What is Kagawa famous for?

Kagawa is famous for sanuki udon (thick wheat noodles), the art island of Naoshima, Ritsurin Garden, and as part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

How do I get to Naoshima from Takamatsu?

Take a ferry from Takamatsu Port to Miyanoura Port on Naoshima; the journey takes about 50 minutes.

Is English widely spoken in Kagawa?

English is limited outside tourist areas; learn basic Japanese phrases or use translation apps.

Can I use credit cards in Kagawa?

Credit cards are accepted at hotels, major restaurants, and stores, but carry cash for rural areas, temples, and small udon shops.

What is the best way to experience udon culture?

Visit local udon shops (especially self-service ones), try udon-making workshops, or follow the Udon Taxi tour in Takamatsu.

Varies by nationality. Many countries get visa-free stays up to 90 days. Check with Japanese embassy.

What language is spoken?

Japanese. English is limited; learn basic phrases or use translation apps.

Is credit card widely accepted?

Increasingly, but cash is still king in small shops and rural areas. ATMs at 7-Eleven work with foreign cards.

What is the currency?

Japanese Yen (JPY). Carry cash for smaller purchases.

Can I drink tap water?

Yes, tap water is safe and clean throughout Kagawa.

Are there vegetarian/vegan options?

Limited but growing. Look for shojin ryori (Buddhist cuisine) or ask for 'yasai' (vegetable) dishes.

How do I get to Naoshima?

Take a ferry from Takamatsu Port (about 20–30 minutes). Ferries run hourly.

Is Kagawa good for solo travel?

Yes, very safe and easy to navigate. Many hostels and ryokan welcome solo guests.

Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for evenings, and a reusable water bottle. Summer: sunscreen, hat. Winter: warm layers.

Are there onsen (hot springs)?

Yes, several in Kagawa, including Yunamiji Onsen. Tattoo-friendly options exist—check ahead.

Can I use my mobile phone?

Yes, but check roaming fees. Get a local SIM or pocket WiFi at the airport.

What is the tipping etiquette?

No tipping. It can be considered rude. Service charges are included.

Kagawa

PrefectureJapan, Asia

Kagawa is a STATE in Japan, Asia.

Kagawa, Japan's smallest prefecture by area, packs immense cultural and culinary treasures onto the island of Shikoku. Known as the 'Udon Prefecture,' Kagawa boasts Japan's most celebrated wheat noodles, with hundreds of udon shops where travelers can savor handmade sanuki udon in various styles. The prefecture's crown jewel is the art island of Naoshima, where contemporary art installations blend seamlessly with nature and traditional architecture in museums like Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House. Takamatsu, the capital, offers Ritsurin Garden—one of Japan's most exquisite historical gardens—and the lively Sunport waterfront. Kagawa is also the gateway to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage of Shikoku, with temples like Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san) attracting both pilgrims and tourists to its dramatic hilltop shrine. The Seto Inland Sea provides stunning coastal scenery, perfect for cycling the Shimanami Kaido or exploring the tranquil islands of the Setouchi region. Despite its compact size, Kagawa delivers profound cultural experiences, artistic innovation, and culinary delights in a relaxed, accessible setting.

Best time to visit Kagawa

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal. Spring offers mild weather and cherry blossoms (late March-early April). Autumn features comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage (November). Summer (June-August) is hot and humid but lively with festivals like the Takamatsu Festival (August). Winter (December-February) is mild with fewer tourists, perfect for temple visits. Avoid Golden Week (late April-early May) and Obon (mid-August) due to domestic travel peaks.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Mild 15-23°C, clear skies

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Autumn leaves; ideal for hiking and cycling

Know before you go

Getting there

TAK

Takamatsu Airport

Domestic/International

15 km away

OKJ

Okayama Airport

Domestic/International

60 km away

KIX

Kansai International Airport

International

180 km away

NGO

Chubu Centrair International Airport

International

250 km away

HND

Tokyo Haneda Airport

International

650 km away

Getting around

"Trains (JR Shikoku and private lines) connect major cities—the Kotoden line serves Takamatsu. Buses cover rural areas and islands. Ferries operate to islands like Naoshima and Shodoshima from Takamatsu Port. Renting a car is convenient for exploring remote areas; international driving permits required. Bicycles are popular, especially for the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. Taxis are available but expensive. Useful apps: Google Maps, Japan Travel by Navitime, Japan Official Travel App. IC cards (ICOCA) work on most public transport."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities, cafes, and hotels; free public WiFi in Takamatsu

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5; pocket WiFi rental ~$3/day

Calling code

+81

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe overall; minor scam risk with fake charity or overpriced taxis near tourist spots

Night safety

8/10

Very safe overall; minor scam risk with fake charity or overpriced taxis near tourist spots

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Kagawa is extremely safe with low crime rates. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Exercise normal precautions in crowded areas like Takamatsu Station. No specific areas need avoidance. Scams are uncommon, but be cautious with overly persistent touts. Natural hazards include typhoons (July-October) and occasional earthquakes—follow local advisories. When cycling the Shimanami Kaido, wear helmets and follow traffic rules. Keep valuables secure, though theft is minimal. Emergency services are reliable and responsive."

Police

110

Ambulance

119

Fire

119

Tourist Police

03-3503-8484

Entry and health

Health information

"Kagawa has excellent medical facilities, including Takamatsu Red Cross Hospital and Kagawa University Hospital. No specific vaccinations are required, but routine vaccines (MMR, hepatitis A/B) are recommended. Travelers should have comprehensive health insurance. Japan's national health insurance doesn't cover tourists. Pharmacies (yakkyoku) are widely available, but bring prescription medications with original packaging. Tap water is safe to drink. During summer, heat exhaustion is a concern—stay hydrated. COVID-19 precautions may still apply at medical facilities."

Culture

Local customs

"Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and some traditional inns (ryokan). Bow when greeting. Speak quietly in public. No tipping—service charges are included. At temples, wash hands at chozuya before entering. When eating udon, slurping is acceptable. Dress modestly at religious sites. Avoid eating while walking. Present business cards with both hands. Public baths (onsen) require washing thoroughly before entering; tattoos may be restricted—check policies. Respect queue etiquette."

Japanese

Costs and practicals

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY) · ¥

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal (udon) costs around $5

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Mid-range dining $10-20 per person; luxury ryokan $200+

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo +09:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

950,000

Area

1,876.55 km²

Government

Prefectural government with a governor and elected assembly

ISO code

JP-17

Type

Prefecture

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Kagawa, كاغاوا, Präfektur Kagawa, Kagawa Prefecture, 香川県, Préfecture de Kagawa, かがわけん, Kagawa prefektúra, 香川县, Prefeitura de Kagawa, 가가와현, Prefektura Kagawa, จังหวัดคางาวะ, prefektura Kagawa, Prefectura de Kagawa, Kagawa-ken, Prefektur Kagawa, うどん県, 370002, Префектура Каґава, Prefettura di Kagawa, 香川縣, Кагава, JP-37, Zentsuji, Zentsujicho, shan tong si, shan tong si ding, 善通寺, 善通寺町

Major HubArtFoodIslandHistoric GardenUdonOnsenCyclingTemple