“Little mountains, big feelings.”

At 1,876 km2, Kagawa is Japan’s smallest prefecture. Located in the northeastern part of Shikoku Island, it makes up only 10% of the island’s area. It is surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea to the north and west, and has 24 inhabited islands and almost 100 uninhabited ones. The Sanuki Mountains run east to west across the southern part of the prefecture, border Tokushima prefecture, and stretch about 100 km. The highest peak is Ryuo Mountain at 1,059 metres. Wherever you are in Kagawa, a mountain is nearby, making it a great place for a short walk or a long hike.

The climate is generally dry and warm. In spring, cherry blossoms dot the mountains, and the temperature is comfortable. Summer starts early these days and can be very hot and humid from late May till September. Air conditioning is essential in most situations, and hiking is most enjoyable at higher altitudes and early mornings. The rainy season hits in June, and the typhoon season comes after that till October, but it’s rare for a typhoon to make landfall on Shikoku. Autumn is warm and is seen on the mountains from September and at lower altitudes from mid-to-late October. Winters are dry and cold, but the temperature rarely drops below zero.

Nature can be enjoyed all year round with the right locations and preparation in mind!

Takamatsu City and the Seto Inland Sea

Panoramic view of a Japanese coastal city, harbor, green islands, and surrounding mountains from a hillside
Rural Japanese village with flooded rice paddies, traditional homes, and lush green mountains under a blue sky

Daisenzan Mountain in spring

 

The Sanuki Mountains

Panoramic view of a mountain valley, rural town, and forested hills beneath dramatic cloudy skies
Snow-covered Japanese temple with ornate wooden architecture during a snowfall

Unpenji Temple in winter

Access

 

Getting to Takamatsu City

The best place to start your adventure

  • Airplane

  • Train

  • Highway bus

From Tokyo

  • Airplane - Haneda/Narita airports to Takamatsu airport ~ 90 minutes

  • Train - Shinkansen to Takamatsu JR station ~ 5 to 5.5 hours

From Osaka

  • Highway bus ~ 3.5 hrs

  • Train - Shinkansen ~ 3 hrs

From Fukuoka

  • Train - Shinkansen ~ 3 to 3.5 hrs