Kagawa Prefecture`s Appeal
Situated in the Seto Inland Sea, Kagawa Prefecture is praised as the "Jewel of the World". Brimming with historical and cultural attractions, Kagawa is also within easy access of Japan's big cities with Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima just over 2 hours away by plane or train.
Kagawa also boasts a long-standing pilgrimage culture with the featured temples located within relatively short walking distance of each other. As for cuisine, Kagawa is famed for its "Sanuki Udon Noodles" which are deeply loved by people across the length of Japan. There are over 600 udon restaurants in the prefecture earning Kagawa the nickname "UDON-PREFECTURE" (UDON-KEN).
Sightseeing Spots
Ritsurin Garden Park
"Ritsurin Garden", is one of Kagawa's most treasured sites with a great number of domestic and international tourists coming to view the traditionally landscaped scenery. Ritsurin Garden is the largest Cultural Property Garden in all of Japan, and is an important cultural asset that has been maintained for nearly 400 years. Seasonal flowers and one thousand carefully maintained pine trees create gorgeous scenery that changes throughout the seasons. The garden was designed to be leisurely strolled through, and each step offers a new perspective on the garden's scenery.
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Mt. Shiude
Mt. Shiude, is a 352 meters above sea level high, located on the Shounai Peninsula in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture. The scenery from the summit is breathtakingly beautiful and has been selected as one of the "Places I Want to Visit Before I Die! World's Greatest Views; Japan Vsion" in the New York Times (USA). During the cherry blossom season in spring, visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the spectacular view of the cherry blossoms and the Seto Inland Sea in harmony. In addition to the cherry blossom season, visitors can also enjoy the hydrangea road in early summer when the hydrangeas are in full bloom.
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Chichibugahama
Chichibugahama is a beautiful, 1km-long stretch of beach located in Mitoyo City. Perhaps you have heard of the famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia; this world-famous photo spot is known for its seamless reflection of the sky after rainwater collects in the low-lying flat, creating a natural mirror for many kilometers. Chichibugahama also happens to be the home of a similar "sky mirror" phenomenon. Called the "Heavenly Mirror of the Seto Inland Sea", the low tide on windless days creates the perfect place to take a once-in-a-lifetime photo.
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Sanuki Udon Noodles
Smooth and chewy "Sanuki Udon Noodles" are hugely popular throughout Japan. There are over 600 udon restaurants in Kagawa, yet each offers its own unique version of the dish. Udon represents a perfect fusion of well-honed traditional skills and local natural bounties: wheat, salt, and water for the noodles, and soy sauce or dried fish for the stock.
Modern Art
Art and architecture are an integral part of daily life in Kagawa. The Setouchi Triennale, an international contemporary art festival launched in 2010 and held every three years, aims to restore the vitality of the Seto Inland Sea region. While making friends with the local islanders, artists from around the world create site-specific works that complement the natural surroundings and celebrate the local culture and history. In addition, Kagawa is graced with the museums of painters Genichiro Inokuma and Kaii Higashiyama, sculptors Isamu Noguchi and Masayuki Nagare, the memorial gallery of furniture designer George Nakashima, and buildings designed by Kenzo Tange and Tadao Ando.
Shikoku Henro
Eighty-eight temples scattered throughout Shikoku are linked to the 8th century Buddhist priest Kukai, and form the pilgrimage route known as the "Henro". People have been making this pilgrimage for centuries in the belief that if completed, their prayers will be answered. In Kagawa there are 23 official temples, including Sohonzan Zentsuji Temple, the birthplace of Kukai, and the final temple in the route, Okuboji Temple. Also known as "Ketsuganji" the name refers to the completion of one's spiritual journey and fulfillment of the pilgrims desire to become closer to Kukai.
