2025 Kagawa Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Shikoku is known for its beautiful scenery, and many people think it's difficult to explore without driving. However, with proper planning and the use of JR trains and buses, you can easily tour Shikoku. For first-time visitors, this 5-day 4-night itinerary covering Kagawa and Tokushima is a great reference. Day 1: Takamatsu Airport ✈️ → Takamatsu Shopping Street → Takamatsu JR Station → Tokushima JR Station → Nearby Hotel Day 2: Take a bus from outside Tokushima JR Station to Naruto Whirlpools → Uzu no Michi → Naruto Park → Take JR to Oboke Station, then hotel shuttle to Onsen Hotel ♨️ Day 3: Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Boat 🚤 → Iya Vine Bridge → Return to hotel to pick up luggage, then take JR to Kotohira Station → Kotohira-gu Shrine → Hotel near Takamatsu Station Day 4: Takamatsu Port → Day trip to Shodoshima → Takamatsu Hotel 🏨 Day 5: Take the Kotoden Kotohira Line to Ritsurin Koen Station → Ritsurin Garden → Return to hotel to pick up luggage → Takamatsu Airport ✈️ 【Must-Visit Attractions】 1. Naruto Whirlpools: Taking a sightseeing boat is one of the best ways to view the whirlpools 🤩. You can not only see the whirlpools up close but also feel the turbulent and rotating water when the boat gets close to the whirlpool area, which is both thrilling and breathtaking 🤪. 2. Iya Vine Bridge: The vine bridge spans a steep gorge with rushing river water below. Although it has been reinforced and is very safe, it still wobbles when you walk on it 🫨. 3. Ritsurin Garden: The entire park is composed of a series of lakes, small bridges, and pavilions, perfectly blending the essence of Edo-period garden design. Walking through it feels like being in a graceful and charming landscape painting 😍. 【Must-Try Foods】 1. Sanuki Udon in Kagawa is one of Japan's top three udon varieties, and there are many famous small shops around 🍜. 2. Kagawa's Bone-in Chicken is also a must-try 😋. It's grilled chicken leg seasoned with salt and pepper, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. 3. Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes are a specialty of Tokushima, with golden-yellow flesh that is very delicious 🍠. 【Accommodation Recommendations】 ⭐️ Recommended Area: If staying in Takamatsu, it's recommended to stay near Takamatsu JR Station for convenient transportation and proximity to Takamatsu Port. 🏨 Hotel Name: JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu 📍 Hotel Address: 1-1 Hamano Cho, Takamatsu, Takamatsu, Japan, 760-0011 【Photo Spots】 1. The viewpoint under the Naruto Bridge offers a closer view and great photo opportunities of the spectacular Naruto Bridge 🌁. 【Tips】 ⭐️ If you want to see the full-sized Naruto Whirlpools, be sure to check the official website for information. The whirlpools are affected by tides and seasons, and the website has detailed viewing guides and schedules. Checking this before booking your sightseeing boat tickets will increase your chances of seeing the full whirlpools.

#Sign up for September hotel test sleeper Visit Naoshima, Teshima, and Shodoshima! //// Transportation and Travel Guide ✈️ You can first arrive in Osaka or Tokyo, Japan, and then take a domestic flight or Shinkansen to Takamatsu. ⛴️ Take a ferry from Takamatsu Port. Be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance so you can plan your trip. There are different ferry times and types to choose from depending on your needs. 🚲 After arriving at each island, there are bicycle rental points near the port. Renting a bicycle is highly recommended as it is the most enjoyable way to explore Teshima. You can also choose to take the island's bus, but services are relatively infrequent, so check the timetable in advance to avoid delays. //// Attractions Recommended 📍 Chichu Art Museum 📍 Lee Ufan Art Museum 📍 Tadao Ando Museum 📍 Teshima Art Museum //// Important Notes 🕙 Plan your time wisely to avoid staying too long at one attraction and missing out on other attractions. Likewise, keep an eye on ferry and bus times to ensure you don't miss your return transport. 🚲 Transportation on the island isn't very convenient; consider renting a bike or taking a bus. ☀️ Remember to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water and snacks. 📸 Most museums do not allow photography, so make sure to bring your album to record the moment~ #Naoshima #Teshima #Shodoshima #Seto Inland Sea #travel tips #Japan Travel #Japan Tours #Japan Hidden Treasures #Island Hopping #Teshima #travel inspiration #nature #architecture #best vacations #worldwide travel #visiting tips

#AccommodationTrip Opening March 1, 2024 CRAFT HOTEL Setouchi is a glamping hotel that makes you feel like you're overseas💕 About 10 minutes by car, there is a private beach of the hotel where you can do SUP👏 Activities that cost 1100 yen per person✨ Sauna🧖🏻♀️ and pool (shallow so children are safe!) You can drink the drinks you order at the bar by the pool, or you can drink at the bar, and you can see the beautiful starry sky, and the night is so stylish that it looks great no matter where you go❕ You can also roast marshmallows over a bonfire Address 1880 Sanbonmatsu, Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture • IN: 15:00 ~/OUT:~ 11:00 Rooms: 35 rooms Closed: Irregularly

I took the Jumbo Ferry and enjoyed a two-day whirlwind trip from Kobe to Kagawa Prefecture♪ We departed at 5:00am, before dawn. We took the shuttle bus from Sannomiya Bus Terminal to Kobe Port. As soon as we arrived, we boarded the ferry. The interior of the ship was spacious and clean, and I was excited! When I went out to the observation deck, it was just sunrise, and the morning sun seen from the ship was truly beautiful. And one hour after we departed, we passed under the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. It was a powerful boat show! The ship had seats where you could lie down, box seats, reclining seat areas, and more. There was also a foot bath and a large observation bath, so I was able to enjoy watching the morning sun while relaxing in the foot bath. The Shodoshima gelato I had at the restaurant on board was also delicious♡ After arriving at Takamatsu Port in Kagawa, I took the shuttle bus to Takamatsu Station. In Takamatsu, I enjoyed gourmet food such as udon and chicken on the bone, and went up to Konpira Shrine to pay my respects! Then I returned to Kobe on a late-night ferry. There are women-only rooms, so even women traveling alone can enjoy themselves with peace of mind♪ #Travel with me #Bullet Traveler #Ferry Trip #Kagawa Trip

Introducing some super cute spots you definitely want to visit in Kagawa✍🏻 (All photos are from May 2023) ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ This is "Hidamari Park Ayagawa" in Ayagawa Town, Kagawa Prefecture A new park that opened in April 2023🌼 And this park is also known as "Slowpoke Park"💗 There are lots of Slowpokes!! 🌸 There are Shellders that look like they're about to bite your tail, and on both sides of the bench, there are male and female Pikachus💛 (the one with a heart-shaped tail is female) The giant Slowpoke in the center, which is also the symbol of the park, was especially cute💖 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ＼Why Kagawa and Slowpoke?! / ▫️Kagawa Prefecture has the highest consumption of udon! Because "udon" and "yadon" are similar ▫️Kagawa Prefecture is famous for "Wasanbon"! Because sweet ingredients come out of Yadon's tail ▫️Kagawa Prefecture has a water shortage... Because Yadon "yawns and it rains" ☔️ Yadon officially promotes Kagawa as the "Udon Prefecture PR Team" 🤍 It seems that they also collaborate with buses, ferries, vending machines, and even hotel rooms 💗 There are a total of 18 Pokefuta in Kagawa Prefecture alone! (As of 2023) ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ That means there are a lot of sunny days in Kagawa...! But then it started raining 🥹 I thought maybe Yadon was yawning 😌 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 　 📸 ᴘʜᴏᴛᴏ ᴛɪᴘs ˊ˗　 It gets crowded on holidays and at lunchtime, and you might have to line up to take a photo with Yadon 🫣！ I arrived at 8am on a rainy Sunday, but there were still about 3 groups (adults) there 🫡 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 　　 ✍🏻 ɪɴғᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ (As of December 2023) Hidamari Park Ayagawa (Yadon Park) 📍Address | 253-7 Kayahara, Ayagawa-cho, Ayauta-gun, Kagawa Prefecture 🕰Hours | 24 hours 🎫Admission fee | Free 🚐Parking | Available ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ #Domestic travel #Kagawa tourism #Kagawa tourism #Photogenic spot #Yadon Park #Hidamari Park Ayagawa #besttrip2023

A hidden restaurant near the mountains in Higashikagawa City! 　　 There are wooden signs here and there, but it's quite hard to find. But when you get there, you'll be impressed 🎵 They have a lunch set, but I recommend ordering your favorite dishes from the a la carte menu! The pizza, pasta, and creative dishes are delicious, and they're happy to help you with your order. It's a very popular restaurant, so reservations are required. Information about remaining reservations is also posted on Instagram. Perfect for girls' nights! Budget 1500 yen per person ~ 436-1 Mizunushi, Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture 769-2606 #gourmet trip #gourmet #Kagawa #Kagawa Prefecture #Higashikagawa #Italian restaurant #hideaway #pasta #pizza #countryside

This time, we found 7 amazing views in Japan that look like Ghibli scenes! ☺️ Seeing so many different places just adds to the number of places I want to go back to✨ Of course, you can stay in a hotel, but it's also fun to compare the tourist attractions and amazing views of the area with Ghibli😍 [𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𓏗𓏗] ❶ Olive Park (Kiki's Delivery Service) 📍1941-1 Nishimura, Shodoshima-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture ❷ Sayama Hills (My Neighbor Totoro) 📍1169-1 Mikashima 3-chome, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture ❸ Takeda Castle Ruins (Laputa: Castle in the Sky) 📍169 Takeda Furushiroyama, Wadayama-cho, Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture ❹ Tomonoura (Ponyo on the Cliff) 📍 Tomo, Tomo-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture ❺ Shimonada Station (Spirited Away) 📍 Okubo, Futami-cho, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture The railway line leading to the sea is privately owned, and entry for photography is prohibited. ❻ Harbor View Park (Up on Poppy Hill) 📍 114 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture ❼ Shiratani Unsuikyo (Princess Mononoke) 📍 Kusukawa, Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture #Free Spot #Amazing View

Go to Shodoshima in addition to going to Witch's Delivery Service 😆 Many people will pretend to try their famous products ❤️ HISHIO ramen🍜💕 Explain 😂 Kodo Island transportation is very inconvenient 😅 You eat this noodles may have to expect 1 middle of the traffic 🥲 because d buses 🚌 really very sparse and crowded 🙂 This is the Shodoshima Angel Road shop of Shodoshima Ramen HISHIO🙈 It's only about 5 minutes walk from the attraction Angel Road 😌 So this one can visit the attraction by the way 🤣👍🏻 Actually, this ramen 🍜 is special to insist on using the ingredients of Shodo Island 😬 The manager's recommendation is the sauce ramen 🍜😆 It's the signature one It is a kind of octopus off the coast of Shodoshima and chicken feet and several vegetables boiled for 13 hours😳 so I know it will be quite tasty😄😄 It tastes rich but not greasy at all But most importantly it adds heirloom sauce🤫🤫so it tastes special🙈 Remember to try it 😃 If it doesn't rain and you're not afraid of strong winds, it's actually very pleasant to sit outdoors #JapanTravel #overseastravel #familygoodplaces #foodie #afternoon teainfo #I miss #summerfood recommendations #summergoodplaces

Angel Road is a sandy road that appears twice a day at low tide. It is said that if you hold hands with your loved one and cross the road, an angel will come down from the middle of the sandbar and grant your wish. It is a romantic place known as a "sacred place for lovers." It was also used as a filming location for the movies "My Yellow Bicycle" and "Setouchi Pirate Story"! #FreeSpot #Beach #Shodoshima #AngelRoad #SummerShortTrip #BreathtakingView

Kotohira Shrine is a shrine located on Mount Zozu in Kagawa Prefecture. The deities enshrined at the main shrine are Omononushi-no-Mikoto and Emperor Sutoku. Since ancient times, they have been worshipped as the deities of agriculture, production, medicine, and the protection of the sea. The "yellow amulet of happiness," the 785 stone steps from the temple town to the main shrine, and the "Konpira dog" are famous! If you climb all the steps, the view from there is very beautiful and pleasant 🍃 There is a cute "Konpira dog" halfway up the steep stairs, so try your best to climb 🏃‍♂️ #Shrine #Kagawa Prefecture #Kagawa #Konpira-san #Konpira Shrine #Breathtaking view

Kotohira Shrine, affectionately known as "Konpira-san," is a representative tourist spot in Kagawa Prefecture. Although you have to climb a long flight of stone steps to reach the main shrine, there is no end to the number of worshippers flocking to the shrine from all over the country. In fact, I was very tired, but I managed to reach the top by taking breaks along the way to enjoy the scenery, meet the sacred horse, buy candy sold by Gonin Hyakusho, and stop by a shop on the approach to the shrine. As well as the scenery, the atmosphere around Kotohira Shrine is very good, and it is a place where you can spend a whole day. Please come and visit us! ! #Amazing views #Trip to enjoy spring #Historic sites #Free spots #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Amazing nature #Amazing views #Trip to enjoy spring #Trip with children

The whole area was a very charming streetscape😊 The stairs were really long, but the view from the main shrine was beautiful! I went all the way to the inner shrine and received a special amulet. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes❗️ There were a lot of worshippers, so it was lively♪ #Free spot #Amazing view

Kofuen A Japanese garden located at 1-1 Honmachi, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, that is a designated cultural asset of Sakaide City. It is a 4-minute walk from JR Sakaide Station. Opening hours are 8:30am-6pm from January to June and September to December, and 8:30am-8pm in July and August. Open all year round, admission free. #Kagawa #JapaneseGarden #FreeSpots #SummerShortTrip

Kotohira Shrine Located on the hillside of Mount Zozu at 892-1 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture, this shrine has been worshipped since ancient times as the god of agriculture, production, medicine, and the protection of the sea. There are 785 steps, but there are souvenir shops along the way, so it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. The view after the climb was very refreshing! There are a total of 1,368 steps to the inner shrine, but I couldn't go after 5pm. Next time I'd like to head there earlier. The starting point of the stone steps is a 20-minute walk from JR Kotohira Station or a 15-minute walk from Kotoden Kotohira Station. #summertrip#greatview

Tall Lantern One of the famous spots of Kotohira Shrine, located at 314 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture. 1 minute walk from Kotoden Kotohira Station, 3 minutes walk from JR Kotohira Station. According to the information sign at the entrance, it was donated by the people of Samukawa-gun, Kagawa Prefecture in 1865. It is currently designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. You cannot visit the inside, but you can get up close and personal. #Kagawa #Sanuki #Summer Trip

Do you know about the Angel Road that appears only twice a day? 👼 This road can be seen in Kagawa, Shodoshima 📍 The Angel Road between Bentenjima and Nakayoshima, which appears only at low tide, can be enjoyed in two ways: You can walk on it! You can also enjoy it from above! When you walk along it, you will see a mysterious phenomenon of the sea on both sides. You will be impressed by the art of nature and the beauty of the sea that you can see all around you 🌊 Please include the low tide in your travel itinerary and go see it 🌟 #Kagawa #Shodoshima #Amazing view #Seaside scenery #Summer resort you want to keep secret #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Remote island trip #Cool travel experience #Trip to visit remote islands #Summer trip #Amazing view #Trip with children

[Kagawa, Mitoyo] Setouchi Kitchen is an Italian restaurant located in front of Chichibugahama Beach. The dishes made with local ingredients and the appetizers that change depending on the season are delicious 🍽 The walls are made of glass, so you can get a full view of Chichibugahama Beach from inside the restaurant 🌊 #Kagawa #MitoyoCity #SeasideScenery #SummerShortTrip #GourmetTrip

Kotohira-gu Shrine is located in Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku, at an altitude of 521m. The approach to the shrine is famous for its many stone steps. There are 785 steps to the main shrine and 1,358 steps to the Oku-sha Shrine. There are many specialty souvenir shops and local specialty restaurants along the shrine, which can be used for a day trip and visit. There are many famous Kagawa udon noodle shops nearby. The noodles are delicious, smooth and chewy. You must try it😋 #Scenic spot shooting guide#Overseas travel#Good place for parents and children#Hiking#Resident writer#Good place for summer

A cafe in Sanuki City that is loved by people of all ages ☕ The recommended dish is the Spiral Omelette Rice 🥚🍅 It's super creamy and delicious!! ! It seems they also have a variety of pancakes, so I'll try them next time ♪♪ #supporttourism #kagawa #cafe #cafehopping #supporttourism #gourmettrip

It may not be that well known! "Takei Cape" in Aji Town, Kagawa Prefecture, is the northernmost point of Shikoku. It's not a tourist spot, so there aren't many people, and the sea is beautiful and I was able to relax 🌊🌿 The temple carved into the rock at the very back also had a unique mystical feel to it! #supporttourism #kagawa #seasidescenery #supporttourism#greatscenery

#summervacay Shodoshima Island in Kagawa is the kind of place that feels like a mini vacation from your vacation. It’s all blue ocean views, curvy coastal roads, olive trees everywhere, and just super relaxed island energy. I took a ferry over, and from the second I got off, it was all "yes, this is the vibe.” The Olive Park is kinda iconic, you can dress up like Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service and pose with the windmill (yes, I did it, no regrets). Plus, they sell everything olive-related—ice cream, oil, snacks. The views from up there are so nice too. There are also beaches, cool rock formations like Angel Road (super pretty at low tide), and some quiet temples hidden in the hills. I rented a scooter and just cruised around with zero plans, and it was honestly the best decision ever. It’s peaceful but not boring, cute but not crowded. Totally worth the ferry ride. Would 100% go back with friends or even solo again.

#summervacay Okay, Teshima Art Museum in Kagawa is honestly unlike anything I’ve ever been to. It’s not your typical museum with paintings or sculptures, it's literally just this massive white, dome-like space in the middle of nature. Super minimal, super quiet, and weirdly emotional in the best way. Inside, there's pretty much nothing... except water slowly moving across the floor in the gentlest, most hypnotic way ever. Sounds kinda boring? Nope. It’s insanely calming and weirdly beautiful. You just sit there barefoot, watching water do its thing, while light and wind flow in through these open holes in the ceiling. Time seriously feels like it stops. The whole island has an artsy, peaceful vibe, but the museum is the real soul-hitter. It's more like an experience than a museum. No photos allowed inside, which somehow makes it feel even more special. If you’re into slow, deep, quiet beauty, this one’s gonna hit you right in the feels. Total must-visit.

#summervacay Ritsurin Garden is straight-up serenity in garden form. Like, if you ever wanted to walk into a painting, this is the spot. It's huge, super well-kept, and just ridiculously pretty from every angle. There are ponds with koi fish, perfectly trimmed pine trees, tiny bridges, and even little teahouses tucked in like secrets. I spent most of my time just strolling aimlessly, stopping every few minutes to say “whoa” at another beautiful corner. It’s got that super chill, old-school Japanese vibe that makes you wanna speak in whispers and just… exist. There’s also a boat ride if you're feeling fancy, and the water is so clear you can literally see the koi following you. I grabbed a matcha and some sweets from the teahouse and just sat there like I had no worries in the world. It’s calm, gorgeous, and kind of magical. Zero rush, just good vibes and nature doing its thing. Ritsurin’s a total win.

#summervacay Alright, let’s talk about Kotohira Shrine (aka Konpira-san) in Kagawa Prefecture, aka the shrine with a ton of stairs. Like, seriously, over 700 just to the main shrine and 1,300+ if you're going all the way. But don’t let that scare you, it’s weirdly fun and the views totally make it worth it. The path up is lined with little shops selling snacks, souvenirs, and good luck charms, so you can totally take your time and snack your way up (highly recommend the udon). The vibe gets more peaceful the higher you go, with the sounds of bells, birds, and your own heavy breathing. When you finally reach the top, it feels like you conquered something big, and the view over the town and sea? So good. Plus, the shrine itself is gorgeous and full of that old-Japan charm. My legs were crying the next day but my heart was full. Totally one of those “worth it” moments.

When you think of Kagawa, you think of udon!! So I would like to recommend two udon restaurants that are easily accessible from Takamatsu☝🏻 _____________________________________________ ① Handmade Udon Ueda 📍Address: 798-15 Otakamimachi, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture 🕰️Business hours: 9:00-14:00 Sweet broth and firm udon! You can have the best udon experience◎ ② Oshima Udon 📍Address: 1058 Otakamimachi, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture 🕰️Business hours: 6:00-15:00 A restaurant that opens early in the morning. You can eat it for breakfast◎The udon and tempura are great⭐️ #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #DomesticTrip #Kagawa #Udon

During the Edo period, commoners were not allowed to travel freely, except for pilgrimages to Kotohira Shrine. Visiting Kotohira Shrine became an important annual trip for many. But what if someone couldn't make the journey? People came up with the idea of tying offerings and food money to dogs, allowing pilgrims to bring these dogs along to the shrine. This is how the tradition of Konpira Dogs originated. Due to this unique history, the shrine's fortune slips are creatively designed with Konpira Dogs. Kotohira Shrine is located in Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture, and is dedicated to Ōmononushi-no-Kami and Emperor Sutoku. Locals affectionately refer to it as "Konpira-san." Ōmononushi-no-Kami, known in Japanese mythology as the deity of Mount Miwa, embodies the divine aspects of serpents, water, and thunder. At Kotohira Shrine, Ōmononushi-no-Kami is worshipped as a sea deity. Fans of the Japanese drama "The All-Round Appraiser Q" might recognize this deity from the series. During the Heian period, the belief that Japan's myriad gods were manifestations of Buddhist deities led to the fusion of Buddhism and Shinto at Kotohira Shrine, renaming it "Konpira Daigongen." However, after the Meiji-era decree separating Shinto and Buddhism, the Buddhist guardians Fudō Myōō and Bishamonten were relocated to Saidaiji Temple in Okayama. The shrine briefly reverted to "Kotohira Shrine" but was later renamed "Konpira-san" due to its deep-rooted popularity among locals. The large golden lantern at the shrine, featuring the character "金" (gold), was designed during the Edo period. Back then, it was also crafted into fans, which became popular souvenirs for visitors. Visiting Kotohira Shrine is a true test of endurance. To reach the main shrine, you must climb 785 steps along winding mountain paths. To reach the inner shrine, you'll need to tackle over 1,300 steps. Including the descent, visitors easily surpass 2,000 steps in total. 📍Address: 〒766-8501 Kagawa Prefecture, Nakatado District, Kotohira Town, 892-1 🚗 Access: From JR Kotohira Station or Kotoden Kotohira Station, it's a 15-minute walk to the entrance. The climb to the inner shrine involves 1,368 steps.

When it comes to 'Bone-in Bird,' it has become a specialty of Kagawa in recent years. After trying the famous restaurant 'Yakitori Mitori' in Takamatsu, I couldn't forget the taste. Pair it with chicken broth rice, cabbage soaked in chicken oil, and take a bite of the juicy grilled chicken—it's pure satisfaction. This dish is highly recommended by Japanese locals, even more appealing than udon noodles. This time, I visited Marugame, the birthplace of this dish, and of course, I had to try the crispy grilled chicken. The restaurant thoughtfully provides scissors, but the authentic way to eat it is to grab the chicken leg and take a big bite, followed by a sip of alcohol for a carefree experience. The restaurant's tofu fried in chicken broth is so delicious that you'll want seconds. Pair it with a highball, and you'll leave feeling completely full. Why has 'Bone-in Bird' become popular in Marugame and throughout Kagawa? It actually has ties to the local economy. Kagawa has its own port, historically serving as a gateway for importing grains. Being close to Osaka, Kagawa developed numerous chicken farms to produce eggs for Osaka. The retired hens were eventually turned into chicken dishes. With an abundant supply of chicken, 'Bone-in Bird' became a local specialty. By the way, when ordering 'Bone-in Bird,' you can choose between 'Oyadori' (older hen) or 'Hinadori' (young chicken). One offers a chewy texture, while the other is tender and juicy—it's up to your preference. 📍Address: 52-1 Toricho, Marugame, Kagawa 763-0043, Japan 🚗 A 10-minute walk from JR Marugame Station

Myōhō-ji Temple, with a history dating back 1,300 years, belongs to the Tendai sect. During the Sengoku period, it served as a place of prayer for the feudal lord's family and a spiritual sanctuary for the people of Marugame. The temple enshrines the secret Buddha statue of Dainichi Nyorai, a Daikokuten statue crafted by a Tendai sect master, and a statue of Genshin Daishi subduing demons. Genshin Daishi, also known as Ryōgen, Tsuno Daishi, Mame Daishi, or Jihye Daishi, was the 18th head of the Tendai sect and a key figure in the revival of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei. He is said to have founded the warrior monks who influenced Japanese history. Legend has it that during the Eikan era, a plague broke out in Kyoto, and Genshin Daishi himself fell ill. Entering a meditative state, he transformed into a yaksha form to drive away evil spirits. Upon awakening, he instructed his disciples to draw the yaksha image and distribute it to the people, which helped quell the epidemic. Due to this yaksha form, he became known as "Tsuno Daishi." During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Japanese people placed Tsuno Daishi talismans in their homes for protection. Another type of talisman, the Mame Daishi talisman, is also popular. The word "mame" (豆) sounds similar to "mame" (魔滅), meaning "demon extermination," and is thus considered a charm for warding off evil. Myōhō-ji Temple also features the "Buson Room," which displays works by Yosa Buson, one of the three great masters of the Edo period. Six of these works are designated as National Cultural Properties, including the "Sotetsu Painting" and the "Hanshan and Shide Painting," which are presented as folding screens. 📍Address: 9 Tomiyamachi, Marugame, Kagawa 763-0021, Japan 🚗 A 5-minute walk from JR Marugame Station.