[13 Popular Date Spots in Kagawa] Memorable Scenic Views and Experiences for Two

Ritsurin Garden was completed nearly 300 years ago after generations of lords of the Takamatsu Domain gradually expanded and refined it as the Matsudaira family’s villa.
This strolling garden consists of six ponds and 13 man-made hills, and as the saying “one step, one view” suggests, you can enjoy a different beautiful scene with every step.
The view from the hill called Hiraimine is especially impressive and is often introduced as the garden’s signature景色.

Yashima is located in the northeastern part of Takamatsu City. It is designated as part of Setonaikai National Park, as well as a national historic site and natural monument.
Covered with a horizontal hard rock layer called a mesa and surrounded in part by steep cliffs, it is a table-shaped plateau that looks like a large roof.
Its highest point is Approx. 300 meters, and it measures Approx. 5 kilometers north to south and Approx. 2 kilometers east to west. There are several observation decks at the summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views of downtown Takamatsu and the beautiful island-dotted scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.

Kankakei Gorge is a valley on Shodoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture, located at the center of Setonaikai National Park.
Rocks such as andesite and agglomerate formed by volcanic activity Approx. 13 million years ago were shaped over a long period by crustal movement and erosion into a spectacular landscape of towering strange rocks and massive boulders.
It has been selected as one of Japan’s Three Great Valley Beauties, one of Japan’s Three Great Scenic Wonders, one of Japan’s 100 Landscapes, and one of the 100 Natural Sites of Japan to Preserve for the 21st Century.

Angel Road, also known as the Path of Angels, is in southwestern Shodoshima and appears from the sea twice a day at low tide, creating a sandy path that connects four islands by land.
It is a popular spot bustling with visitors, thanks not only to the rumor that couples who walk it hand in hand will be happy together in the future, but also because it is often used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas.
The Yakusoku no Oka Observatory, located after climbing Bentenjima, the first island, is an excellent photo spot with a bird’s-eye view of Angel Road.

The only national park in Shikoku, spread out beside Manno Pond, which is Japan’s largest irrigation reservoir and is also designated as a national place of scenic beauty.
The vast grounds of Approx. 350 hectares are a treasure trove of flowers. From spring to fall, you can enjoy seasonal blooms such as tulips, nemophila, hydrangeas, and cosmos.
The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including an illumination display of Approx. 600,000 lights held in winter when flowers are fewer.

This park in Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, was developed to commemorate the completion of the Great Seto Bridge.
It features a wide variety of facilities and areas, including the Great Seto Bridge Memorial Museum and Bridge Theater, where you can learn about the history of the bridge and bridge-building technology, Hamaguribayashi with its Japanese garden-style scenery, and a children’s plaza with playground equipment inspired by ships and bridges.
At the park’s main facility, the Great Seto Bridge Memorial Museum, the full scale of the massive construction project and the path to completion are introduced in an easy-to-understand way through moving models and powerful video displays.
Facing the sea, the park also offers the major appeal of close-up views of the Great Seto Bridge.
It is a spot where you can spend a special time while watching the bridge glow in the sunset and light up after dusk.

Takamatsu Castle was the residence of the successive feudal lords of the Ikoma family for four generations and the Matsudaira family for 11 generations.
Also known by the nickname Tamamo Castle, it was built facing the Seto Inland Sea as a sea castle and is counted as one of Japan’s three great water castles. Today, it is open to the public as Tamamo Park.
The castle keep, once the largest in Shikoku, was dismantled in 1884 due to deterioration, but buildings such as Tsukimi Yagura, Mizute Gomon, Watari Yagura, and Ushitora Yagura, all designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, still remain and can be visited.

A next-generation aquarium that opened in June 2020 in Utazu Town, Kagawa Prefecture, the gateway to Shikoku at the foot of the Great Seto Bridge.
With the theme of “Shikoku Aquascapes,” it features an exhibit style that recreates diverse waterscapes from around Shikoku, including the Seto Inland Sea, the Pacific Ocean, and the clear Shimanto River, and is home to Approx. 400 species and 14,000 individual creatures.
Among the 70 waterscapes throughout the aquarium, the 11-meter-wide and 5.5-meter-high tank called Watatsumi no Kei, one of the largest in Shikoku, is simply breathtaking.

One of the largest ropeways in Japan, spanning Mount Unpenji at an elevation of 927 meters in Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture.
It runs along a route Approx. 2,600 meters long with an elevation difference of Approx. 660 meters at a top speed of 36 kilometers per hour, taking you to the summit station in an Approx. 7-minute aerial ride with spectacular views waiting at the top.
After getting off the ropeway, you’ll find Unpenji Summit Park, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and Kanonji City. The area is dotted with many photogenic spots sure to look great on social media, including the wooden “Swing in the Sky,” which gives you the feeling of soaring into the sky, the “Sky Photo Frame,” perfect for commemorative photos, and benches decorated with musical note and heart motifs.

One of the largest theme parks in the Chugoku and Shikoku area.
In addition to an area where you can enjoy 22 attractions including roller coasters, VR attractions, a giant Ferris wheel, and parades featuring all the park’s characters, it also has a variety of themed zones such as Reoma Flower World, where you can admire seasonal flowers like tulips and roses, and Oriental Trip, which faithfully recreates famous Asian ruins, making it so large that you can’t see it all in one day.

A spot in Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture, known as a “zoo that’s almost too free.”
Inside the zoo, small animals such as rabbits and peacocks roam freely, allowing visitors to interact with them in a natural way. Larger animals such as tigers, lions, giraffes, and zebras are also on display, and some can be fed with food purchased inside the zoo.
There are also events such as holding baby lions and tigers, shaking hands with otters, and taking commemorative photos with snakes and birds of prey, offering special experiences you can only have here.

Washuzan is a representative scenic spot in Setonaikai National Park, known as Japan’s first national park.
Its name comes from the way it looks like an eagle with its wings spread, and it is loved as one of the symbols of Okayama Prefecture.
From Choshuho, the 133-meter summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful island-dotted scenery of more than 50 islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea, along with the majestic Great Seto Bridge.
There are two observation points, located near Washuzan Rest House and the Washuzan Visitor Center.

Takamatsu Marugamemachi Shopping Street is a 470-meter-long arcade located in the heart of the central commercial district of Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture.
It is one of the shopping streets that make up the 2.7-kilometer-long Takamatsu Central Shopping Arcade and has a long history of over 400 years.
A glass arcade stretches overhead at a height of Approx. 20 meters, creating a bright and open atmosphere.
A wide variety of shops line the street, from long-established stores to trendy boutiques and shops carrying international brands.

Naoshima is located Approx. 50 minutes by ferry from Takamatsu Port.
Known as a “sacred place for contemporary art,” it is dotted with facilities where you can enjoy contemporary art, such as Chichu Art Museum and the Naoshima New Museum of Art.
Outdoor works from the Setouchi Triennale, including Yayoi Kusama’s Red Pumpkin and Pumpkin, are also installed in various places across the island.
In addition, there are plenty of gourmet spots such as stylish cafes and sake breweries.
Enjoy a date cycling leisurely around the island on a rental bike while taking in the calm scenery of the Seto Inland Sea and freely exploring cafes and contemporary artworks.

Shodoshima, with an area of Approx. 153 square kilometers, is one of Kagawa’s larger remote islands. From Takamatsu Port, it takes Approx. 35 minutes by high-speed boat.
Its greatest appeal is its beautiful natural scenery, which often appears as a filming location for movies and TV dramas.
Travel around the island and you’ll encounter a wide range of spectacular views, from beautiful island-dotted seascapes to dramatic gorges.
In particular, the mysterious sandy path Angel Road, which appears with the tides, is known as a popular date spot for couples.
There are also many other attractive sightseeing spots, such as Michi-no-Eki Shodoshima Olive Park with its striking white Greek-style windmill.

Teshima, with an area of Approx. 14.5 square kilometers, is known alongside Naoshima as an “island of contemporary art.”
It is dotted with art facilities such as Teshima Art Museum and Teshima Yokoo House, as well as outdoor works from the Setouchi Triennale.
You can fully enjoy contemporary art together with scenery woven by Mount Danyama, with an elevation of Approx. 340 meters, terraced rice fields, and a calm coastline.
There are also restaurants and guesthouses, making Teshima a perfect place for a date where you can enjoy nature and art while spending peaceful, unhurried time together.

A 158-meter observation tower rising in Utazu Town, Kagawa Prefecture. Approx. 7,000 half-mirrored panels covering the exterior walls reflect light and give it a distinctive shine.
Inside are unique facilities such as Play Park, where you can enjoy a variety of attractions, and SORAKIN, a fantastical space decorated with goldfish, mirrors, and mirror balls.
From the observation floor 119 meters above ground, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Great Seto Bridge, the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea, and the townscape of Utazu.
It is open until 10:00pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and after sunset, the illuminated Great Seto Bridge and sparkling night scenery spread out below.
The sight of the lit-up Gold Tower floating against the night sky is also not to be missed.

Shishi no Reigan, located on the summit of Yashima in Takamatsu City, Kagawa, is a strangely shaped rock that looks like a lion roaring toward the sea.
Its top serves as an observation point, with views of downtown Takamatsu and the beautiful island-dotted scenery of the Seto Inland Sea spread out below.
In the evening, you can watch the sun set into the Seto Inland Sea, and its beauty has earned it a place among Japan’s 100 Best Sunsets.
The magic hour just after sunset is also enchanting, and it’s recommended to slowly enjoy the scenery as it shifts from the sunset glow to city lights.
Another local specialty is kawara-nage, where you throw an unglazed clay plate while making a wish.
If you try it while wishing for your love to last, it will surely become a memorable experience.

The tallest high-rise building in Shikoku, standing in the Takamatsu Port area at 30 stories and 151.3 meters tall.
Inside are offices and a multipurpose plaza, along with restaurants in a variety of genres and souvenir shops. The 29th floor is a free observation space and is open from 10:00am to 11:15pm.
From the large windows, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, Yashima, and downtown Takamatsu, with refreshing scenery in the daytime.
At night, you can take in a romantic night view created by Takamatsu Port, the city lights, and the illuminated Great Seto Bridge.
At the attached cafe and bar Sakagura Go to Ni Ten, try light meals and drinks while enjoying the spectacular view.

An Italian restaurant in central Takamatsu that is reservation-only and serves only omakase courses.
With a commitment to simple cooking that brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, it maximizes the appeal of seasonal ingredients through ideas that go beyond the usual framework of Italian cuisine.
You can enjoy a wide variety of seasonal dishes for lunch and dinner, such as open-faced sandwiches with smoked butter and mushrooms, charcoal-grilled flounder with napa cabbage and clam sauce, and pasta with beef ragu.
Desserts such as baked pudding and Basque cheesecake are also popular, making for a satisfying experience until the very end.
The chic exterior and antique-filled interior create a calm space with only six seats.
Take your time enjoying refined food and a quiet atmosphere with someone special.

A Japanese restaurant located in Takamatsu’s Lion-dori Shopping Street.
Its appeal lies in the abundance of seasonal seafood landed from the Seto Inland Sea, which you can enjoy as sashimi or sushi alongside carefully selected sake from around Japan.
The nigiri kaiseki course changes depending on the price and that day’s catch, but lets you enjoy everything from sashimi to grilled dishes, tempura, and sushi in luxurious small portions. There is also a wide selection of à la carte dishes such as fried items and simmered dishes.
The delicate flavors created by skilled artisans and the beautifully presented dishes are a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Denho is a Japanese restaurant where you can enjoy carefully prepared dishes that bring out the best of seasonal ingredients.
Recommended options are the Denho Course, which lets you fully savor the blessings of the season, and the Chef’s Selection Appetizer Course, where you can enjoy a variety of dishes to pair with drinks.
Another attraction is the pairing of sake brought in from around Japan with a varied à la carte menu.
The calm interior has counter seats and fully private rooms, so you can choose according to the occasion.
For date night dinner, enjoy thoughtful pairings of cuisine and sake in a private setting.

A hot spring ryokan located in the gateway town of Kotohiragu Shrine, one of Kagawa’s leading power spots.
It is also easily accessible, about 40 minutes by Kotohira bus from Takamatsu Airport.
The biggest attraction is that the inn has three bathing areas and 15 types of baths, allowing you to enjoy a tour of hot springs without ever leaving the property.
The guest rooms are diverse, and rooms with open-air baths let you enjoy the hot springs in a private setting.
In addition, the inn’s two restaurants serve creative kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal ingredients from Shikoku, as well as local dishes such as Sanuki udon.

A hotel located on the east side of Mineyama Ryokuchi Park in Takamatsu City, also called the “flower inn” because it is surrounded by seasonal flowers.
Its greatest attraction is the outstanding view overlooking the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea and downtown Takamatsu.
Another nice point is that after sunset, you can enjoy the sparkling Takamatsu cityscape from inside the hotel.
There is a large public bath designed to make the most of the view, as well as a footbath in the Sky Lounge where you can relax while enjoying the night view and evening breeze, helping to soothe your travel fatigue.
Popular sightseeing spots such as Ritsurin Garden, Kotohiragu Shrine, and Yashima are scattered nearby, making it highly convenient as a sightseeing base.

A resort hotel in a prime location just a 3-minute walk from Angel Road, one of Shodoshima’s most popular sightseeing spots. From every guest room, you can enjoy sweeping views of the graceful island-dotted scenery of Setouchi and the majestic form of Yashima in Shikoku, like a masterpiece framed before your eyes.
There are as many as 100 guest rooms in a wide variety of styles, including rooms with open-air baths, suites, and Japanese-Western rooms, allowing you to choose based on the purpose of your trip and the occasion.
The Executive Room with Open-Air Bath, featuring a spacious outdoor bath overlooking Angel Road, and the Top Floor Suite Room with high-grade facilities offer a luxurious stay that will become a once-in-a-lifetime memory.