Kagawa Tours

“We offer walking tours for up to 5 people, primarily in Kagawa Prefecture. Facts and　explanations about the local culture, history, and nature will be part of each walk.

Here is a selection of them, but there are so many more. We can make a plan according to your schedule and needs.

For the island and satoyama walks, trains can be used to reach the meeting point. If you need transportation to and from the starting point for shrine/temple and Sanuki Mountain tours, I can provide pick up and drop off. In such cases, tours will be limited to 3 people.”

Satoyama Walks

“I’ll guide you on walks that are easily accessible from main roads or stations and doable in 2-5 hours. After, we can have a bowl of udon at one of the many restaurants near the mountains.

Choose a walk that matches your schedule and energy level!

These are some of the best in my experience, but there are many other places to go, so don’t hesitate to ask!”

Hiker sitting in a forest and looking out over a mountain landscape

Person sitting on a mountain lookout bench overlooking a hazy valley at dusk, beside a stone monument and forest greenery.

Doyama Mountain course (2-3 hrs)

From a shrine, we’ll walk up to the southern peak and see an incredible panorama of central Kagawa. After enjoying the view, we’ll follow the mountain trail to the main peak (297 metres) and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.

There is one steep slope but there are ropes to help you if needed.

Hiking shoes or footwear with good tread are recommended.

Panoramic view of a Japanese coastal city, harbor, green island, and surrounding mountains beneath a blue sky

Takamatsu City - Iwaseo Mountain (3 hrs)

Starting from Iwaseo Hachiman Shrine in downtown Takamatsu, we’ll follow the mountain trail up to the peak and enjoy incredible views of the Seto Inland Sea above the city. There are also interesting rock features and a lovely forest trail. I’ll tell you about the geological history and settlement history too.

Suitable for any agility and age.

Panoramic view of a blue bay with forested islands, distant mountains, boats, and coastal vegetation under a clear sky

Takamatsu City - Yashima Mountain (3 hrs)

This unique, flat-topped mountain to the east of the city juts out into the Seto Inland Sea and offers a beautiful trail to the northern ridge. The path is paved and not challenging.

There is a temple and a nice cafe where we can stop for refreshments.

If you like seeing the sunrise or sunset, an early or late tour can be arranged.

Panoramic view of lush green mountains, a distant valley town, and blue sky with scattered clouds

Ayauta Sanzan - Shiro/Neko Mountains (4 hrs)

Walk through a forest, see the landscape remnants of an old castle, and climb up two small peaks. Nature is subtle and beautiful. If you like theme parks, you can pop in to Reoma World situated below the mountain or stay at the hotel there. There is also a hot spring!

Hiking shoes or footwear with good tread are recommended.

“Kagawa has around 800 shrines and temples respectively. Making them a part of a walk can be a very therapeutic and wonderful experience.

Enjoy the peace and quiet of the beautiful spaces that shrines and temples provide as we follow pilgrim trail routes and stone steps leading up to the places of worship.”

Shrine & Temple Walks

Hiker with a backpack walking along a sunlit forest trail surrounded by dense trees and bamboo

Japanese mountain shrine with ornate wooden roof, colorful banners, visitors, and a forested rocky peak behind it

Okuboji Temple and Nyotai Mountain (6 hrs)

Starting from a dam, this fairly long walk follows part of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail that Kukai first walked more than 1,200 years ago. The nature is abundant and the mountain peak has possibly the greatest view in Kagawa.

After we take the trail down the mountain you’ll be rewarded with the beautiful Okuboji Temple, where you can pay your respects or just soak up the serene atmosphere. We can have some soba or udon to finish the experience.

Rows of Buddhist monk statues covered in snow at a forest temple

Snow-covered Japanese Buddhist temple or shrine in a forest during snowfall

Unpenji Mountain / Unpenji Temple (5-6 hrs)

Climb 800 metres to the 927-metre peak and see the beautiful temple, filled with Buddha statues. The views over the west side of Kagawa and the Seto Inland Sea are stunning.

Alternatively, use the cable car going up and/or back down and make it a 2 or 3 hour experience!

Traditional Japanese shrine with ornate wooden architecture, curved tile roofs, stone lanterns, and visitors surrounded by green trees

Visitors at a traditional Japanese Shinto shrine with an ornate thatched roof, lanterns, and surrounding trees

Japanese village and agricultural fields beneath a forested mountain capped with low clouds

Kompira-San and Osa Mountain (5-6 hrs)

Kompira-san is the most famous shrine in Kagawa and popular with locals and tourists alike.

We’ll walk up the legendary 1368 stone steps to Kompira’s inner shrine and then hike up the mountain trail to the peak (634 metres). I will tell you all about the history and nature along the way.

Optional course: Go to the main shrine or inner shrine for a shorter and easier walk of around 4 hours.

Island Walks

“The islands of The Seto Inland Sea are a sight to behold. Once you step foot on any of them, time will stand still. You can spend hours looking at the view - the colours and light always fleeting.

Popular with tourists nationwide, the International Seto Art Festival has put Kagawa on the map, creating regular ferry services, especially to the more popular islands.

Join me on some of my favourite islands as I guide you around and about, taking in the sights, culture and history.”

Panoramic view of a Japanese coastal village, harbor, boats, and green mountains across the bay

Massive ancient tree with sprawling branches and lush green foliage in a landscaped garden

Shishijima Island (4 hours)

Come on a tour of an island lost in time. Once densely populated by as many as 1,000 people, Shishijima currently has 15 residents, with only several of those native to the island.

It boasts a 1,200 year-old camphor tree, a large number of shrines and even a temple. The nature is beautiful and rock formations around the coast are stunning.

The island peak offers an unforgettable panorama and for flower lovers, the island garden is essential viewing.

There is one cafe on the island but there is no guarantee that it is open at the time of visiting, so bringing rice balls or sandwiches would be recommended.

Rural Japanese road with a blue direction sign for Aoki and Mogiura, utility poles, palm trees, and a forested mountain.

Scenic aerial view of a Japanese coastal village, sandy beaches, harbor breakwaters, forested hills, and islands across calm blue water

Red Japanese torii gate leading to a shrine with forested mountains and utility wires in the background

Sanuki Hiroshima Island (5 hours)

Join me on a hike up two mountains on this beautiful island, located north of Marugame City. The views from the highest peak on Otoyama Mountain are truly gorgeous, and the rocky peak with its mountain temple on Shingyoyama will take your breath away.

The island is famous for its mining of Aoki rock, a kind of granite, and examples of its beautiful form can be seen in the stone walls and architecture.

There are several places to eat, such as an ethnic-style cafe and a pizza restaurant.

Coastal lighthouse overlooking a sandy beach, blue ocean, and mountainous shoreline under a clear sky

Red passenger ferry docked beside a Japanese hillside village and modern waterfront terminal

Ogijima Island (4 hours)

Get on the distinctive Meon Ferry at Takamatsu port and enjoy the 40-minute cruise to the island. You’ll immediately be presented by the warm presence of the islanders and the multitude of cats that reside there.

We’ll walk through the village and then proceed to the working lighthouse on the north coast. We can climb up to a geological rock feature which offers a stunning view of the sea.

After, we can walk south to the long, sandy beach and see a piece of artwork. Lunch can be enjoyed on the island or we can bring some rice balls and drinks.

As you walk around the island you’ll want to sit down and soak up the atmosphere, so we’ll go at a leisurely pace.

Sanuki Mountains

“The undulating chain of mountains running across the south of Kagawa can be seen on the horizon and are very inviting. Accessible by car, I can take you to some of the best trails.

Ryuozan and Daisenzan, the two highest peaks have beautiful, well-maintained ridgeline trails. There are native trees, beautiful flowers, mushrooms and sweet birdsongs wherever you go. A number of customizable routes can be chosen, depending on whether you want a full-day hike or a half-day one.

Hiking shoes/boots, waterproof wear and plenty of water are prerequisites.”

Lush green mountains overlooking a rural Japanese village and flooded rice paddies

Mount Daisenzan (5-6 hrs)

Climb the second highest mountain in Kagawa with a height of 1043 metres. This hike has a cumulative altitude gain of 835 metres.

The trail winds up and cuts across a mountain road, ending at a campsite and mountain temple.

Recommended season - spring or autumn. Winter is stunning too but extra gear is necessary.

Snow-covered stone torii gate in a winter forest

Small forest stream cascading over moss-covered rocks in a wooded ravine

Santo Pass (4 hours)

This lovely hike follows the historical trade route across the border of Kagawa and Tokushima prefectures.

Starting from near a hot spring, the trail goes up a river valley, through a torii (stone gate) and into Tokushima prefecture.

Recommended season - spring or autumn. Winter is stunning too but extra gear is necessary.

Ehime, Tokushima, and beyond

If you would like to do a harder or longer hike, including two-day ones, a professional mountain guide can join us, pending availability.

Ehime prefecture

Mount Ishizuchi - The highest peak in Shikoku and west Japan.
Mount Nishi Akaishi - The former site of Besshi Copper Mine and home to beautiful mountain flowers in spring and early summer.
Mount Akaboshi - A mountain filled with waterfalls and stunning moss.

Tokushima prefecture

Mount Tsurugi - The second highest peak in Shikoku with gorgeous ridgeline hikes.
Mount Sanrei - One of many hikers’ favourite mountains.
Mount Kunimi - The peak has one of the most stunning views in Shikoku. Especially good in winter.