19 Selected Spots in Kagawa Prefecture: Map, History, Nature, and Best Times for Photography

Introducing Instagram-Worthy Photos of Kagawa Prefecture

Kagawa Prefecture boasts numerous historical and scenic tourist spots such as Takamatsu Castle, Ritsurin Garden, Yashima, and Marugame Castle. Additionally, the famous Kotohira Shrine, known as the deity of the sea, attracts many worshippers from all over the country. Recently, Chichibugahama Beach, which has become a hot topic on social media, attracts tourists from around the world who come to take Instagram-worthy photos.

Takamatsu Castle

Facing the sea, Takamatsu Castle is one of Japan’s three major water castles, along with Imabari Castle in Ehime Prefecture and Nakatsu Castle in Oita Prefecture. The castle’s moats are filled with seawater drawn from the Seto Inland Sea, allowing many saltwater fish to thrive. Visitors can experience feeding these fish. Although the main keep no longer exists, some historical sites and gardens are preserved. The castle ruins have been developed into Tamamo Park, which hosts various events such as cherry blossom viewing and plant fairs in spring, and chrysanthemum exhibitions in autumn.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 19-minute walk from Takamatsu Station

Ritsurin Garden

Ritsurin Garden, constructed about 300 years ago by the Matsudaira family, the lords of Takamatsu Domain, is known as a strolling garden from the early Edo period. The garden features six ponds and thirteen artificial hills, skillfully arranged against the backdrop of Mount Shiun. Its unique landscaping technique integrates the external scenery into the garden, creating a harmonious view. Recognized for its beauty, Ritsurin Garden has received the highest three-star rating from the French travel guidebook “Michelin Green Guide Japan.”

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 8-minute walk from Ritsurin Koen Station

Marugame Castle

Completed in 1602 after five years of construction, Marugame Castle is one of the twelve remaining wooden castles from before the Edo period. It is particularly famous for its impressive stone walls, which rise about 60 meters high and create a beautiful curve known as the fan slope. Even after over 400 years, the castle retains its unique aesthetic, harmonizing with nature.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 5-minute bus ride from Marugame Station

Kotohira Shrine

Kotohira Shrine (commonly known as Konpira-san) in Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture, is a shrine revered for its deities of agriculture, industry, medicine, and maritime protection. It is famous for its long stone steps, with 785 steps leading to the main shrine and a total of 1,368 steps to the inner shrine. Along the approach are notable structures such as the Great Gate and the Shinden, a national important cultural property. The precincts feature historic buildings like the Asahi Shrine and a treasure hall displaying artworks and cultural assets. Souvenir shops and udon restaurants line the approach, which has also been used as a film location.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 34-minute walk from Kotohira Station

Yashima

Yashima, a scenic plateau at 292 meters above sea level, offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, Takamatsu city, and the Sanuki Mountains. Nearby attractions include Yashima Temple, founded by the monk Ganjin in 754 and later relocated by Kobo Daishi, and the New Yashima Aquarium.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 18-minute bus ride from Yashima Station

Megijima Island

Megijima Island is about a 20-minute ferry ride from Takamatsu Port. At the summit of Washigamine in the island’s center is the Oni no Yakata Cave, a massive cave said to have been inhabited by demons. Consequently, the island is also known as Onigashima (Demon Island). In spring, about 3,000 cherry trees bloom, painting the island in beautiful pink hues.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: ▶Access via ferry by Shikoku Kisen

Chichibugahama Beach

Chichibugahama Beach in Mitoyo City is about 1 kilometer long and attracts many visitors each summer. Especially during sunset at low tide, the beach’s reflective surface creates mirror-like photos, reminiscent of Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats. This unique landscape has gained popularity on social media and has been ranked number one in Japan for sunset views. Due to its rising popularity, new cafes and shops have opened nearby.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 26-minute walk from Takuma Station

Chichibugahama’s Magic Hour

The best photos are taken during the 30 minutes before and after sunset on windless days when low tide coincides with sunset. Without these specific conditions—low tide, sunset, clear skies, and no wind—the beach looks like an ordinary sandy beach. Visitors from afar should check weather and wind conditions before coming. Even for locals, ideal photo conditions are rare. However, during low tide sunsets, tourism association staff often provide photography tips, and the area has many stylish eateries, making it worth a visit.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 26-minute walk from Takuma Station

Naoshima Island

Naoshima Island, located near Shodoshima and the Seto Ohashi Bridge in the Seto Inland Sea, is part of Kagawa Prefecture. With a population of about 3,000, it was once a fishing town but is now known nationwide as an art island. The southern part of the island features the Benesse Art Site, with shuttle buses connecting the museums. There are also rental bicycle shops near the ferry terminal, allowing for free exploration of the island.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: ▶Access via ferry by Shikoku Kisen

Benesse Art Site

The Benesse Art Site Naoshima is the centerpiece of Naoshima tourism, built in 1992 as a facility combining a museum and hotel on a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Its concept is the “coexistence of nature, architecture, and art,” making it an especially recommended spot for those who appreciate Tadao Ando’s architecture.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: ▶Access via ferry by Shikoku Kisen

Ebisu Shrine

Ebisu Shrine, located on Naoshima’s beach, features a torii gate partially buried in the sand. This scenery, blending nature and human-made structures, resembles a work of art. The torii gate, located on the sand at Kotobukijima Beach, offers a picturesque view of the Seto Inland Sea. The gate is only about as tall as a person, known as a “buried torii,” due to sand accumulation from waves and wind. The torii is easily accessible from the island’s circular bus route’s final stop, “Tsutsujiso-mae,” and the nearby Yellow Pumpkin art installation is also a popular spot. Despite its small size, Naoshima attracts tourists with numerous art installations and facilities, including the Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum, and Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkins. It’s especially famous as an art island, with Tadao Ando-designed hotels and museums that are must-see for art lovers. The island also offers beautiful sea views.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: ▶Access via ferry by Shikoku Kisen

Naoshima’s Pumpkin

This artwork, created by artist Yayoi Kusama, was unveiled in 1994 during the “Open Air ’94 ‘Out of Bounds'” exhibition on Naoshima. Installed on an old pier jutting into the sea, the bright yellow sculpture stands out against the blue sea and green foliage.

Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: ▶Access via ferry by Shikoku Kisen

Shodoshima Island

Shodoshima, a beautiful island in the Seto Inland Sea, is known for its olive production, rich nature, and historical spots. Here are some tourist spots on Shodoshima: