Marugame, Kotohira, Sakaide Travel Guides

The Marugame, Kotohira, and Sakaide areas offer tourist attractions such as the Seto-ohashi Bridge, Marugame Castle, and the Lover's Mecca; tourist events such as the Marugame Castle Festival, Peach Blossom Festival, and Shiokaku Honjima My Pace Marathon; and local gourmet foods such as Sanuki udon, Wasanbon, and Kamado.

Kagawa's sightseeing spots include Kotohira, home of the Kompira-san shrine, Sakaide, home of the Great Seto Bridge, and Marugame, home of Marugame Castle, one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan. We will introduce you to the attractions of this area, including leisure spots and gourmet foods.

Kompira-gu Shrine, the god of the sea, is known as the symbol of Kotohira Town. It is famous for its many stone steps, 785 to the main shrine and 1,368 to the inner shrine.

The Shoin, a national Important Cultural Property, located on the grounds, is beautifully decorated with barrier paintings by Maruyama Okyo, a master of the Kyoto art world, and other painters. Visitors can also view historically valuable treasures such as the makie (makie) lacquerwork of cherry trees on the ceiling of the main hall, the eleven-faced Kannon statue housed in the Treasure House, and the 36 poets depicted in the 36 poets' paintings on the 36 poems.

The temple is located on a hill, so on a clear day, the Seto-ohashi Bridge and Sanuki Fuji can be seen across the Sanuki Plain, providing a wonderful view.

Sakaide, southeast of Kotohira, is home to the Seto Ohashi Bridge, which connects Shikoku and Honshu. The Seto-ohashi Memorial Park is the best place to see this huge monument up close. At night, the bridge is illuminated for a beautiful view, although only on certain days. The panoramic view from the 108-meter-high Seto-ohashi Tower in the park is also not to be missed.

Northwest of Sakaide is Marugame. Marugame Castle, one of only 12 castles in Japan with a rare wooden keep, is a royal sightseeing spot you should stop by when you visit. The stone walls, said to be the tallest in Japan, are approximately 60 meters high and feature a magnificent curve known as the "fan slope. It has been selected as one of the 100 best castles in Japan, and in spring, it is a popular place for citizens to relax and enjoy cherry blossom viewing.

And we must not forget the Sanuki Udon noodles, which are promoted throughout the prefecture. Sanuki udon has a strong texture and a pleasant thirst-quenching taste that can only be found in this prefecture. There are many specialty stores as well as noodle stores in various parts of the prefecture, and they compete with each other for the best taste of handmade udon noodles.

If you want to master Sanuki udon, it would be fun to take an udon cab with a driver who has a wealth of knowledge about udon and take you to famous stores as well as hidden gems known only to those in the know.

Historical buildings, huge landmarks, and exquisite gourmet foods unique to Kagawa are all sightseeing spots that you should not miss. Make good use of public transportation and enjoy Kagawa to the fullest.