminations | Late March – Early April / Late November | Takamatsu | Garden illuminated at night |
| Sanuki Udon Festival | April | Sakaide | Udon shops from across Kagawa gather |
| Takamatsu Festival | August 12–14 | Takamatsu City | Summer fireworks + dancing |
| Olive Harvest Festival | Mid-November | Shodoshima | Celebrating new olive harvest |
| Shodoshima Soumen Festival | June | Shodoshima | Traditional cold noodle festival |

⚠️ These are typical annual dates — exact dates change each year. Setouchi Triennale 2025 is happening; the next will be 2028. Always verify with official sources before traveling.

🍜 What to Eat in Kagawa

• 🍜 Sanuki Udon (讃岐うどん) — THE iconic Kagawa noodle; try kake (broth), bukkake (thick sauce), zaru (cold dipping), kamatama (raw egg + butter)

• 🍳 Kamaage Udon — Hot noodles eaten dipped in soy sauce + raw egg

• 🐟 Hamachi (Yellowtail) — Kagawa is #1 producer in Japan

• 🌶️ Hone-Tsuki Dori — Whole grilled bone-in chicken specialty of Marugame

• 🍢 Olive Hamachi — Yellowtail fed with olive leaves (Mediterranean-Japanese fusion!)

• 🌾 Shodoshima Somen — Hand-stretched thin noodles (different from udon)

• 🌶️ Shodoshima Soy Sauce — One of Japan's oldest soy sauce production regions

• 🍱 Joyoken (Awa Karashi) Sukiyaki Bun — Local sweet steamed bun

• 🍡 Iriko Dashi — Sardine-based broth that defines Kagawa cuisine

• 🍶 Kinryo Sake — Famous local sake brewed near Konpira Shrine

🚄 How to Get to Kagawa

From Tokyo:

• ✈️ Tokyo Haneda → Takamatsu Airport (~1h 20min) — most efficient

• 🚄 Tokyo → Okayama (Shinkansen 3h 15min) → Takamatsu via JR Marine Liner over Seto Ohashi Bridge (1h)

From Osaka/Kyoto:

• 🚄 Shin-Osaka → Okayama (Shinkansen 45min) → Marine Liner to Takamatsu (1h)

• 🚌 Highway bus from Osaka/Kobe to Takamatsu (~3h 30min)

From Hiroshima:

• 🚄 Hiroshima → Okayama via Shinkansen (35min) → Marine Liner to Takamatsu (1h)

Within Kagawa:

• 🚃 JR Yosan Line connects Takamatsu, Marugame, Kanonji

• 🚉 Kotoden private railway for Kotohira (Konpira Shrine)

• ⛴️ Ferries from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima, Megijima, Ogijima, Shodoshima

• 🚗 Rental car ideal for udon hopping and Shodoshima exploration

🌸 When to Visit Kagawa

| Season | Months | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring | March – May | Cherry blossoms at Marugame Castle, Ritsurin Garden, perfect udon-hopping weather |
| ☀️ Summer | June – August | Shodoshima beach time, ferry cruises, art islands |
| 🍁 Autumn | September – November | BEST! Olive harvest, Konpira Festival, Ritsurin Garden autumn illumination |
| ❄️ Winter | December – February | Hot udon season, fewer crowds at Konpira Shrine, hamachi peak season |

📌 Practical Travel Tips

1. Use Shikoku Free Pass / JR Shikoku All Shikoku Rail Pass for unlimited travel

2. For Konpira Shrine: Wear sneakers! 785 steps to main shrine is tough; 1,368 to inner shrine takes ~2h round trip

3. Rent walking sticks (¥100–300) at the base of Konpira Shrine — your knees will thank you!

4. Naoshima needs at least a full day — book ferry tickets and Chichu Museum tickets in advance

5. Angel Road tide schedule posted at https://www.town.shodoshima.lg.jp/ — only crossable ~3h before/after low tide

6. Try "Udon Bus" tours — convenient way to visit 3–4 udon shops with local guides

7. Setouchi Triennale years (2025, 2028, 2031…) are crowded but unforgettable for art lovers

8. Most udon shops close by 2 PM! — Kagawa eats udon for breakfast/lunch, rarely dinner

9. Iriko (sardines) make all the difference in dashi — try to find "iriko dashi udon" for the most authentic flavor

10. Combine Kagawa + Okayama trips — Seto Ohashi crossing takes only 1h

🗓️ Sample 3-Day Kagawa Itinerary

Day 1: Takamatsu — Garden & Castle Day

• 🍜 Morning: Arrive Takamatsu; start with breakfast udon at famous Uemori Udon (yes, Kagawans eat udon for breakfast!)

• 🌳 Late morning: Ritsurin Garden (allow 2-3h with boat ride)

• 🍜 Lunch: Self-service udon hop (2-3 shops)

• ⛰️ Afternoon: Mt. Yashima + new Yashimaru building views

• 🌅 Evening: Sunset at Takamatsu Port + harborside dinner with Olive Hamachi

• 🏨 Stay overnight in Takamatsu

Day 2: Naoshima Art Island Day

• ⛴️ Morning: Ferry to Naoshima (~50 min)

• 🎃 Photo with Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin

• 🏛️ Chichu Art Museum (book in advance!)

• 🍱 Lunch at island café

• 🚲 Afternoon: Honmura Art House Project by rental bicycle

• ⛴️ Evening: Return ferry to Takamatsu; dinner Sanuki-style

• 🏨 Stay overnight in Takamatsu

Day 3: Konpira Shrine + Shodoshima OR Marugame
Option A: Spiritual Day

• ⛩️ Morning: Train to Kotohira (~1h) → Climb Konpira Shrine

• 🍜 Lunch: Famous udon at the base + Konpira souvenirs (kompeito candy!)

• 🎭 Afternoon: Kanamaru-za (Japan's oldest kabuki theater)

• 🏯 Late afternoon: Train to Marugame Castle (15 min from Kotohira)

• 🚄 Evening: Return via Takamatsu or Okayama

Option B: Mediterranean Day

• ⛴️ Morning: Ferry to Shodoshima (~1h from Takamatsu)

• 🫒 Visit Olive Park + Greek windmill photo

• 🍢 Lunch: Local somen + olive-fed yellowtail

• 💕 Afternoon: Time Angel Road crossing perfectly!

• 🍵 Soy sauce factory tour or movie village

• ⛴️ Evening: Ferry back to Takamatsu

💭 Final Thoughts

Yamakkii: "Kagawa is the perfect mini-Japan experience! You can eat the best udon in your life, climb the most famous stone steps in Japan, see world-class art, and feel like you're in Greece — all in the smallest prefecture!" 🍜

The Chief: "What I love about Kagawa is how dedicated the locals are. Udon isn't just food — it's identity. The 1,368 Konpira steps aren't just a climb — they're a pilgrimage. The garden isn't just landscaping — it's centuries of careful pruning. Everything here is done with deep love." 🌳

Yamakkii: "Plus — don't forget to count those 1,368 steps yourself! Make a wish at the top, eat udon at the bottom, and you've experienced the soul of Kagawa!" ⛩️

Both: "See you in Episode 38 — Ehime, citrus and onsen paradise!" 👋

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information in this guide — including festival dates, opening hours, transportation schedules, and pricing — is based on typical annual patterns and may change without notice. Before booking flights, hotels, or attending any event, please verify the latest information directly with the official tourism authorities listed below. Naoshima museum reservations, ferry schedules, Angel Road tide times, and Setouchi Triennale dates are subject to change.

🌐 Official Tourism Contacts

• Kagawa Prefecture Official Tourism Guide ("Setouchi Travel")
  🌐 https://www.setouchi.travel/en/
  📞 +81-87-832-3360 (Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Federation)

• Experience Takamatsu (City Tourism)
  🌐 https://www.art-takamatsu.com/en/
  📞 +81-87-839-2416

• Kotohira-gu Shrine (Konpira-san) Official
  🌐 https://www.konpira.or.jp/english/
  📞 +81-877-75-2121

• Ritsurin Garden Official
  🌐 https://www.my-kagawa.jp/en/ritsuringarden
  📞 +81-87-833-7411

• Shodoshima Tourism
  🌐 https://shodoshima.or.jp/en/
  📞 +81-879-82-1775

• Naoshima Tourism (Benesse Art Site)
  🌐 https://benesse-artsite.jp/en/
  📞 +81-87-892-2299

• Marugame Castle
  🌐 https://www.my-kagawa.jp/en/marugamecastle