Kagawa
A tiny prefecture that contains multitudes — Kagawa is where pilgrims climb 785 stone steps to a golden shrine, artists fill abandoned islands with masterpieces, and udon shops open at dawn.
日本で一番小さな県・香川は、直島のアート、金刀比羅宮の長い石段、日本一のさぬきうどんで、世界中の旅人を虜にします。
Kagawa is Japan’s smallest prefecture by area, yet it packs an extraordinary cultural punch. The Setouchi Triennale has transformed islands like Naoshima, Teshima and Inujima into open-air contemporary art destinations attracting visitors from across the world. Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san) draws over three million pilgrims a year up its 785-stone-step approach. And Kagawa’s sanuki udon is considered Japan’s finest noodle style — thick, chewy wheat noodles with dashi broth, eaten standing at roadside shops before 8 am.
瀬戸芸で世界的に有名な直島・豊島のアート、785段の石段で知られる金刀比羅宮、そしてコシの強いさぬきうどんの故郷・香川。小さな県に日本の粋が凝縮しています。
Recommended Omiyage
おすすめおみやげ 5選
Sanuki Udon
Chewy, thick wheat noodles with clear dashi broth — Japan’s most celebrated noodle style
もっちりコシが命のさぬきうどん。だしの効いたツユとのハーモニーが絶品。
Wasanbon Sugar
Ultrafine traditional sugar pressed into delicate flower molds — a Shikoku luxury confection
讃岐の伝統的な砂糖・和三盆。口の中でとろける繊細な干菓子。
Olive Oil Sweets
Cookies, chocolate and soap from Shodoshima island — Japan’s only olive-producing island
日本唯一のオリーブ産地・小豆島のオイルを使ったスイーツ&コスメ。
Naoshima Tote Bag
Canvas tote printed with Yayoi Kusama’s polka-dot pumpkin — the art island’s iconic souvenir
草間彌生のカボチャをプリントしたトートバッグ。アート島・直島の定番みやげ。
Konpira Senbei
Crispy ginger rice crackers sold along the Konpira approach — a pilgrim staple since Edo times
785段の石段の参道で売られる生姜風味のせんべい。
Must-Visit Spots
おすすめスポット 5選
Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san)
Sea god’s shrine at the top of 785 steps — one of Japan’s most famous pilgrimage climbs
785段の石段を登った先に鎮座する、全国から参拝者が集まる海の神様。
Naoshima Island
World-class open-air art island — Benesse Art Site, Chichu Museum, Yayoi Kusama’s yellow pumpkin
アート島・直島は地中美術館・家プロジェクト・草間彌生の黄かぼちゃで有名。
Ritsurin Koen
One of Japan’s finest stroll gardens — six ponds, thirteen hills, 400-year pine trees
400年の歴史を持つ池泉回遊式庭園。国の特別名勝に指定されている。
Shodoshima
Japan’s olive island — terraced olive groves, soy sauce breweries and scenic gorges
日本唯一のオリーブ産地。オリーブ公園・醤油蔵・渓谷など見どころ多彩。
Yamashita Udon
Legendary Kagawa udon shop — join locals queuing at 7 am for hand-cut noodles in clear dashi
地元民が朝7時から並ぶ伝説の手打ちうどん店。シンプルなかけうどんが最高。
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Setouchi Triennale?
A contemporary art festival held every three years across 12 islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The next edition is 2025. Naoshima, Teshima and Inujima are the main hubs, accessible by ferry.
瀬戸内国際芸術祭は3年ごとに開催。直島・豊島・犬島が中心。フェリーでアクセスできる。次回は2025年。
How many udon shops are in Kagawa?
Over 700 udon shops for a population of 900,000 — more udon restaurants per capita than anywhere on Earth. Locals eat udon for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
人口約90万人に対してうどん店が700軒以上。一人当たりの消費量は日本一。朝・昼・夜と食べる地元民も多い。
How do I get to Naoshima?
Ferry from Takamatsu Port (50 min, ¥1,220) or from Uno Port, Okayama (20 min, ¥390). The Miyaura and Honmura ports on Naoshima are the main landing points.
高松港からフェリーで約50分（1,220円）または岡山・宇野港から約20分（390円）。
Travel Tip
Buy the ‘Benesse Art Site Naoshima’ all-site pass (¥4,420) for access to Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum and Benesse House Museum in one day. Book Chichu timed-entry tickets online — same-day slots sell out fast.
