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KAGAWA
  • TOKYO
  • KAGAWA

ART × ISLANDS

After taking in the architectural beauty of the Nezu Museum in Aoyama, an area with no shortage of famous architecture, take a trip to see Ritsurin Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden. Next, embark on a sea voyage to tour the islands and art of Setouchi, an area known for the Naoshima and Teshima islands, where nature meets contemporary art.

Official Tokyo Travel Guide
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/

Local government official website
https://www.my-kagawa.jp/en/

TRAVELER

  • Traveled : September 2017 Slanelle
    Lifestyle Blogger
    Reside in France
  • Traveled : September 2017 Estelle
    Architect, Writer
    Reside in Tokyo
    Home country: France

Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport

JAL046 Examine the directions from your country

  • Slanelle

    Whenever I visit Japan, I always use Japan Airlines. They offer impeccable comfort and their work is entirely professional. Having enough space to stretch my legs is also a major plus. You can see their attentiveness down to the finest details, and their food is both diverse and delicious. Their entire movie catalog is also available at each seat, which is wonderful for a long flight. Their direct flight to Japan is 12 hours, and I'm always fully satisfied.

Haneda Airportmore

Haneda Airport
The airport serves as an air gateway for Tokyo. The passenger terminal is filled with various commercial facilities, and visitors can command a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay from the rooftop observation deck, so that every one, even those who are not flying, can enjoy the terminal.

Tokyo Metropolitan Area

Day1

TOKYO

Akihabaramore

Akihabara
Known by the nickname Akiba, Akihabara, or the area mainly around Chuo Street and Kanda Myojin Street, is known as one of the world's largest electronics towns. The area is dotted with stores of various sizes, from major retailers carrying the latest computers and smartphones to small stores carrying parts for electronics. Akiba is also known as a Mecca for otaku from around the world who love to hang out at shops carrying Japan's latest anime, comics or idol goods, or maid themed cafes. The spot under the elevated tracks of JR Akihabara Station has been transformed into a new destination through redevelopment. Just a short walk from the main street is Kanda Shrine, which has been around for close to 1,300 years.
  • Slanelle

    This is my third visit to Tokyo, but I had never been to the promised land of Otaku - Akihabara. This is the perfect place to find the latest edition of your favorite manga or anime. After browsing manga and anime, we continued our shopping at the souvenir shop CHABARA. The shop carries traditional foods from all across Japan, making it a great place to search for new discoveries.

    This shrine can be found just slightly removed from the noisy tumult of Akihabara. I was fascinated by the illustrations from the Edo Period on its plaster walls, which allowed me to see the changes in the renowned Kanda Festival between then and now. I was also surprised by the miniature replica of a mikoshi portable shrine used in the procession. Compared to the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Kanda Myojin is a serene, relaxing location.

    Cleaned, grilled, steamed and then grilled again - the Japanese grilled eel was a soft, savory delight, and the sauce further revealed its exquisite flavor. The traditional atmosphere of the restaurant, which offered tatami mat rooms, was also wonderful.

  • Estelle

    Akihabara is known as Tokyo's Electric Town. It's a superb spot for people looking for manga, games, retro games or the latest home appliances. When you step out of Akihabara Station, you will simply be overwhelmed by the neighborhood. The skyscrapers light up the night with their brilliance, this is a town that never sleeps! Please be sure to visit Akihabara at night, when the buildings shine with their many colors. This night view is definitely worth seeing!

    You can find Kanda Myojin Shrine just a few minutes walk from Akihabara Station. Pass through the Torri gates, and you will enter a serene atmosphere. Kanda Myojin Shrine is known as the venue for the Kanda Festival held in July, which is one of Tokyo's three great festivals. With a spiritual and calm atmosphere, this is a wonderful place to visit.

    This restaurant is renowned for its unaju boxed meal, in which grilled eel is served atop steaming rice in a lovely red box. This meal is prepared to meet the tastes of Tokyo residents. Before being grilled over the flame, the eels is cleaned, steamed, and grilled, and then grilled a final time in soy sauce. Preparing it in this way gives it a delightfully light and flakey texture, one you can't stop eating once you've started!

JR Yamanote Line
Akihabara → Harajuku
About 30 minutes

Harajuku Takeshita Streetmore

Harajuku Takeshita Street
Harajuku’s main street loaded with kawaii goods from across Japan. This 350-meter long street is lined to the brim with shops selling fashion items, sundries, crepes, print club machines, and 100-yen shops for the young, among others. The street is often crowded with people, including many foreign visitors, on the weekend and summer vacation. There are also back alleys lined with popular restaurants that have lineups to get in. The Harajuku Tourist Information Center is located near the intersection at the end of Takeshita Street.
  • Slanelle

    Takeshita-dori Street is my favorite street in Tokyo. It bustles with Japanese high-school girls visiting shops that carry inexpensive but cute accessories, and shopping for the latest apparel, fashion accessories and cosmetics. Takeshita-dori Street is also popular for its countless array of food shops - you can find many large pancake shops, confectionaries and other shops riding the latest trends. Takeshita-dori Street is not just an avenue of creativity, it's continuing to draw even greater crowds worldwide as a truly unique thoroughfare.

  • Estelle

    Takeshita-dori Street symbolizes the colorful neighborhood of Harajuku, and the 350 meter long street is lined with 100 yen shops, crepe shops, and clothing and accessory shops tuned to the latest trends. While there are many tourists, there are also young Japanese fashionistas. It's the perfect spot to take your own purikura photos in a photo booth. They take the cutest shots, and I'm sure it will be a precious souvenir from your trip to Japan.

About 20 minutes

Nezu Museummore

Nezu Museum
The museum was founded in 1941 to preserve and display Japanese and East Asian antique art from the collection of its founder, Nezu Kaichiro, a businessman whose career included being President of the Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.

It reopened in October 2009, newly designed by Kengo Kuma. The expanse of this open, relaxing space is an enjoyable place to appreciate art.

The lush 17,000 square meters of Japanese garden creates an oasis in the city, where visitors can take pleasure in the passage of the seasons.
  • Slanelle

    Stroll along Omotesando and you will find the Nezu Museum. This art museum exhibits the beautiful collection of the Japanese businessman Mr. Kaichiro Nezu. Art and architecture fans should not miss visiting this museum at least once. There is also a lovely garden adjacent to the museum. Definitely take a moment to be relaxed and healed by this oasis of green in the center of the city.

  • Estelle

    This art museum is one of my favorite spots in Tokyo. The Nezu Museum, which is located in Omotesando, was rebuilt in 2009 by Kengo Kuma, and now serves as an oasis in this great metropolis. Walk down the lovely path, and you will reach the entrance. The interior of the museum is very open, reminiscent of a green oasis. It holds more than 7000 works of Japanese and Asian art. The most enchanting part of the museum, however, is its garden, a beautiful, hidden location. Nezu Museum is one of the delightful hidden gems of Tokyo.

Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Omotesando Station → Akasakamitsuke Station
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
Akasakamitsuke Station → Tokyo Station
30 minutes

Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu

  • Slanelle

    I was stunned by the quality of the food served at KIHACHI, a restaurant in Haneda Airport. Each of their authentic course meals was perfect. Furthermore, the restaurant décor was extremely chic, and featured a wonderful view.

    When you're flying domestically in Japan, spending a night at the in-airport hotel is extremely convenient! You're freed from all worries about being late for your flight, and can enjoy a truly restful night of sleep. The spacious room was also just what I needed to relax after my flight. The restaurant in the hotel serves breakfast, and I was delighted by the large variety of dishes served.

  • Estelle

    KIHACHI is located in Haneda Airport, and you can enjoy food of overwhelming beauty amidst a chic and relaxed atmosphere.
    It also has very reasonable prices for an airport, allowing you to sample cuisine that is both beautiful and delicious.

    This hotel is located in Haneda Airport itself, and is particularly convenient for domestic travelers with early morning flights. Watching the lights of the planes taking off will awaken your own travel bug. The rooms are very comfortable and clean, and you cannot hear any of the noise of the planes taking off.

Day2

SHIKOKU(TAKAMATSU)

Haneda Airport

JAL (JAL Japan Explorer Pass) Show details

  • Slanelle

    Tokyo was thrashed by vicious winds and rain on the day of my flight to Takamatsu, but thanks to the rapid response of Japan Airlines, my flight was only delayed a mere 10 minutes. The informative announcements made on the plane allowed me and the other passengers to wait with peace of mind. My seat was very comfortable, and it was great that I could use the on-board Wi-Fi. I'm praying that other airlines start offering this service!

  • Estelle

    Haneda Airport and the domestic flight terminal are very close to Tokyo. It has everything you need while waiting for the flight to Takamatsu. The JAL aircraft are also equipped with Wi-Fi, and cabin attendants are extremely polite.

Takamatsu Airportmore

Takamatsu Airport
Takamatsu Airport is the port of entry for air travelers to Kagawa Prefecture and currently has three domestic routes (Tokyo (Haneda, Narita), Okinawa) and four international routes (Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong)
With a total of seven active routes, many people use this very convenient airport.
At the 1st floor Takamatsu Airport Information Center (Tourist Information Center), in addition to multi-lingual guidance, visitors can receive free Wi-Fi cards and Kagawa Prefecture tourist information.

About 45 minutes

Kotohira-gu Shrinemore

Kotohira-gu Shrine
A god of the sea known as "Konpira-san of Sanuki" from long ago. From the shrine road entrance, there are 785 stone steps to the main shrine and 1,368 stone steps to the rear shrine. There are many historical sites and cultural properties on the road leading up to shrine.

A road to the rear of the shrine has vegetation that changes with the seasons, such as cherry blossoms in the spring, azaleas in the early summer, and red foliage in the autumn. Here, the eternal flow of time flows unchanged, gently into the future.

The area nearby is dotted from Important Cultural Properties, such as the Konpira Grand Theatre (Kanamaru-za) and a tall lantern tower. In addition, the town itself, with its retro Showa townscape, exudes a nostalgic atmosphere.
  • Slanelle

    My journey in Kagawa began with a visit to the Konpira Grand Theatre, also known as the Kanamaru-za. Even today it is still the venue for several performances every year, and the beauty of the theatre is deeply impressive. I could feel the powerful aura the countless layers of history and tradition imparted to the theatre. After visiting the theatre, I continued to the Kotohira-gu shrine located on Mt. Zozu. While there are 798 steps to climb to reach the shrine, you're rewarded with a breathtaking view once you reach the top.

    At the Nakano Udon school, I experienced making udon noodles with a rolling pin and kitchen knife as part of a lesson from a bright and cheerful instructor. When you taste udon noodles you made yourself served in a delicious broth with fresh, crispy tempura, you'll have made a memory of pride and culinary delight!

    Zentsuji Temple is one of the temples on which the great Buddhist teacher Kukai placed great importance. A quiet, serene mountain rises from behind the temple, allowing you to feel nature close at hand. My most beautiful experience at the temple, however, was a search in the underground basement amid pitch darkness. Before I entered the dark passage I was told, "do not forget that you are not alone, remember that Kukai is with you." These words left a deep impression upon me, and my time in the darkness was very precious.

    Marugame Castle is one of the twelve famous castles of Japan. After its original construction in 1597, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times, and today the castle tower and stone foundation remain. Looking upon the castle, I could feel that this was a place with deep history, and imagined what must have occurred in this location. Be sure not to miss the Marugame Castle Park, which lends its vibrant beauty to Marugame, a city surrounded by the sea and forests.

    The Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art was designed by Mr. Yoshio Taniguchi, who is renowned for his redesign of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, and displays the artwork of Genichiro Inokuma. The works of Genichiro, who studied under Henri Matisse in France, traverse many diverse forms, and you can see a wide range of styles and the progression of art at the museum.

  • Estelle

    The Kotohira-gu shrine is famous for being the highest pilgrimage spot in Shikoku. You cannot reach the innermost temple unless you climb a total of 1368 stairs. While making this climb, you will see a variety of shrine structures, and also be treated with breathtaking views. A few minutes drive from the shrine is the oldest theatre in Japan, the Kanamaru-za. You can take a peak at the stage itself, allowing you to witness one of Japan's important cultural properties up close.

    Before taking our first step to Mt. Konpira, we visited a location where you can experience making udon. The first floor sells a wide array of local ingredients, and the second floor offers the udon making experience. The atmosphere was very warm and welcoming, as well as rhythmical. I was able to eat my own handmade udon with succulent tempura, making it a truly precious experience.

    Zentsuji Temple is the 75th temple on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. It is also known as the birthplace of the great Buddhist teacher Kukai. Kukai is the founder of the monastery of the Shingon sect on Mt. Koya. The temple offers many examples of religious architecture, such as the five story Buddhist pagoda.

    Marugame City is famous for being the town of Marugame Castle. Marugame Castle is a wood-frame castle originally built in 1597, and is one of the 12 original wood-frame castles of Japan. From the top of the castle, you can look out upon the beautiful townscape of Marugame City, and the exquisite Seto Inland Sea beyond.

    This contemporary art museum in Marugame City was designed by Mr. Yoshio Taniguchi. The interior of the museum is designs specifically for exhibitions.

Kotoden Kotohira Station → Takamatsu Chikko Station
About one hour

  • Slanelle

    At IKKAKU, you can feel in the sincere heart of hospitality. The staff are warm and welcoming, and you can spend a joyful time here with your friends and family. This restaurant specializes in cuisine made with chicken, and we enjoyed a delightful meal of chicken with rice, soup and salad.

  • Estelle

    IKKAKU is a famous restaurant specializing in chicken in Marugame City. It is a restaurant with great warmth, where you can eat an entire chick whole. The chicken has a wonderful savory aroma, and is served with cabbage, chicken broth, rice and salad.

About 7 minutes

Takamatsu Tokyu REI Hotel

  • Slanelle

    Relaxing at your hotel is an unbeatable joy after a long, busy day. It was perfect for enjoying a quiet evening, and we had superb views of both the city and mountains. The bed was comfortable and I got a terrific night of sleep!

  • Estelle

    The Takamatsu Tokyu REI Hotel has a very convenient location, and you can look out on Takamatsu's lovely nighttime vista. The rooms are also clean and fully equipped. The breakfast buffet on the first floor is perfect, allowing you to get all the nutrition you need before an active day of sightseeing.

Day3

Takamatsu Tokyu REI Hotel

Walk
About 10 minutes

Shikoku Kisen Ferry, Takamatsu - Naoshima route
Takamatsu → Naoshima (Miyanoura)
About 50-60 minutes

Naoshima more

Naoshima
Naoshima is a beautiful island in the Seto Inland Sea with a blending of nature, art, and architecture. Visitors can see the beauty of the Setouchi island archipelago blended with art attractions such as the Benesse House Museum, the Chichu Art Museum, and the Art House Project. This island is full of unique charm that can only be experienced here.

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful islands of Seto Inland Sea, the Setouchi Triennale international contemporary art festival is held once every three years.
  • Slanelle

    It's a one hour ferry ride from Shikoku to Naoshima. Naoshima is an island with a thriving art scene, and you'll undoubtedly be enchanted by many works of art exhibited on the island. Among the various works, the "Yellow Pumpkin" and "Red Pumpkin" by Yayoi Kusama are not to be missed. The Chichu Art Museum is also worth a visit while you're on the island. While the museum has a simple geometric design from the outside, you'll find that this massive concrete structure superbly accentuates the characteristics of the works of art on display. I was deeply impressed by this unique museum, and how well it highlights the works of art it contains.

  • Estelle

    Naoshima is an island located in the Seto Inland Sea, and is known throughout the world for its art museum and its artistic outdoor facilities. The Chichu Art Museum is a spacious museum with a depth of three basement floors. Within, the passageways and artworks appear almost as if they were alive. The "Yellow Pumpkin" work by Yayoi Kusama has become the accidental symbol of Naoshima, and is located on a lovely seaside cliff. Naoshima offers more than just artwork, and holds a number of exquisite vistas and scenic locations.

Teshimamore

Teshima
From the Mt. Danyama Observatory, visitors have a 360-degree view of the Seto Inland Sea all the way to the Shikoku and Chugoku areas. This is also a great vantage point to see the approximately 9 hectares of the Karato rice paddies sprawled out along the hillside.

In addition to the eye-popping blue of the sea and the white sands of bathing beaches such as Mikogahama, the island is also a home to art. Various art attractions include rare museums (Teshima Art Museum, Teshima Yokoo House) and the Les Archives du Cœur heartbeat archive. Olives are the local specialty product and Teshima has Asia's largest olive plantation.
  • Slanelle

    Teshima can be reached with a simple ferry ride from Naoshima. The Teshima Art Museum designed by Ryue Nishizawa and Rei Naito features a location with a breathtaking view of the ocean, and the massive openings in the roof looking out at the sky evoke the image of two large drops of water. I would love for you to personally step into this captivating concrete structure and experience its mysterious beauty. And after you've toured the museum, why not enjoy a lunch box at the restaurant while looking down upon the azure sea? Their fish dishes are delightful, and despite the stunning location, the price is still perfectly reasonable.

  • Estelle

    Teshima Island is just a short ferry hop away from Naoshima that takes under 30 minutes. Here, art exists amid nature. The primary artworks are all displayed at the Teshima Art Museum. Surrounded by beautiful rice paddy scenery, the Teshima Art Museum by Ryue Nishizawa and Rei Naito is a concrete structure without a single supporting pillar inside. The two open skylights in the roof create a refreshing breeze, and both the sound and light accentuate the works on exhibit. It is an extremely emotional, unforgettable space. For lunch, be sure to head to the seaside restaurant for a superb view of the sea. You can also take in a 360 degree panoramic vista from Mt. Danzan.

Teshima Ieura Port → Shodoshima Tonosho Port
About 35 minutes by high-speed boat

Bay Resort Hotel Shodoshima

  • Slanelle

    You can enjoy a stunning view of the ocean from the Bay Resort Hotel Shodoshima. Looking out at the bay from one of the hotel's traditionally-styled rooms with tatami mats and futons is delightful. Sunset in particular was of such exquisite beauty, I was at an absolute loss for words! It was also exhilarating to try the onsen hotspring located on the top floor of the hotel. It even has an outdoor bath so you can fully enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Be sure to try the delectable sushi, sashimi, or topping your food with olive oil made from specially grown olives. I could also enjoy a leisurely, relaxed repast at their breakfast buffet.

  • Estelle

    The Bay Resort Hotel Shodoshima offers traditional Japanese rooms and terrific views of the Seto Inland Sea. The rooms feature tatami mats, and are very spacious. Dinner is served buffet style, featuring fresh fish, dishes made with local ingredients, and made using Shodoshima's own olive oil.

Day4

Bay Resort Hotel Shodoshima

About 35 minutes

Twenty-four Eyes Movie Villagemore

Twenty-four Eyes Movie Village
Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, the village was the outdoor set for the movie Twenty-Four Eyes.

A step inside transports you back to the early Showa era and the Tsuboi Sakae memorial museum and the theater that played Twenty-Four Eyes. Enjoy the school lunch set with its old fashioned alumite tableware.

The village also features a 1950s golden era of Japanese film gallery, a display of the movie Yokame no Semi (Rebirth) in the Kinema no Iori, plus a seasonal flower garden.
  • Slanelle

    Cinema fans will undoubtedly love the Twenty Four Eyes Movie Studio. Twenty-Four Eyes is a story about the relationship between a teacher who is a caring young woman and her students. This movie studio is located right next to the sea and fills you with a vigorous, refreshed feeling. Riding the cable car to the topmost point of the island, Kankakei Gorge, allows you to witness an unforgettable view of the bay. The vista is truly breathtaking, and the fiery colors of the Japanese maple leaves in the Autumn is particularly exquisite. Searching for a heart-shaped olive leaf among the many olive trees of the Shodoshima Olive Park is an entertaining way to pass the time. Also be sure to buy some of Shodoshima's signature olive oil before you leave the island! At low tide the waters surrounding the island recede, creating an "Angel Road," which you should definitely see before leaving the island. If lovers hold hands while walking the Angel's Road, it's said they'll be gifted with eternal happiness!

  • Estelle

    The Twenty Four Eyes Movie Studio is a wonderful location that combines culture with nature. The northern area of the slopes served as the filming location for Sakae Tsuboi's "Twenty-Four Eyes," and the world of the movie expands around you. At the studio, you can visit the school from the movie and feel the history of the location. To take in a breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Sea, you can ride the cable car to the top of Kankakei Gorge. From November, the entire area is bathed in the bright colors of autumn leaves. Shodoshima is also famous for its olive oil production. For lunch, you can visit the Shodoshima Olive Park and enjoy a delightful lunch at its restaurant.

Kusakabe Port
About 25 minutes

Takamatsu Port
About one hour

Ritsurin Gardenmore

Ritsurin Garden
Ritsurin Garden is designated a special place of scenic beauty, or O-niwa no kokuho (garden national treasure). The exquisite quality of the garden is evident as you stroll around the vast garden and its different scenery, especially the marvelous beauty of the pine trees, in which the Michelin Green Guide Japan gives the garden its highest rating of three stars, saying that it is a place well-worth visiting.
  • Slanelle

    Ritsurin Garden is one of Japan's three great gardens. The garden is divided into two areas - the western area and the north, south and eastern area. It is wonderful to walk among the chestnut groves and past the waterfall and ponds. The bridges and the multicolored carp that swim beneath them are just as enchanting as the surrounding pine trees which have stood in the garden for hundreds of years. Please take the time to walk all the wonderful, scenic paths of Ritsurin Garden, you won't regret it.

  • Estelle

    Ritsurin Garden is one Japan's most beautiful public gardens, and is definitely worth a visit if you are in Takamatsu. It covers a total area of 75 hectares, and offers a beautiful Zen atmosphere. Numerous ponds and teahouses were constructed for the Daimyo lords who originally strolled its grounds, and it is now the perfect place for a refreshing walk. Mt. Shiun is within the park grounds, and provides a lovely accent to this beautiful Japanese garden.

limousine bus
About 30 minutes

Takamatsu Airport

JAL (JAL Japan Explorer Pass) Show details

Haneda Airport

  • Slanelle

    Japan's alluring tourist destinations are not just Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka! Kagawa is a perfect place for everyone who wants to step away from the paved streets of the city and take a refreshing walk in nature! Nature lovers can have their fill exploring seaside shores, gardens, and olive orchards. Fans of art and architecture can gain inspiration from the many impressive art museums and works of art waiting to be discovered in person.

  • Estelle

    In closing, this trip of artistic and cultural discovery in Kagawa Prefecture and Tokyo is a wonderful course for all fans of Japan.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TRAVELERS

If you actually take the trip, you will surely discover the treasures Tokyo and Kagawa hold. Please pay a visit yourself! Nature, art, architecture, delicious cuisine - whatever you seek, you can surely experience.

Slanelle
Lifestyle Blogger
Reside in France
  • Hobby

    Travel, Food, Fashion

  • Number of visits to Japan

    2 times

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TRAVELERS

In this trip, I was able to see less widely known sights that eclectically blended both the past and present in Tokyo. I then had the opportunity to travel to wonderful locations in Kagawa, on the island of Shikoku. I visited the islands of Naoshima and Teshima floating in the waters of the Seto Inland Sea, and there discovered a fusion of art, architecture and nature, making it a wonderful trip.

Estelle
Architect, Writer
Reside in Tokyo
Home country: France
  • Hobby

    Architecture, Japanese Culture, Art, Photography, Food

  • Length of stay in Tokyo

    1year

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