Overview
Kagawa Prefecture, located in the northeastern part of Shikoku Island in Japan, is known for its scenic beauty, culinary delights, cultural heritage, and artistic traditions.
Sanuki Udon: Kagawa is renowned across Japan for its Sanuki Udon, a type of thick wheat flour noodle known for its chewy texture and served in various styles such as hot (kake udon), cold (zaru udon), or with a hot broth (kitsune udon). Many udon shops in Kagawa pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
Ritsurin Garden: One of Kagawa’s most famous landmarks is Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu City, a historic Japanese garden designated as a National Special Scenic Beauty. The garden features expansive ponds, meticulously landscaped hills, tea houses, and walking paths lined with pine trees. It offers a serene retreat for visitors to enjoy traditional garden aesthetics.
Shikoku Pilgrimage: Kagawa is a part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Shikoku Henro), a 1,200-kilometer-long pilgrimage route that circles the island of Shikoku and connects 88 Buddhist temples associated with the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi). Pilgrims, known as henro, visit temples to pray, reflect, and experience the spiritual journey deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
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Kagawa includes several islands in the Seto Inland Sea, such as Naoshima, Teshima, and Shodoshima, known collectively as the “Art Islands.” Naoshima is particularly famous for its contemporary art museums and installations, including the Benesse House Museum and the Chichu Art Museum, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando.
