For your lunch, your guide will be pleased to recommend local restaurant. Try Sanuki Udon noodles which is a local specialty in Kagawa prefecture. It is a soul food loved by locals.
Located in the northern part of Shikoku island, Takamatsu, the capital city of Kagawa prefecture, is a lively port town and serves as the gateway to Shikoku and many small charming islands in Seto Inland Sea such as Naoshima or Shodoshima. Immerse yourself in the local history and culture which flourished and evolved in Takamatsu for a long time.
Sample Itinerary (9-hour tour)
Start your day at Ritsurin Garden which is the largest National Special Scenic Beauty Garden with a history of nearly 400 years. The garden features 6 ponds and 13 hills set against Mt. Shiun in the background. Seasonal flowers and carefully maintained pine trees can be enjoyed throughout the seasons.
Move to Kinashi, Bonsai Village. The start of bonsai production in Kinashi dates back more than 200 years, and now the area produces about 80% of the bonsai pine trees in Japan making Kinashi the most prolific pine bonsai region by far. Visit a few Bonsai gardens in Kinashi and study the unique art and technique of bonsai.
Then, visit Zentsuji Temple which is known as the birthplace and spiritual home of Kobo Daishi, an influential Buddhist monk who founded the Shingon sect. It is the 75th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage which traces Kobo Daishi's steps across the Shikoku island, called Ohenro. Ohenro is one of the oldest and longest circular pilgrimage routes which has been practiced over 1200 years of history. You might encounter pilgrims on the day dressed in white clothing.
After lunch, move to Kotohiragu Shrine which is one of the most venerated and visited shrines in Shikoku Island. Since its establishment, over 3 million worshippers visit annually to pray for good harvest, good catch and prosperous business. Please note that there are 785 stairs to reach the main hall. Your effort will be rewarded by the beautiful view of Sanuki Plain. Move back by a local train to Takamatsu city center for about 1 hour.
The tour primarily uses local trains and includes a few taxi rides.
Alternatives
H.Amemiya
George Nakashima Memorial Gallery
George Nakashima was a leading Japanese American furniture designer of the 20th century who loved nature and trees. This Memorial Gallery was built by Sakura Seisakusho in 2008 to promote his lifestyle and philosophy. In 1964, George Nakashima visited Takamatsu and found Sakura Seisakusho. Since then, he started to make furniture with the company. There are about 60 items displayed here, including a chair he made in the early days when he was an architect and a desk he used in his studio.
Shikoku-mura Village
Shikoku-mura village is an open-air museum featuring its 33 preserved historical buildings relocated from all around Shikoku region. The houses were farmhouses, storehouses, and various traditional warehouses which used to produce goods such as sugar and soy sauce. Another highlight of the village is the modern art gallery designed by the worldly renowned architect, Tadao Ando.
Price for this sample itinerary
(price per group)
| 2 persons | 3 persons | 4 persons | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 hours | 80,000 yen | 84,000 yen | 90,000 yen |
(10% consumption tax included)
Including: Nationally-licensed English-speaking tour guide, admission fees, public transportations and taxis, service charge and consumption tax
Not Including: Lunch
Note:
- Our private tours can be customized to your interests and preferences. Let us know any place you wish to visit. If you would like to include one of the sites among above-mentioned "Alternatives", please let us know.
- The price is for the sample itinerary above. Price may be subject to change depending on the sites you choose.
- Private car can be arranged for extra fee
- Tours can be arranged for a larger group. We will recommend appropriate transportation taking your group size into consideration.
Payment
Please pay by credit card. You will receive an E-mail with an URL where payment can be made online. The page is protected by Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to ensure the safety of your credit card information. We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diners, and JCB.
Request for a Private Tour
Private Tours in other destinations
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We can also arrange privately-guided tours in other destinations throughout Japan. Also, your tours can be tailored to your specific interests such as culture, food, and nature.
