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KAGAWA
  • TOKYO
  • KAGAWA

SUN, SKY & SERENITY

Head from nature-rich Mount Takao, very accessible via downtown Tokyo, to Chichibugahama Beach, well-known as a swimming area with a stunning beautiful evening view that is sure to pull you in. Enjoy a spiritually rich trip that offers a number of different enjoyable perspectives on aquatic locales.

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

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

TRAVELER

  • Traveled : November 2018 MALLERONI CAMILLE
    Travel blogger
    Reside in France
  • Traveled : November 2018 Mehdi Fliss
    Travel blogger and photographer
    Reside in Tokyo
    Home country: France

Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport

JAL046 Examine the directions from your country

  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    I had a really great time on board Japan Airlines. The seats in economy class are wide enough to sleep well. The food served is rather good. But my favourite memory will be the kindness and friendliness of the flight attendants.

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

Mt. Takaomore

RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS

Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao has beautiful nature no matter the season and seven hiking trails of varying difficulties, making it a popular sightseeing destination to visit for many people each year.
Whether you are a child or a senior, getting to the top of the mountain is easy via the cable car or chair lift.
  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    Mount Takao is classed as a sacred mountain in Japan, located less than an hour from Tokyo by train. The climb to its summit is a very popular attraction for Japanese and foreign tourists. Once there, we discovered Yakuoin, the Buddhist temple, and beautiful views of Tokyo and the surrounding area. In fact, the weather was so clear that we could see the top of Mount Fuji from the top of Mount Takao!

    This is where we ate lunch that day at the top of Mount Takao. It is ideal to be able to eat at the summit and get your strength back before starting the descent. I would also recommend you try the buckwheat noodles, which are very good.

    Mount Takao is very well equipped, and you can choose to climb it on foot or by cable car. I personally went up with the funicular and down with the cable car. I particularly enjoyed the descent.

  • Mehdi Fliss

    We visited Mount Takao, a 599-metre high mountain a few minutes from Tokyo. The climb was very pleasant, and we were able to enjoy the stunning landscapes with the beautiful colours of autumn. The Yakuo-in temple was also interesting to visit with all its statues of Tengu, a demon that is part of Japanese mythology. The view from the top was magnificent and we could even see Mount Fuji.

    We had lunch in a restaurant on the summit of Mount Takao. There were many Japanese dishes here, such as ramen or soba, for example. I had a Japanese curry rice.

    We took the cable car which climbed an extremely steep slope. We were able to see magnificent maples on the way with superb red orange leaves. For the return trip, we took a chairlift which was a first for me. It's a little scary at first but you get used to it very quickly and eventually feel like you are floating above the forest that covers Mount Takao. It is still one of my best memories of the day.

Keio Takao Line special express for Shinjuku
Around 50 minutes
Takaosanguchi-->Shinjuku

JR Chuo/Sobu Line About 25 minutes Shinjuku-->Ryogoku

The Sumida Hokusai Museummore

The Sumida Hokusai Museum
World renowned artist Katsushika Hokusai was born in the Hokusai Street area of present day Sumida Ward. He created countless masterpieces while spending nearly all of his 90-year life in Sumida.
This museum introduces the works of Hokusai and takes a closer look at the relationship between Hokusai and Sumida through various themed exhibitions and educational programs.
  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    This museum is very interesting since it is dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai, one of the most famous artists of the Edo era! His name is always associated with the prints "The Great Wave Off Kanagawa" or "Rain storm beneath the summit". But this artist's genius is far from limited to these two prints! Recently opened in 2016, this museum has an amazing architecture.

  • Mehdi Fliss

    We visited the Sumida Hokusai Museum which is located in Tokyo's Ryogoku district. We were able to learn more about the history of Japanese prints with the works of Katsushika Hokusai. Through these prints, we were able to see what life was like in the Edo period. It was a very enjoyable cultural outing and I learned a lot about the history of Japan.

Around 20 minutes

Chanko nabemore

Chanko nabe
Chanko nabe is known as the traditional food of the sumo world. It's origins date back to the Edo period. There a various explanations as to its origin, including the fact that it was adopted from a cooking method in China using a pot called a "chankuo" and the fact the sumo wrestlers calling the stable cook "chan," which eventually became affectionately known as chanko. There are two typical types of chanko nabe recipes: one that cooks ingredients such as chicken, seafood, and vegetables in water, and another in a chicken broth. In recent years, the number of restaurants specializing in chanko nabe run by retired sumo wrestlers has increased, so it has become possible to enjoy a variety of tastes.
  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    I tasted the dishes that sumo wrestlers eat every day, it was a deeply interesting and fun experience! I liked the food, the quality of service and the decoration dedicated to the Sumo universe.

  • Mehdi Fliss

    For dinner, we went to a restaurant called Chanko Tomoegata, again in the Ryogoku district, the sumo district of Tokyo. Indeed, all the stables where sumo wrestlers train are located there. And the special feature of this restaurant is that it offers "chanko" menus, the dish that sumo wrestlers eat to gain weight. I must admit that I had a lot of trouble finishing the portions we were served. It was a truly unique experience.

Hotel Blossom

  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    There is everything you need. The bathroom is well equipped, and toiletries are provided. The bed is very comfortable. The buffet includes both Japanese and Western food. So, there is something for everyone.

  • Mehdi Fliss

    The first day of the trip already over, so we returned to the Blossom Hotel in the Shinjuku district. It is a clean, classy and very well located business hotel 5 minutes from the Shinjuku train station. The rooms were comfortable, and I had a very good night. Breakfast was perfect with a mix of Japanese and Western cuisine.

Day2

SHIKOKU(KAGAWA)

Haneda Airport

JAL (JAL Japan Explorer Pass) Show details

  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    I had already taken Japan Airlines on my flight from France and I was happy with the service. The same applies to internal flights. The plane was rather comfortable, and the various checkpoints were fast at the airport. It is nice to be able to fly without being stressed by the endless queues that can be found in some foreign airports.

  • Mehdi Fliss

    I took Japan Airlines between Tokyo and Takamatsu. You only need to be there one hour in advance and the check-in and baggage drop process was very easy. The flight was pleasant, I had enough room to stretch my legs and we were able to enjoy free Wifi for a good part of the flight. We arrived on time in Takamatsu and I barely waited 5 minutes to get my suitcase back.

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.

Kotosan Bus Takamatsu Airport-->JR Marugame Station
Around 70 minutes

JR Yosan Line JR Marugame Station-->JR Kan-onji Station
Around 50 minutes

Takaya Shrinemore

Takaya Shrine
Takaya Shrine has long been believed as a god of abundant rice harvests. Takaya Shrine is called the "torii in the sky" since you can see the city of Kan-onji and the beautiful Seto Inland Sea 407 meters below from the main shrine. You can also enjoy the photogenic and spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea and the mountains of Shikoku through the torii. The unusual spring chosa festival called the Takaya Shrine Taisai is held in the spring. Enjoy the chosa float competition and lion dances under the cherry blossoms.
  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    Takaya Shrine is located in Kanonji. What is impressive above all from the temple is the panoramic view of the city below and the great Torii! Located at the top of the mountain, facing the void, this impressive Torii allows visitors to take gorgeous photographs.

  • Mehdi Fliss

    This shrine is at the top of a mountain in the region and you can enjoy a superb view from its entrance, with its large stone torii in the foreground. This shrine is also accessible by car.

JR Yosan Line Kan-onji Station-->Takuma Station
Around 15 minutes

Mitoyo Community Bus Takuma Station-->Chichibugahama
Around 25 minutes

Chichibugahama Beachmore

RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS

Chichibugahama Beach
Chichibugahama boasts a 1 km long beach with peaceful seawater bathing area. Many bathers visit every summer to swim.
The beautiful setting sun in the Hiuchinada of the Seto Inland Sea is a world-renown treasure, with Chichibugahama being selected as of the 100 best sunsets of Japan. It is a stunning site that has recently surged in popularity as a famous photo spot for its similarity to the Bolivian Salt Flats in Bolivia, South America.
  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    The beach is very nice, but it is better to go and see it at the end of the day at sunset, as it is the best time to take some great pictures. Indeed, when the weather is calm and the low tide and sunset overlap, you can take pictures with pretty reflections on the sea surface. Unfortunately, on this occasion, the conditions were not ideal.

    The restaurant "Café des Flots", which is located just opposite Chichibugahuma beach, has a very warm atmosphere and pretty decoration. The pasta is excellent, and so is the steak burger.

  • Mehdi Fliss

    The special feature pf this beach is that it leaves large puddles of water at low tide that superbly reflect the sky when there is no wind, especially during sunset. Unfortunately, since the conditions were bad that day, I really will have to go back.

    We had lunch by the beach at the café des flots. I ate some very good pasta with tomato sauce.

Mitoyo Community Bus Chichibugahama→ Takuma Station
Around 25 minutes

  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    You have to climb a staircase of 785 steps to reach the top of the Kotohira-gu Shrine. Hundreds of visitors climb the steps of Mount Zōzu every day, as it is a very important shrine for Japanese people. But the effort to climb is worth it, the buildings are sober but elegant. The view over the plain and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking!

    The park, with its many winter illuminations, is simply magical! It takes at least an hour to go around and admire all the details... I really wish my husband had been with me to see this.

  • Mehdi Fliss

    We headed towards the Konpira Shrine which is dedicated to the god of the sea. It is one of the most important shrines in Japan and many Japanese people visit it every year. It should be noted that it takes about 800 steps to reach the main buildings and more than 1300 steps to reach the top.

    In the evening, we went to Sanuki Mannou Park to see the winter illuminations. I must say that I was expecting a simple Christmas tree and some garlands, but the display was actually incredible. The whole park was lit up and we were really impressed.

JR Yosan Line Takuma Station-->Tadotsu Station
Around 10 minutes
-->JR Dosan Line  Tadotsu Station-->Kotohira
Around 10 minutes

Kotosankaku

  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    The dishes were served one after the other, in a well-thought-out order, so that people could enjoy everything. The service was actually exceptional, with a waiter complitely dedicated to our table, who looked after us extremely well.

    Sleeping on a futon on the floor of a traditional Japanese room during your stay in Japan is an exceptional experience. And do not worry if you don't see a bed when you arrive, room service will set your bed up while you are having dinner. And all you have to do is slip into it when you get back. Otherwise, I recommend putting on the Yukata (which is provided in the room) for dinner.

  • Mehdi Fliss

    We had dinner at Ryokan Kotosankaku and enjoyed many traditional Japanese dishes in a room exclusively reserved for us. All the dishes were refined and delicious. Dinner was also accompanied with some very good sake (rice alcohol).

    We spent the night at Ryokan Kotosankaku which was really superb. We were accommodated in the luxurious part of the inn and I personally had a very good stay there. Sleeping on a futon, lying on the ground is an exceptional experience.

Day3

Kotosankaku

Kotoden Kotohira Line Kotohira-->Kawara-machi
Kotoden Shido Line Kawara-machi-->Kotoden Yashima
80 minutes

Kotoden Shido Line Kawara-machi-->Kotoden Yashima
10 minutes

Yashimamore

Yashima
A unique mountain shaped like a roof that is the symbol of Kagawa and Takamatsu. Known as the historical battlefield of the famous Genpei Battle, the mountain has many historical ruins, and also offers views of the Seto Inland Sea and the city from the top. It is particularly known for Shishi no Reigan Viewpoint, the best night view spot in the prefecture. There are many other attractions, such as manatees, which other aquariums in Japan do not have, and the Shikoku Mura open-air museum which moved and restored private homes from various areas of Shikoku.
  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    Yashima-ji is a temple located in Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture. But the whole area is also called "Yashima", meaning "rooftop island". This is because the top of the island looks like a roof, due to its flat shape. The temple is well known to Japanese pilgrims as it is the 84th pilgrimage site of the 88 sacred temples of Shikoku.

  • Mehdi Fliss

    As soon as we arrived in Takamatsu, we climbed to the top of Mount Yashima, one of the island's mountains. There, you will find the magnificent Yashima-ji Buddhist temple, which is the 84th temple of the famous Shikoku pilgrimage. You will see pilgrims crossing the temple with their cone-shaped hats and canes. You can also enjoy a superb view of the whole city of Takamatsu and the surrounding islands. During my visit, I was surprised to see a badger, called Tanuki in Japan.

Yashima-sanjo shuttle bus Yashima-sanjo-->Yashima Station
10 minutes

JR Kotoku Line JR Yashima Station-->JR Takamatsu Station
20 minutes

  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    The ferry to Shodoshima Island is very convenient and the journey is quite fast. Time goes by quickly as you can rest inside the boat, on pretty benches while drinking a good cup of coffee or go up to the outside deck to admire the view.

    It appears that the olive trees were planted during the Meiji era in 1908, because it appears that the climate of Shodoshima suits them. I must say that the "Mediterranean" atmosphere here is rather pleasant. You can also have fun imitating "Kiki the little witch" with a broom provided by the park staff.

    Lunch at the "Olivaz" restaurant in Olive Park completes and extends the experience as the restaurant serves dishes cooked with locally produced olive oil.

    This is a breathtaking ravine in the centre of Shodoshima Island. Ranked among the three most beautiful gorges in Japan, it becomes particularly spectacular during the autumn colour season, which usually takes place in the second half of November.

  • Mehdi Fliss

    We boarded a ferry with our van to Shodoshima Island. The journey was very pleasant. We had the choice between relaxing on the chairs inside or going outside to enjoy the beautiful view. There is also a small stall to buy drinks or even small cooked dishes. The boat doesn't pitch at all so it should not be a problem for people who are seasick.

    Once we arrived in Shodoshima, we were able to see the island's famous olive trees. It is indeed quite surprising to see olive trees in Japan, but it must be said that the climate of the region is similar to that of the Mediterranean coasts. The Greek inspiration can quickly be seen in the architecture of many of the buildings in Shodoshima Olive Park. In addition to seeing olive trees, you can not only buy local olive oil but also many cosmetic products made from Shodoshima olives.

    We had lunch at the Olivaz restaurant, and it is no surprise that they served us many dishes based on olive oil. I shared a very good pizza and a good rice and chicken dish.

    We stayed on Shodoshima to cross the Kankakei Valley by cable car. The landscapes we saw were even more beautiful than those of Mount Takao. The momiji were already very red and it was an absolutely magnificent scenery. It rained the day of our visit and the mist added a very enjoyable mysterious feel. The view from the top was really magical and you could see the sea and the few neighbouring islands from many viewpoints. A pure joy!

Shodoshima International Hotel

  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    The restaurant of the Shodoshima International Hotel offers local fish specialities. So, if you like sashimi, you will be delighted with the freshness of the fish found here. The service is also pleasant, with waiters smiling at all times.

    The room had a huge bay window, allowing an excellent panoramic view of the beautiful sandbar. If you get up early, don't hesitate to go down to the beach to admire the sunrise, breathtaking from this spot. Breakfast is served in the form of a large buffet in a huge common room.

  • Mehdi Fliss

    We had dinner at the Shodoshima International Hotel and were served delicious traditional Japanese dishes. Our meal was accompanied with noodles, one of the local specialities.

    The hotel was large and offered very good indoor and outdoor onsen. The rooms were really spacious, and I woke up to a beautiful view of Angel Road.

Day4

Shodoshima International Hotel

Shodoshima Olive Bus Tanoura Eigamura Line Tonosho Port-->Angel Road-mae Around 10 minutes

Shodoshima Angel Roadmore

Shodoshima Angel Road
A popular tourist spot where the path appears and disappears with the tide. You can walk over to Yoshima at low tide. It is a romantic place where it is said that your wish will come true if you cross holding hands with an important person.
"Promising Hill Vista Point" is at the top of a small hill overlooking Angel Road, a popular spot for couples, and is a romantic place where the sound of the bells ringing echoes for couples who wish for eternal love.
  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    Angel Road is a small sandbank that connects Shôdoshima to three small islands off the coast. The beach is pretty and walking along Angel Road is super romantic... I highly recommend this place for couples in love as, according to legend, crossing the Angel Road hand in hand with your other half would guarantee eternal happiness.... In order to have a nice view of the sandbank, go to the view point called "Yakusoku no Oka" (Promise Hill).

  • Mehdi Fliss

    Angel Road is a sandbank that magically appears at low tide. That is why it was given this name. It has become a popular romantic spot and it is said that if you cross this road holding hands with your partner, it will strengthen your love that will last forever.

Shodoshima ferry Tonosho Port-->Takamatsu Port 
Around 1 hour

  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    Famous for the Sanuki udon and the sacred pilgrimages of Ohenro, Takamatsu (in Kagawa Prefecture), it is also well known for folk art. When passing through the port, do not hesitate to take some time to discover the works of art found there. In general, outdoor works are permanently accessible, and indoor works have different opening days and times.

    We learnt how to knead the dough, fold it and cut it. All of this in a fun atmosphere and with music... We then got to taste the noodles we prepared. It is really nice.

    I did not know anything about Wasanbon before I took part in this activity. We learn how this high-end sugar is made and how to design the little coloured sugar candies, so popular on the island of Shodoshima.

    It is pure joy to be able to visit Ritsurin Park in winter, at night time, when the park is dotted with lights. Basically, the pretty trees, adorned with their autumn colours are illuminated in the park. It enhances the garden by creating a magical atmosphere.

  • Mehdi Fliss

    When arriving from Shodoshima to Takamatsu Port, some surprising structures can be spotted around the port. They are actually works of art made by local artists and I must say that they brighten up the landscape.

    Udon noodles are a great specialty in the region and we had the pleasure of preparing our own noodles in Takamatsu. And since the noodle dough has to be beaten vigorously, we put on music and danced and jumped on it. Great experience! After the preparation, we tasted our own noodles with some tempura as an accompaniment.

    After the noodles, we prepared small Japanese sweets with wasanbon (local sugar). It is extracted from the region's sugar cane and is very expensive (about 25 euros per kilo). We then tasted our own products with good Japanese green tea (Matcha). A real delight.

    We ended the trip with a night visit to the beautiful Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu. It is one of my favourite gardens in Japan and we were able to admire the beautiful autumn illuminations. It was a truly magical moment that ended a memorable stay in Kagawa Prefecture.

Kotoden Bus
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu-->Takamatsu Airport
Around 35 minutes

Takamatsu Airport

JAL (JAL Japan Explorer Pass) Show details

Haneda Airport

  • MALLERONI CAMILLE

    During this stay I was able to discover a Japan very different from what I had seen before... The island of Shodoshima (the largest in Kagawa Prefecture) surprised me enormously with its beautiful landscapes, between sea and mountains. It was the first time I discovered Japan in the autumn, and I must say that I was dazzled by the beauty of nature at that time of year! I also really liked the winter atmosphere and the many illuminations (especially at Sanuki Mannou Park and Ritsurin Garden).

  • Mehdi Fliss

    Our trip to Kagawa Prefecture was a pure joy. I think it was a good idea to start the trip with a day in Tokyo to experience the difference. With the internal flight, it is clear that it is easy enough to get to Kagawa Prefecture. We then visited another Japan, with its particular cultures and traditions. It was a pleasure to taste the local dishes and also to have the opportunity to learn how to prepare them. Finally, we came across absolutely sublime landscapes and I am sure I will visit Kagawa Prefecture again to immerse myself in this sublime region.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TRAVELERS

This tour combines both the discovery of Tokyo and Kagawa Prefecture. A trip to Japan cannot just include a visit to its capital! Autumn is a good time to travel to Japan and so many points of interest on this tour highlight the nature and beauty of the colours at this time of year. Reject stereotypes and discover true Japan: beautiful AND surprising.

MALLERONI CAMILLE
Travel blogger
Reside in France
  • Hobby

    Loves travel and photography.

  • Number of visits to Japan

    3 visits to Japan.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TRAVELERS

The Kagawa tour was a real success. We had the opportunity to discover some really great places and this trip will remain for me a great memory.

Mehdi Fliss
Travel blogger and photographer
Reside in Tokyo
Home country: France
  • Hobby

    My passions are travel, nature, writing, reading, discovering new cultures and marketing in general.

  • Length of stay in Tokyo

    I have now been living in Japan for over a year and a half.

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