This is the second installment in our series introducing autumn foliage spots in the Chugoku-Shikoku region
– featuring Kagawa Prefecture!
Kagawa Prefecture is blessed with a mild climate facing the Seto Inland Sea and the beautiful nature of the Sanuki Mountains. In autumn, you can enjoy stunning fall colors throughout the prefecture. While Kagawa is famous as the “Udon Prefecture,” it actually boasts numerous renowned autumn foliage destinations. Despite its compact size, the prefecture offers diverse foliage spots from mountainous areas to coastlines. Here are our top 3 recommended destinations.
– Table of Contents –
1. Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu City)
2. Kankakei Gorge (Shodoshima Town)
3. Kotohira Shrine (Kotohira Town)
4. Tips for Enjoying Autumn Foliage
5. Summary
1. Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu City)
Best viewing: Late November to early December
Designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, Ritsurin Garden is a stroll-style daimyo garden with 400 years of history. In this beautiful garden with Mount Shiun as borrowed scenery, maples and wax trees turn vibrant colors, creating spectacular reflections in the ponds.
Highlights:
– Panoramic view of the garden and Mount Shiun’s autumn colors from Hiraiho Peak, said to resemble Mount Fuji
– Autumn foliage viewing while enjoying matcha tea at Kikugetsu-tei
– Enchanting nighttime illuminations
– 30-minute traditional boat cruise for waterside foliage viewing
The vast 75-hectare grounds feature 13 artificial hills and 6 ponds, offering different perspectives of autumn colors.
Newbie’s Recommendation!
Visit right after opening in early morning! The collaboration of morning mist, garden, and autumn foliage is breathtakingly beautiful. Viewing the foliage from water level on a traditional boat is exceptional! During illumination season, evening boat rides are also available – highly recommended!
2. Kankakei Gorge (Shodoshima Town)
Best viewing: Mid to late November
Kankakei Gorge on Shodoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea is one of Japan’s three most scenic gorges. The landscape created by diverse rock formations from volcanic activity 13 million years ago and autumn colors of over 50 plant species is magnificent.
Highlights:
– 360-degree spectacular views from the ropeway
– Autumn foliage panorama with Seto Inland Sea islands as backdrop
– Forest bathing and foliage walks on hiking trails “Omote Twelve Scenic Spots” and “Ura Eight Scenic Spots”
From the summit of Hoshigajo, you can overlook the autumn-colored gorge and Seto Inland Sea. The foliage illuminated by sunset is truly nature’s artwork.
Newbie’s Recommendation!
The ropeway is essential! The carpet of autumn colors viewed from above is moving, and the contrast with Seto Inland Sea’s island beauty is superb. Try maple leaf extract soda while viewing foliage at the summit!
3. Kotohira Shrine (Kotohira Town)
Best viewing: Late November to early December
Kotohira Shrine, affectionately known as “Konpira-san,” is famous for its 1,368 stone steps, but it’s also renowned for autumn foliage. Maples and ginkgo trees planted along the approach to the inner shrine create beautiful colors, allowing visitors to enjoy both pilgrimage and foliage viewing.
Highlights:
– Autumn color gradations while climbing stone steps
– Views of Sanuki Plain and autumn foliage from the main shrine
– Elegant foliage viewing in Omote-shoin garden
– Serene foliage spots on the path to the inner shrine
At the 785th step main shrine, enjoy autumn colors while overlooking Sanuki Plain. Climbing another 583 steps to the inner shrine reveals deeper mountain foliage.
Newbie’s Recommendation!
The stone steps are challenging, but the sense of achievement and spectacular views are worth it! The collaboration of sunset and autumn foliage from the main shrine is exceptional. Those less confident about stamina can still enjoy beautiful foliage in the Omote-shoin garden!
4. Tips for Enjoying Autumn Foliage
Kagawa’s Unique Ways to Enjoy:
– Combine Sanuki udon tours with foliage viewing
– Enjoy island sightseeing and autumn colors together on Shodoshima
– Views of Seto Inland Sea islands and foliage from ferries
Access Points:
Access Shodoshima via ferry from Takamatsu Port. During foliage season, tourist numbers increase, so ferry reservations and early arrival are recommended. Ritsurin Garden is in central Takamatsu, 20 minutes walk from JR Takamatsu Station or easily accessible by bus.
For clothing, items to bring, and optimal viewing times, please refer to our previous Hiroshima edition, which also introduces attractive foliage spots like Miyajima and Teishaku Gorge with different charms from Kagawa.
Top 5 Autumn Foliage Spots in Hiroshima – Enjoy Fall Colors in the Chugoku-Shikoku Region
5. Summary
Kagawa’s autumn foliage spots offer the unique charm of enjoying fall colors combined with beautiful Seto Inland Sea scenery. From historic gardens to island gorges and sacred shrines, diverse foliage spots are concentrated in this compact prefecture. Combined with Kagawa’s cuisine, fully enjoy Kagawa’s autumn – it will surely be a wonderful, memorable experience.
*Foliage peak times may vary due to weather conditions. Please check the latest foliage information before visiting.
