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.
Kagawa (historically the province of Sanuki) has been settled since the Yayoi period (300 BCE–300 CE). The province was a key gateway between western Japan and the Kinai capital region. In 774 CE, Kukai (Kobo Daishi) — the founder of Shingon Buddhism and one of Japan's most revered religious figures — was born in what is now Zentsuji city. His influence shaped Japanese Buddhism for centuries and launched the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage that continues to draw pilgrims today. In the Sengoku period, rival lords competed for Sanuki, with Ikoma clan building Takamatsu Castle in 1588. The Matsudaira clan (related to the Tokugawa shogunate) ruled Takamatsu Domain from 1642 until the Meiji Restoration. The Konpira shrine was an immensely popular pilgrimage destination throughout the Edo period, when commoners who could not afford full travel would send their dogs carrying travelling funds to make the pilgrimage by proxy.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Kagawa.
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1
Birth of Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in present-day Zentsuji — founder of Shingon Buddhism and initiator of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage
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2
Kukai dies at Koya-san; Zentsuji is established as a temple on his birthplace
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3
Battle of Yashima — a pivotal naval battle of the Genpei War between Minamoto and Taira clans fought in the Seto Inland Sea
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4
Takamatsu Castle (Tamamo-jo) constructed by Ikoma Chikamasa — built on a peninsula jutting into the sea, making it effectively a floating fortress
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5
Matsudaira Yorishige (a cousin of the Tokugawa shogun) becomes lord of Takamatsu Domain; begins development of Ritsurin Garden
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6
Ritsurin Garden reaches its present form after 100 years of development by successive Matsudaira lords
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7
Kanamaru-za theatre completed in Kotohira — still Japan's oldest surviving kabuki theatre
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8
Meiji Restoration ends the Matsudaira domain; Kagawa Prefecture established in 1875
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9
Seto Ohashi Bridge opens, linking Kagawa (Sakaide) to Okayama over the Seto Inland Sea — the world's longest road-rail bridge combination at the time
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10
First Setouchi Triennale international art festival launches, transforming Naoshima and surrounding islands into a global contemporary art destination
Historical eras
The chapters of Kagawa's past.
Historical sites
Places where Kagawa's past comes alive.
Museums
Curated collections that tell Kagawa's story.
Takamatsu City Museum of History and Folklore
Hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm; closed Monday
Admission: ¥200/~$1.30 USD
Marugame City Museum
Hours: 9:30 am–5:00 pm; closed Monday
Admission: ¥200/~$1.30 USD
Kagawa Prefectural Museum
Hours: 9:00 am–5:30 pm; closed Monday
Admission: ¥200/~$1.30 USD
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.