Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Kagawa Prefecture (香川県)
Kagawa Prefecture (香川県) is located in the Shikoku region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Takamatsu. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture include Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu (one of Japan's finest landscape gardens), Naoshima & Teshima contemporary art islands, 1,368 steps of Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san), and original hilltop Marugame Castle.
How to get to Kagawa Prefecture
55m direct from Okayama Station across the Great Seto Bridge on the JR Marine Liner rapid train to Takamatsu. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Kagawa
When visiting cities across Kagawa, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Sanuki udon (chewy hand-cut wheat noodles served kama-tamago, bukkake, or kake style)
- Honetsuki-dori (garlic-pepper roasted bone-in chicken leg from Marugame)
- Shodoshima olives & soy sauce
- Oiri pastel wedding rice pearls
Best time to visit Kagawa
Mild, sunny Seto Inland Sea climate makes spring (March–May) and autumn (Sept–Nov) ideal for island art hopping and climbing Kotohira-gu.
All 9 cities & municipalities in Kagawa Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Takamatsu 高松市 | Core city | 418,557 | 375.11 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Marugame 丸亀市 | City | 110,550 | 111.79 km² | City guide → |
| Sakaide 坂出市 | City | 56,501 | 92.46 km² | City guide → |
| Zentsūji 善通寺市 | City | 35,180 | 39.88 km² | City guide → |
| Sanuki さぬき市 | City | 54,832 | 158.90 km² | City guide → |
| Higashikagawa 東かがわ市 | City | 34,953 | 153.35 km² | City guide → |
| Kan'onji 観音寺市 | City | 64,020 | 117.47 km² | City guide → |
| Mitoyo 三豊市 | City | 69,997 | 222.66 km² | City guide → |
| Naoshima 直島町 | Art island town | 3,103 | 14.22 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |