Introduction of host city
Introduction of host city
Attractions of Kagawa and Takamatsu
The Seto Inland Sea is praised as the "Jewel of the World”. The islands, protected by the sea, offer enchanting landscapes. The Sanuki Plains promises fruitful harvests in each of the four seasons. With a warm and comfortable climate, Kagawa is blessed with many charms.
迎
-hospitality-
“Shikoku Henro”, a circular pilgrimage of the 88 hallowed grounds in Shikoku that follows the footsteps of Kobo Daishi (aka Kukai, a famous ancient Buddhist monk), is a living cultural heritage that Shikoku boast to the world and has coexisted with and been handed down in the region for over a thousand years.
One of the cultural practices that has remained in place since ancient times is omotenashi, which means "reception and hospitality," and expresses the custom of offering food and drinks to people on pilgrimages. This custom has deepened exchanges among people.
In recent years, many people from all over the world, including Europe, have visited Shikoku for the Shikoku Henro.
美
-feeling-
An art festival that take place across the Seto islands.
The Setouchi Triennale, which has been held every three years since 2010, aims to revitalize island communities that once thrived within the spectacular setting of the Seto Inland Sea, a nexus of trade and cultural exchange, and transform this region into a Sea of Hope for the world.
Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea has attracted attention as a leading island for nature, art, architecture, and the environment. It is famous for Chichu Art Museum designed by architect Tadao Ando.
The Teshima Art Museum is located in a corner of terraced rice fields that were originally fallow. The museum was created by artist Rei Naito and architect Ryue Nishizawa. Openings in the ceiling allow wind, sound, and light to pass through this organic space, where nature and architecture act in concert with one another.
Bonsai, which are essentially natural landscapes in pots, have become increasingly popular overseas as a form of art that weaves humans and nature together, thereby becoming a means of communication around the world. Pine bonsai from Takamatsu, which holds the top market share in Japan, have a reputation of having "little root rot and no wear or tear" with, of course, a beautiful appearance.
There are many beautiful bonsai nurseries in the towns of Kinashi and Kokubunji in the western part of Takamatsu City, where small pine trees can be planted in fields at various locations. This landscape of bonsai seedlings grown in fields is a unique sight that can only be found in Takamatsu.
Bonsai are now frequently exported to Europe and Asia.
餐
-cuisine-
Kagawa Prefecture is known for its “Sanuki udon". The firm noodles are the main appeal of this dish, which can be eaten in a variety of ways. Some of the ways to enjoy Sanuki udon is as ‘kake udon’ with rich fish broth, ‘shoyu (soy sauce) udon’ to enjoy the taste of the noodles, and ‘kamatama udon’ (topped with a raw egg and savory sauce) with its pleasant flavor. Kagawa Prefecture is widely known for its Sanuki Udon, thick Japanese wheat noodles. There are numerous restaurants that serve Udon and the competition is severe. No wonder the Udon culture continues to evolve. All the reason you should try the Sanuki Udon.
“Honetsuki-dori" is a chicken dish originates from Marugame, western Kagawa Prefecture, where thigh meat on the bone is seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and other seasonings and grilled to a savory perfection. Once you bite into a freshly grilled boned-chicken, you will be addicted to the juices and spicy seasoning. It is a specialty of Kagawa and can be enjoyed throughout the prefecture.
diverse and high quality ingredients
Kagawa's ingredients are characterized by its wide variety, freshness and quality. Many unique Kagawa foods are produced, including olive beef, olive yume-buta (pork), and Olive Hamachi (amberjack), all of which are fed olives the prefectural flower and tree.
観
-tourism-
Ritsurin Park is the largest of the gardens designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan. It was created by successive lords of the Sanuki Takamatsu Domain during the Edo period (1603-1868) over a period of more than 100 years. Six ponds and thirteen artificial hills are skillfully arranged against the backdrop of the pine-green Shikunsan Mountain. The garden is also decorated with seasonal flowers and trees, and has received high acclaim from overseas, including a listing in the "Michelin Green Guide Japan" as a three-star hotel, the highest rating possible.
This roof-shaped lava plateau is known as the battlefield of the Genpei War (a major civil war fought between the medieval clans of Genji and Heike). In the afternoon, superb views of the beautiful islands, together with the calm waves of the Seto Inland Sea, can be seen from the top of the roof-shaped mountain. In the evenings, visitors can enjoy the contrast between the beautiful Takamatsu City and the Seto Inland Sea.
On top of the mountain are Yashimāru, uniquely designed to evoke the rolling hills of the surrounding terrain, Yashimaji Temple, the 84th hallowed ground on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and the New Yashima Aquarium, an aquarium rarely located at the mountaintop. Cafe and souvenir shops are also very popoular with toursit of all ages.
Since ancient times, the principal god of this shrine has been popularly known as "Konpira-san of Sanuki" and is the god of the sea. The approach to the main shrine is a famously long path of 785 stone steps, with a total of 1,368 steps to the inner shrine. The view of the Seto Inland Sea and Sanuki Plains as you look back from the main shrine is exceptional.
Architecutres and art works that are designated as important Japanese cultural propterties are scattered around in the area. The streets themselves hold historic views and attracts three million prigrims a year to this location.
Information
With the smallest area in Japan (1,876.78 square kilometers), it is possible to travel from Takamatsu City to most parts of the prefecture in less than one hour (when using the expressway).
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| Area | Population | Weather | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kagawa Prefecture | 1,876.91km2 | 931,981人 | The region has a mild climate with many sunny days, and is one of the least disaster-prone areas in the country. |
| Takamatsu City | 375.54km2 | 413,711人 |