Takamatsu’s Ritsurin Garden, the shrine of Kotohira and art islands such as Naoshima and Teshima.
Kagawa is Japan’s smallest prefecture and is known for sanuki udon. Takamatsu is an hour from Okayama by the Marine Liner and the port for the art islands.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesRitsurin Garden is a large stroll garden with ponds and pine trees; take a boat ride or tea in the Kikugetsu-tei house. Udon shops range from self-service counters to old-style restaurants.
Self-service udon shops often open early and close once noodles run out.
Read this area guide →Kotohira-gu, known as Konpira-san, is reached by 785 stone steps to the main hall, or 1,368 to the inner shrine. The town has the Kanamaru-za, Japan’s oldest kabuki theatre.
Allow about an hour up and down to the main hall; bamboo walking sticks are rented at shops.
Read this area guide →Naoshima has the Chichu Art Museum by Tadao Ando, Benesse House and Yayoi Kusama’s yellow pumpkin. Teshima Art Museum is a single water-drop shaped space.
Ferries run from Takamatsu and Uno. Chichu requires timed tickets, and many museums close on Mondays.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Udon breakfast in Takamatsu.
Ritsurin Garden.
Train to Kotohira; climb to Konpira-san.
Return to Takamatsu for dinner by the port.
Try sanuki udon, honetsuki-dori roast chicken, olive products from Shodoshima and wasanbon sugar sweets.
Takamatsu is the best base, with ferries and trains. Naoshima has a few inns and Benesse House, which book up early.
Marine Liner trains link Okayama and Takamatsu. Kotoden trains serve Ritsurin and Kotohira; ferries leave from Takamatsu Port.
