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There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Sanuki.
Sanuki is a treasure trove of activities waiting to be discovered, with a plethora of experiences that will satiate your wanderlust.
From exploring ancient temples to indulging in mouth-watering cuisine, Sanuki has it all.
Come, let’s embark on a journey that will awaken your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Sanuki:
1. Ritsurin Garden
A historic Japanese garden that dates back to the early 17th century, located in the city of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture.
What to see or do: Stroll through the winding paths and admire the beautiful landscapes of ponds, hills, trees, and bonsai plants. Visit the teahouses, the bamboo grove, the Kikugetsu-tei Pavilion, and the West Pond Garden.
Don’t miss: The azalea blooms in spring, the red and yellow leaves in autumn, and the illuminated garden at night during the annual winter event.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen, and bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
If you’re lucky, you might spot some turtles or carp swimming in the ponds.
2. Mount Shiude
Mount Shiude is a scenic mountain located in the Kagawa Prefecture of Japan.
What to see or do: Mount Shiude offers a great opportunity for hiking and trekking. The mountain has several well-marked trails that take you through beautiful forests and scenic viewpoints.
The hike to the top of the mountain can take around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning views from the top of Mount Shiude, which offer a panoramic vista of the surrounding area.
The summit is also home to a small shrine where you can take a moment to relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes with good traction, as some parts of the trail can be slippery.
3. Tamamo Park
A scenic park located in Sanuki city, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a stroll around the park and enjoy the beautiful seasonal flowers, including cherry blossoms, azaleas, and hydrangeas.
There is also a small pond with colorful koi fish, a traditional tea house, and several hiking trails around the park.
Don’t miss: Climbing to the top of Mt. Goken for stunning views of the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the springtime to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
The park can get quite crowded during this time, so try to arrive early in the morning or on a weekday.
Bring a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the park.
4. Marugame Castle
Marugame Castle is a historic Japanese castle located in the city of Marugame in Kagawa Prefecture.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its history as a defensive stronghold. Admire the castle’s unique architecture, including its steep stone walls, traditional wooden construction, and impressive five-story keep.
Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the castle.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the castle’s beautiful grounds, which include a picturesque garden, a traditional tea house, and a museum dedicated to local history and culture.
Insider travel tips: – Visit Marugame Castle during cherry blossom season in the spring for an unforgettable sight.
5. Zentsu-ji Temple
Zentsu-ji Temple is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan, located in the city of Sanuki.
What to see or do: Visit the main hall, the five-story pagoda, and the Kannon-do Hall. Explore the temple grounds and gardens, and learn about the history and significance of the temple.
Don’t miss: The Gokoku Shrine, which honors those who died in the service of the country, and the Kagami-ike pond, which is said to have healing powers.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the temple grounds and consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds. Don’t forget to try the local Sanuki udon noodles, which are famous in the area.
6. Kotohira-gu Shrine
Kotohira-gu Shrine is a popular and historic Shinto shrine located in the town of Kotohira in Kagawa prefecture, Japan. It is known for its long, steep staircase leading up to the entrance and beautiful architecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb the 785 steps of the shrine’s approach known as “Komo-moyo” or take a cable car to reach the main shrine buildings.
Along the way, there are many small shops and restaurants selling local specialties and souvenirs. The shrine itself is an architectural marvel, with intricate details and beautiful gardens to explore.
Don’t miss: One of the most popular attractions at Kotohira-gu is the “Bishamonten,” a golden statue of a god that is said to protect warriors.
Visitors also shouldn’t miss the stunning view of the surrounding area from the top of the shrine.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit Kotohira-gu early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes for the climb up the stairs, and don’t forget to try the local specialty, “sanuki udon,” a delicious type of noodle that is famous in the area.
7. Konpira Grand Theatre
The Konpira Grand Theatre, also known as Kotohiragu Shrine, is a traditional Kabuki theatre located in the town of Kotohira in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can watch Kabuki performances at the Konpira Grand Theatre while admiring the beauty of the traditional wooden architecture of the building.
Don’t miss: Witness the stunning stage productions while enjoying the traditional Japanese performing arts of Kabuki.
Insider travel tips: – Make sure to check the performance schedule in advance as performances are not held every day.
8. Sanuki Manno National Park
Sanuki Manno National Park is a national park located in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: 1) Visit the Ritsurin Garden, a beautiful and historical Japanese garden with over 400 years of history.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Konpira-san Shrine, one of the most popular shrines in Japan and known for its long, steep staircase leading up to the shrine.
Insider travel tips: 1) Visit during autumn (September to November) for the stunning fall foliage.
9. Takamatsu Castle
Takamatsu Castle, also known as Tamamo Castle, is a historic fortress located in the city of Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ruins of the castle, which was built in the 16th century by feudal lord Ikoma Chikamasa.
The castle was destroyed during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, but many of the original structures have been reconstructed, including the castle tower, gates, and walls.
The castle offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains, making it a popular spot for photography.
Don’t miss: One of the most notable features of the castle is the Ushitora Yagura, a two-story tower that was used for military purposes.
It is the only surviving structure of its kind in Japan, and provides a glimpse into the castle’s rich history. Visitors should also make sure to see the castle’s moat and stone walls, which are impressive feats of engineering.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the castle requires a fair amount of walking. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera, as the views from the castle are stunning.
Those interested in learning more about the castle’s history can take a guided tour, which is offered in Japanese. It’s also worth noting that the castle can be crowded during peak tourist season, so visitors should plan accordingly.
10. Yashima
Yashima, located in the Sanuki region of Japan, is a mountainous area known for its historical significance and stunning panoramic views.
What to see or do: Visitors can hike up to the top of Yashima, where a flat plateau offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
Along the way, there are also several historical sites to visit, including Yashima-ji Temple, a famous Buddhist temple that dates back to the 8th century.
Don’t miss: One of the most popular things to see in Yashima is the Yashima Battle Museum, which tells the story of the famous Battle of Yashima fought between the Taira and Minamoto clans in 1185.
The museum features dioramas and exhibits showcasing the battle, including armor and weapons used by the samurai.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the panoramic views from the top of Yashima, it’s best to visit on a clear day with good visibility.
Additionally, visitors should be prepared for a moderate hike up the mountain, and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Finally, it’s worth noting that there are several restaurants and cafes at the foot of the mountain, where visitors can enjoy local Sanuki cuisine after their hike.
11. Shikoku Mura
Open-air museum showcasing traditional Japanese architecture and rural life on Shikoku Island.
What to see or do: Explore over 30 restored buildings including a samurai house, a sake brewery, and a Shinto Shrine. Experience traditional crafts such as weaving and paper-making, and try local specialties at the onsite restaurant.
Don’t miss: The Ema Market, a unique display of over 10,000 wooden Ema prayer tablets, and the Matsuri Garden, featuring traditional festival floats and decorations.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the museum covers a large area.
Take part in a guided tour or visit during one of the seasonal events, such as the summer Bon Odori festival or the autumn foliage display.
12. Tsushima Shrine
Tsushima Shrine is a significant Shinto shrine located in the town of Sanuki in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: At Tsushima Shrine, visitors can immerse themselves in the ancient Shinto culture of Japan, witness beautiful traditional architecture, and experience the serene atmosphere.
The shrine grounds are adorned with tall cedar trees and colorful autumn foliage, making it a perfect spot for taking breathtaking photos.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of this shrine is the beautiful red-painted taiko-bashi bridge, a rare wooden arched bridge with no handrails that leads to the main shrine building.
Visitors can also participate in Shinto rituals, including clapping, bowing, and praying to the deity for good fortune, love, or success.
Insider travel tips: – For a peaceful and serene experience, it is best to visit the shrine during weekdays or early in the mornings.
13. Udatsu Old Street
Udatsu Old Street is a historical street in the Sanuki region of Japan, known for its beautifully preserved traditional architecture.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll down the street and admire the charming white-walled buildings with their distinctive udatsu (firewall) wooden panels and traditional tiled roofs.
Browse the small artisanal shops and cafes that line the street and perhaps take a break for a cup of matcha tea and some local sweets.
Don’t miss: The historic Sasaki Residence, a well-preserved samurai house that offers a glimpse into 18th-century Japanese life. Also, make sure to try the famous Sanuki udon noodles that are a local specialty.
Insider travel tips: Visit Udatsu Old Street during the annual Udatsu festival in October, when the entire street is decorated with traditional lanterns.
For a unique experience, stay at one of the traditional inns in the area and wake up to the serene sound of the nearby river.
14. Naruto Whirlpools
The Naruto Whirlpools in Sanuki are a natural attraction caused by the meeting of tides in the Naruto Strait.
What to see or do: Watching the Naruto Whirlpools is a mesmerizing sight. You can take a boat ride to see them up close.
Don’t miss: Be sure to see the whirlpools at their strongest during the spring and fall equinoxes.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Also, check the forecast as the whirlpools are best viewed on days with large tidal fluctuations.
15. Shodoshima Olive Park
A park dedicated to olive trees located in Sanuki, Shodoshima Island, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a stroll in the park and enjoy the beautiful view of the olive trees. Take photos with the numerous sculptures located throughout the park.
Visit the museum and learn about the history of olive cultivation on the island.
Don’t miss: The panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea from the top of the park’s observation tower. The delicious gourmet food made with olives, including olive oil soft serve ice cream.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the months of May or June for the best weather to enjoy the park. Take the local bus to get to the park, as it is more convenient than renting a car.
Check out the small shops located inside the park for unique souvenirs made with olive oil.