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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Dried Sanuki udon noodle packs (¥500–1,500 at any station or supermarket; most popular Kagawa souvenir)
Wasanbon sugar pressed candy (Hashimoto Seika in Takamatsu; ¥800–2,500)
Shodoshima extra-virgin olive oil (¥1,200–4,000 at Olive Park shop)
Konpira-san omamori (good luck charm, ¥500–1,000 at the shrine)
Marugame uchiwa (round flat fan — Marugame produces 90% of Japan's uchiwa fans; ¥200–800)
Tsuitate lacquerware (Takamatsu lacquerware; ¥2,000–20,000 at specialist shops along covered arcade)
Shodoshima soy sauce (hand-crafted small-batch shoyu, ¥600–2,000 per bottle)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Ritsurin-koen Morning Market (Shichiri-tei)
Weekend morning market inside Ritsurin Garden offering fresh vegetables, local crafts, and breakfast items
Hours: 7:00 am–10:00 am (weekends only)