Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Kagawa

Kagawa Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Where to walk in Kagawa — from easy half-days to serious treks, with honest difficulty grades.

By Updated

Kagawa has 7+ hiking trails covered in this guide, led by Kotohira-gu Full Pilgrimage Route (1,368 steps), Yashima Plateau Circuit Trail and Kankakei Gorge Hiking Trail (Shodoshima). Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

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.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Kotohira-gu Full Pilgrimage Route (1,368 steps)

    4 km round trip2.5–4 hours round trip250 m elevation gain

  2. 2

    Yashima Plateau Circuit Trail

    5 km circuit1.5–2.5 hours292 m summit elevation (145 m gain from trailhead)

  3. 3

    Kankakei Gorge Hiking Trail (Shodoshima)

    6 km one-way (ropeway up; descend on foot)2.5–3.5 hours (descent from ropeway summit)612 m summit; 280 m descent via trail

  4. 4

    Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage (Kagawa Section, Temples 66–88)

    Approximately 320 km total (Kagawa section)12–15 days for the full Kagawa section on footVaries; mostly flat in Zentsuji plain; Iino-yama section climbs to 450 m

  5. 5

    Mount Iino Day Hike

    7 km round trip3–4 hours449 m summit

  6. 6

    Ritsurin Garden Stroll (Curated Walking Course)

    3 km (full garden circuit)1.5–2.5 hoursFlat throughout

  7. 7

    Naoshima Island Cycling & Coastal Walk

    15 km circuit (full island by bicycle)4–6 hoursRolling hills; maximum 30 m gain

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in Kagawa.

Items

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

Medium

Hazard: Konpira-san steps can be slippery in rain — wear grippy shoes and use the stone banisters

Medium

Hazard: Kankakei Gorge trail has exposed scrambling sections — do not descend after rain

Medium

Hazard: No potable water sources on Yashima Plateau — carry at least 1 liter per person

Medium

Hazard: Typhoon warnings in August–September may close mountain trails; check jma.go.jp before setting out

Related topics