Kagawa Prefecture occupies the northeastern tip of Shikoku island, separated from the Chugoku region by the tranquil Seto Inland Sea. Japan's smallest prefecture by area is famous far beyond its modest geography: Sanuki udon noodles are practically a regional religion, the 785-step climb to Kotohira-gu Shrine is a pilgrimage milestone, Ritsurin Garden ranks among Japan's most beautiful stroll-style parks, and the art islands of Naoshima and Teshima have made this quiet sea route an international contemporary-art destination.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Bow when greeting — a slight forward nod (15°) is sufficient for casual interactions; deeper bows show more respect
Remove shoes before entering homes, ryokan rooms, some restaurants with tatami areas, and traditional teahouses
Carry cash — many local establishments (udon shops, small temples, rural markets) accept cash only
At Shinto shrines (Konpira-san), toss a coin into the offertory box, bow twice, clap twice, then bow once more
Photography restrictions apply inside most museums on Naoshima and Teshima — look for no-photo signs (displayed prominently)
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Do use both hands when receiving a business card or gift — single-hand receipt is considered dismissive
- Do say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisousama deshita' after finishing — locals appreciate visitors making the effort
- Do use the luggage forwarding service (takuhaibin) from your hotel to send heavy bags ahead to the next hotel for approximately ¥1,500–2,000 (~$10–$13 USD)
- Do top up your IC transport card (Suica/ICOCA) before leaving Takamatsu for Naoshima — cards are unusable on ferries but needed for buses on the island
- Do line up on the left side of escalators (in Kagawa, unlike Osaka where the left is the walking lane — Kagawa follows Tokyo convention)
Don't
- Do not eat or drink on local trains or the Kotoden railway (only on long-distance Shinkansen or touring trains is food acceptable)
- Do not photograph people without consent, particularly at temples during prayer or at private homes
- Do not enter a temple's main hall in outdoor shoes — look for a step where shoes must be removed
- Do not touch or pose with religious objects and statues at Zentsuji or Kotohira-gu Shrine
- Do not make loud phone calls on trains — put phone on silent mode and speak quietly or not at all
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
Hello / Good afternoon
ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)
Thank you (formal)
うどんをひとつください (Udon wo hitotsu kudasai)
One udon, please
英語を話せますか？ (Eigo wo hanasemasu ka?)
Do you speak English?
ここはどこですか？ (Koko wa doko desu ka?)
Where is this place?
いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?)
How much is it?
カード払いできますか？ (Kaado barai dekimasu ka?)
Can I pay by card?
お会計をください (Okaikei wo kudasai)
Check / bill, please
すみません (Sumimasen)
Excuse me / Sorry
助けてください (Tasukete kudasai)
Please help me
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Kagawa.
Items:
- Faith
- Shinto
- Presence
- Dominant at Kotohira-gu Shrine (Konpira-san) — one of Japan's most important Shinto pilgrimage sites, dedicated to the god of seafarers and commerce. Smaller shrines dot every neighborhood.
- Faith
- Buddhism
- Presence
- Zentsuji Temple (birthplace of Kobo Daishi / Kukai, 774–835) is the holiest Buddhist site in Kagawa and one of the most sacred in Japan. The 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage passes through Kagawa's province with 23 temples numbered 66–88.
- Faith
- Syncretism
- Presence
- Many locals practice both Shinto and Buddhist traditions simultaneously, visiting shrines for new year and births, temples for funerals — a common pattern throughout Japan.