KAGAWA PREFECTURE

KAGAWA MAIN CITIES and TOWNS

Kotohira is a city located in Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Kotohira is the site of the famous Konpira Shrine, also known as Kotohira-gu, which is a Shinto Shrine located half way up Mt Zozu. Konpira Shrine is famous for the large number of steps on the way up to the shrine: 785 to the outer shrine and a total of 1,368 to the inner shrine. Kotohira attractions also include Japan's oldest Kabuki playhouse, Kanamaru-zu.

Naoshima is a small town located on Naoshima Island which is located in the Seto Inland Sea. Naoshima is part of Kagawa Prefecture. Naoshima is famous for it many art galleries and museums including the Chichu Art Museum which features works by Claude Monet. Other include the Benesse House and the Naoshima Fukutake Art Museum.

Takamatsu is a port city located on the north eastern end of Shikoku Island on the Seto Inland Sea. Takamatsu is the closest port to Honshu. The main attractions in Takamatsu are Ritsurin Garden; a historic and beautiful Japanese garden which is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and Takamatsu Castle.

KAGAWA CASTLES

Marugame Castle is located in Marugame, Kagawa Prefecture. Marugame Castle, also known as Kameyama Castle and Horai Castle, began as a fortified residence in 1587, but was later turned into a castle by Ikoma Kazumasa around 1597. In 1615 the castle was dismantled due to a shogunal decree. The current Marugame Castle mostly dates back to 1644, with further improvements made in 1670. In 1869 a fire destroyed many of the buildings. Today only the stone walls, two gates and the keep remain. The buildings are now all declared Important Cultural Properties.

Takamatsu Castle is located along the coastline in the city of Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku. Takamatsu Castle was completed in 1590, and is one of only three Japanese Castle surrounded by water moats. Takamatsu Castle features an outer, middle and inner moats. Today only the Ushitora and Moon watch turrets, Mizutegomon gate and walls remain from the original castle.

KAGAWA SHRINES and TEMPLES

Konpira Shrine, also known as Kotohira-gu, is a Shinto Shrine located half way up Mt Zozu, in the city of Kotohira Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Konpira Shrine is famous for the large number of steps on the way up to the shrine: 785 to the outer shrine and a total of 1,368 to the inner shrine. Konpira Shrine has several Important Cultural Properties including a Heian Period eleven faced Kannon Bosatsu statue and four artworks by Maruyama Okyo.

KAGAWA MUSEUMS and ART GALLERIES

Shikoku Mura is an outdoor museum which features traditional farmhouses from all over the island of Shikoku that have been relocated to the site. The folk houses featured in Shikoku Mura are from the Edo to the Taisho Period. In addition to the houses many traditional tools are also on display. Shikoku Mura is located in Takamatsu.

KAGAWA GARDENS and PARKS

Kotohiki Park is located in Kanonji City on the island of Shikoku. Kotohiki Park is famous for its cherry blossom and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Ritsurin Garden is a famous, historic and beautiful Japanese garden which is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty". Ritsurin Garden is one of the main attractions in the city of Takamatsu (Shikoku Island). Ritsurin Garden, established in 1625, it features bridges, tea house, ponds with koi, paths, small hills and is set against the background of Mt Shiun.