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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Marugame.
Marugame, a hidden gem in the heart of Japan, is a treasure trove of cultural wonders, gastronomic delights, and scenic beauty, waiting to be discovered.
With its castle-like fortress, vibrant local festivals, soulful hot springs, and mouth-watering udon noodles, Marugame offers a sensory feast that will leave you spellbound and satisfied.
So, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, Marugame has something for everyone.
Come, let’s explore this enchanting town together!
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Marugame:
1. Marugame Castle
Marugame Castle, also known as Kameyama Castle, is a 16th-century hilltop castle located in Marugame, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle grounds, climb the steep stairs to the top of the castle tower, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The castle also houses a museum with exhibits on local history and culture.
Don’t miss: The castle tower, which offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and its islands. Visitors can also see the castle’s moat, walls, and gates, which have been beautifully preserved.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes, as there are many stairs and steep inclines to climb in the castle grounds.
2. Nakazu Banshoen Garden
A traditional Japanese garden located in Marugame, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the garden’s scenic walking paths, which are designed to highlight the garden’s natural beauty. Admire the garden’s colorful flowers, plants and trees, water features, and traditional Japanese architecture.
Don’t miss: The garden’s famous Kiku-no-Ike Pond, which is known for its beautiful reflections of the surrounding foliage. Also, make sure to visit the garden’s tea house, where you can partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Insider travel tips: For the best experience, visit the garden in the fall during the chrysanthemum festival or in the spring during the cherry blossom season.
In addition, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the garden’s walking paths can be uneven. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the garden!
3. Konpira Shrine Marugame Honsha
Konpira Shrine Marugame Honsha is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Marugame in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various buildings and structures within the shrine complex, including the main hall, the Kagura-den stage, and a theater.
There are also several smaller shrines and a pond within the grounds.
Don’t miss: The shrine’s main attraction is the long staircase leading up to the main hall, which has 785 steps and is lined with various food and souvenir vendors.
It is a popular spot for visitors to take pictures and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle when making the climb up the staircase.
Visitors can also purchase a wooden stick called a kongōzue at the start of the climb, which can be used as a walking stick and a souvenir.
The shrine can get crowded during peak travel times, so it is recommended to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
4. Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art
A museum of contemporary art located in Marugame, Japan. The museum is named after Genichiro Inokuma, an important figure in the Japanese art world.
What to see or do: The museum features a variety of contemporary art exhibitions by both Japanese and international artists. Visitors can see paintings, sculptures, installations and other forms of modern art.
The museum also has a library and an outdoor sculpture garden.
Don’t miss: The “View of Contemporary Art” exhibit, which showcases contemporary Japanese art from the museum’s own collection.
Also, make sure to take a stroll through the outdoor sculpture garden to see unique pieces by artists from around the world.
Insider travel tips: Check the museum’s website for information about current exhibitions and events. Visitors should also be aware that the museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Finally, make sure to take advantage of the museum’s café, which offers a variety of snacks and drinks, including delicious matcha green tea!
5. Marugame Machiya Museum
Marugame Machiya Museum is a restored traditional townhouse in the city of Marugame, Japan, which now serves as a museum.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the interior of the townhouse, which includes displays of how local people lived and worked during the Edo period (1603-1868).
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to see the intricate construction of the machiya-style townhouse, known for their narrow widths but long depths, and how the space was divided between living quarters and artisan workshops.
Insider travel tips: – Try on some traditional clothing from the Edo period and take a photo in the museum’s photo studio for a unique souvenir.
6. Marugame Municipal Museum
A municipal museum located in Marugame city, Japan that showcases the history, culture, and art of the local Kagawa Prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire various exhibits that range from ancient pottery, textiles, and swords, to more contemporary art pieces and photography. The museum also has a collection of traditional Noh masks and a re-created Japanese tea ceremony room.
Don’t miss: The museum’s highlight is a display of the famous Kasuga Shrine Lanterns. These illuminated lanterns, which represent the four seasons, are displayed in the museum’s foyer and are an impressive sight.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to visit the museum’s gift shop, which offers unique and traditional souvenirs from Kagawa Prefecture.
Also, on the museum’s rooftop, there is a beautiful garden where visitors can enjoy a relaxing view of the city and take some amazing photos.
7. Marugame Ceramic Art Museum
Marugame Ceramic Art Museum is a museum showcasing pottery and ceramic art from across Japan and other countries.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the permanent collection of over 10,000 ceramic works, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces. The museum also hosts rotating exhibits that highlight specific themes, artists, and periods in ceramic art history.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the Japanese tea ceremony room, which is designed with traditional tatami mats and shoji screens. The museum’s gift shop sells a variety of handmade ceramics and pottery, including pieces from local artists.
Insider travel tips: The museum offers English audio guides and English labels to help non-Japanese speakers navigate the exhibits.
If you want to try your hand at pottery-making, the museum hosts workshops where you can make your own ceramic piece.
The museum is closed on Mondays and during certain holidays, so be sure to check the schedule ahead of time.
8. Kikugetsu-tei Teahouse
Traditional Japanese teahouse in Marugame city, Kagawa prefecture.
What to see or do: Enjoy Japanese tea and sweets in a historic setting, surrounded by a beautiful garden and pond.
Don’t miss: Trying the local specialty, Sanuki udon, served with tea-infused broth.
Insider travel tips: Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. It’s also worth visiting in the autumn, when the surrounding maple trees turn a beautiful red and orange.
9. Marugame Seishonen-no-ie
Marugame Seishonen-no-ie is a youth hostel located in Marugame, Japan.
What to see or do: The hostel is located near several popular attractions in Marugame, including Marugame Castle and Nakamura Shrine. The hostel also offers bike rentals for guests to explore the city on two wheels.
Don’t miss: Make sure to try Marugame’s famous sanuki udon noodles, a local specialty. The hostel has a communal kitchen where you can prepare your own meals using local ingredients.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to check out the rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The staff is also very friendly and helpful, and can provide recommendations on other local attractions and restaurants to visit.
10. Seto Ohashi Bridge Memorial Museum
Seto Ohashi Bridge Memorial Museum is a museum dedicated to the construction and history of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world and a symbol of modern engineering in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which showcase the design, construction, and maintenance of the bridge. The museum has a variety of displays, such as scale models, photos, videos, and interactive installations.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the outdoor observation deck, which offers stunning views of the bridge and the surrounding islands. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the bridge itself, which requires advance reservation.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture. It is easily accessible by train or car from major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.
11. Marugame Art Forum
Marugame Art Forum is a contemporary art museum located in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of modern art and attend temporary exhibitions featuring both Japanese and international artists. The museum also offers workshops, lectures, and other educational programs.
Don’t miss: The permanent collection includes works by well-known Japanese artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami, as well as international artists like Gerhard Richter and Cindy Sherman.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to visit the museum’s rooftop garden, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Also, consider planning your visit around the museum’s annual Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art Award, which showcases the work of promising young artists.
12. Ogi Park
Ogi Park is a public park located in Marugame, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. It covers an area of 42 hectares and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
What to see or do: The park boasts a large lake where visitors can rent boats and paddle around. There are also numerous walking trails throughout the park, including a 2.
8 km loop around the lake, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll or jog. During the spring, the park comes alive with vibrant cherry blossom trees that dot the landscape.
In the summer, you can enjoy a fireworks display over the lake.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Ogi Park is the stunning Japanese garden, which was designed by renowned landscape architect Kenzo Kosugi.
Here you can see meticulously pruned trees, a serene koi pond, and traditional Japanese architecture.
Insider travel tips: Bring a picnic and enjoy it in one of the park’s many open fields.
13. Marugame Central Park
Marugame Central Park is a sprawling park located in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a stroll around the beautiful gardens, have a picnic on the spacious lawns, ride the Ferris wheel for stunning views of the city, or visit the nearby castle ruins.
Don’t miss: The park’s iconic symbol, a massive windmill, is a must-see. Also, make sure to check out the various festivals and events held throughout the year.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the autumn season to witness the stunning fall foliage, and bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery. Be sure to also try some of the local udon noodles, which are a specialty of the Kagawa region.
14. Marugame Family Park
A spacious park with a variety of activities and attractions for families located in Marugame, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy the beautiful nature, have a family picnic, explore the various playgrounds, go on a bike ride, visit the animal farm and petting zoo, try your hand at fishing, take a ride on the mini steam train, and have fun on the water play equipment.
Don’t miss: The stunning view of the Seto Inland Sea from the observation tower, the cherry blossom festival in the spring, and the colorful foliage in the fall.
Insider travel tips: Bring your own food and drinks for a picnic, bring a change of clothes for the water play equipment, and rent a bicycle to explore the park more efficiently.
Don’t forget to bring some cash as some activities require payment.
15. Marugame-jō Shrine
Marugame-jō Shrine is a Shinto shrine located at the top of Marugame Castle in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb to the top of the castle for panoramic views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea. The shrine is also home to several cultural festivals throughout the year.
Don’t miss: The castle’s traditional architecture and defensive features, such as the stone walls and moat, are impressive and worth exploring.
Insider travel tips: It is best to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and for a more tranquil experience. Wear comfortable shoes for the climb to the top.
Also, be sure to try the local Sanuki udon noodles, which are famous in the region.