The Hidden Temple (Matsuo-ji) Step away from Kotohira’s busy shrine approach into Matsuo-ji, a little-known Shingon Buddhist temple and the 16th sacred site of the New Shikoku Mandala pilgrimage. Quiet meditation and temple-yoga experiences offer travellers a reflective introduction to local spiritual practice in an intimate setting. Ask about the temple-yoga morning. The Hidden Temple…
Mt Shiude Follow the Shonai Peninsula to Mt Shiude’s 352-metre summit observation deck, where islands scatter across the Seto Inland Sea and Honshu appears beyond the water. Cherry blossom, hydrangeas, archaeological remains and the Urashima Tarō legend add seasonal and cultural depth to the panorama. Go on a clear morning — Honshu appears beyond the…
The Bamboo Forest Walk into Manno’s bamboo landscape with local farmer and community organiser Keita Kitayama of Sabumi Terrace. Learn how neglected bamboo groves affect the satoyama countryside, then discover how harvesting, craft and bamboo-light projects turn a local challenge into creative community renewal. Ask Keita about the bamboo-light project. The Bamboo Forest Instagram
Indigo Dyeing Workshop Create your own indigo-dyed tenugui at Kotohira Yoshinoya, a century-old family workshop near the Konpira shrine approach. Guided by a traditional Sanuki norizome craftsperson, use locally grown indigo to produce a practical, one-of-a-kind keepsake that can be taken home the same day. Wear something you don’t mind getting blue. Indigo Dyeing Workshop…
Konpira Onsen Yumoto Yachiyo Stay near Kotohira’s shrine approach at Konpira Onsen Yumoto Yachiyo, a 15-generation ryokan founded in 1725. Rest in Japanese or contemporary rooms, dine on seasonal Sanuki and Setouchi produce, then soak in the rooftop open-air bath overlooking Konpira-san and the Sanuki Plain. Part of our ‘A Week in Kagawa’ custom itinerary…
Iyadani-ji Temple Climb through forested Mt Iyadani to Iyadani-ji, Temple 71 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The route’s 540 stone steps lead to cliff-set halls, a lion-mouth cavern and Buddhist figures carved into rock, creating one of Kagawa’s most atmospheric pilgrimage visits. Look for the Buddhist figures carved straight into the rock. Iyadani-ji Temple…
Zentsū-ji Temple Explore Zentsū-ji, Temple 75 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and the birthplace of Kukai, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Its two precincts encompass a five-storey pagoda, ancient camphor trees and the Mieido Hall, beneath which a pitch-dark passage invites quiet reflection. Walk the pitch-dark passage beneath the Mieidō. Zentsū-ji Temple – My Kagawa…
Cafe de Flots Pause beside Chichibugahama at cafe de flots, a stylish restaurant created from a former warehouse. Seasonal Mitoyo vegetables, dishes seasoned with salt handmade from the beach’s seawater and wide sunset views make this an evocative taste of Kagawa’s coast. Ask for the salt made from the beach’s seawater. Cafe de Flots Website
The Last Samurai House Step inside the Hayashi Motome House, an 1867 residence built for the chief retainer of the Tadotsu Domain and intended as an emergency refuge for its lord. Preserved rooms, a private academy and historical displays reveal the cultivated world of a high-ranking samurai family. Closed Mondays. Hayashi Motome House Website
Sando Sand. Stand Part café, part gallery and part neighbourhood living room, Sando Sand. Stand serves sandwiches, rice-flour muffins and coffee in central Kotohira. Choose an artist-made cup for a hot drink, browse rotating exhibitions or workshops, and settle in for an unhurried break among locals and creatives. Choose an artist-made cup for your coffee….
