Kagawa Prefecture offers a surprising mix of art, tradition, and local flavors in a small but lively corner of Japan. Its island of Naoshima stands out as a world-renowned hub of contemporary art, thanks to iconic museums and installations that attract visitors from all over. We love how a private tour like the Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with a Government-Licensed Guide allows you to customize your experience — whether you’re into modern art, architecture, or local culture. Such tours make it easier to explore at your own pace, with expert guidance.
Beyond Naoshima, Kagawa’s rich traditions shine through in activities like pilgrimages to ancient temples, local food tours, and unique martial arts experiences. For instance, the Seven Temple Pilgrimage Private Full-Day Tour offers a guided way to walk the historic paths, blending spiritual practice with cultural insight. And if you’re a food lover, trying local udon on an e-bike—like in the Kagawa: E-Bike Rental to Hidden Udon—is an excellent way to taste authentic flavors while exploring small towns and alleyways.
Below, we’ve rounded up eight top tours that showcase the diverse ways you can experience Kagawa, whether you want art, adventure, or spiritual discovery.
1. Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
At number 1, this private full-day tour offers a tailored way to explore Naoshima’s most famous art sites. For around $207, you get about 8 hours of leisurely discovery, with a customizable itinerary that can include the renowned Chichu Art Museum, the Art House Project in Honmura, and other galleries or baths depending on your interests. The guide—fully licensed—acts as your personal interpreter of Naoshima’s unique blend of architecture and art.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility. You choose three or four sites, and your guide takes care of logistics and insider tips. Reviewers rave about guides like Yoko and Sato, who make the experience fun and informative. One traveler noted, “Sato-san curated a perfect day, sharing lots of art trivia and local stories.” It’s especially suited for art lovers who want a personalized experience without the hassle of planning. The pickup from Takamatsu hotels adds convenience.
Bottom Line: If you want a hassle-free, flexible, and expert-led art exploration, this private tour offers great value and memorable moments.
2. Experience Japanese Martial Arts Karate in Kagawa
Kagawa isn’t just about art and temples; it’s also the birthplace of karate, and at number 2, you can try it yourself. For about $69, you’ll spend roughly 90 minutes at a permanent dojo in Sakaide City, a city conveniently located in Shikoku. This experience is designed for beginners and those who might not be athletic, focusing on basic movements and the spirit behind karate.
The class emphasizes safety and fun, with instructors guiding you through simple kicks and punches — no reckless practicing here. You’ll learn some core techniques and get a taste of Japan’s martial arts culture firsthand. It’s a light, energetic activity perfect for those curious about Japan’s martial traditions but not ready for a full-on training camp.
Reviews are scarce, but the value is evident for travelers seeking a short, engaging introduction to Japanese martial arts. Plus, it’s an affordable way to add a cultural twist to your trip.
Bottom Line: Suitable for anyone interested in martial arts, this short class offers a hands-on way to connect with Japan’s athletic heritage without a big time commitment.
$69.71 per person
3. Naoshima Island Private Customizable Full Day Tour
At number 3, this customizable tour lets you tailor your Naoshima experience to match your interests. For $280, roughly an 8-hour journey, it’s ideal if you want to go beyond the usual highlights. Once you book, you fill out a form detailing preferred sites, and the guide crafts a personalized itinerary.
Highlights include visiting Tadao Ando-designed museums, like the underground Benesse House, or exploring lesser-known art installations and scenic viewpoints. The tour emphasizes insider knowledge and flexibility, making it perfect for repeat visitors or those with specific art or nature interests. The guide will also share stories behind each site, enriching your understanding of Naoshima’s cultural landscape.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a bespoke experience and prefer not to stick to a fixed schedule. The price is higher, but the tailored approach and dedicated guide make it a special, intimate way to explore.
Bottom Line: If you crave personalized exploration and want to dig deep into Naoshima’s art and scenery, this private tour delivers a custom, engaging day.
$280.31 per person
4. Seven Temple Pilgrimage Private Full-Day Tour in Kagawa
Number 4 on our list offers an immersive spiritual experience through Kagawa’s famous pilgrimage route. For around $301, this full-day guided tour visits temples 71 to 77, with a mix of walking, bus rides, and meditative moments. The tour includes visits to Iyadani-ji, Mandara-ji, Shusshakaji, and others, with opportunities to walk along historic pilgrimage paths.
What makes this tour special is the chance to experience Buddhist traditions firsthand — from walking paths to temple rooms with Fusuma paintings. The guide also arranges a special shojin (vegetarian) lunch at Le Paysant, and there’s the option to try meditation at some temples. The itinerary includes walking experiences and cultural insights that deepen the spiritual connection.
This tour suits those interested in Japanese religion, culture, and history. While it’s longer, the focus on authentic tradition makes it stand out. The only potential downside is the physical activity involved, but the guide ensures comfort and engagement.
Bottom Line: For spiritual seekers or history buffs, this guided pilgrimage offers a meaningful, structured day exploring Kagawa’s sacred landscape.
$300.96 per person
5. Kagawa: E-Bike Rental to Hidden Udon Recommended by Locals
Number 5 is a cost-effective and active way to explore Kagawa’s famous udon culture. For just $21, you can rent an e-bike for four hours and visit hidden udon shops recommended by local taxi drivers. The ride covers scenic towns, small alleys, and countryside areas often missed by travelers.
You won’t find a formal guide—just a route map—making this a self-directed adventure. It’s ideal for foodies and independent explorers who want to taste a variety of udon styles, from thick noodles to more delicate options, in authentic settings. The route can be customized based on your preferences, and the e-bike makes riding through hilly or narrow streets manageable.
While you won’t get guided commentary, riding through small towns and sampling local flavors delivers a rich cultural experience at a budget-friendly price. It’s perfect for active travelers who enjoy discovering offbeat spots.
Bottom Line: If sampling authentic Kagawa udon and exploring at your own pace appeals, this e-bike rental offers great value and a taste of local life.
$21 per person
6. Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage by E- Bike Tour
In sixth place, this short e-bike tour covers temples 86-88, the final stretch of Shikoku’s famous pilgrimage route. Priced at about $98, it lasts around three hours and is perfect for those who want a snapshot of the pilgrimage without the full commitment.
Riders follow peaceful country roads to visit the last few sacred temples and see where pilgrims finish their journey. The guide explains the significance of each stop and introduces you to local customs. The e-bike makes it easy to enjoy the scenery without strenuous effort, and the route is suitable for anyone over 150cm tall.
This tour is best suited for cultural curious travelers who want a manageable introduction to Shikoku’s spiritual landscape. It’s a good way to experience the pilgrimage atmosphere without dedicating days to walking.
Bottom Line: For a brief but meaningful taste of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, this e-bike tour hits the right notes of culture and comfort.
$98.01 per person
7. Finding Naoshima Tour: An Art Island Discovery Tour
Number 7 offers a compact, art-focused tour perfect for those short on time. For $59, about four hours, you’ll explore Naoshima’s key sites like the Art House Project around Miyanoura Port (Red Pumpkin) and the Pavilion. The tour includes photo opportunities and a chance to experience the island’s creative harmony.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on art and photography, making it a great option for visitors wanting a quick but meaningful taste. The guide helps you access museum tickets and offers insights into Naoshima’s art scene. It’s a good pick for travelers who want to see the highlights efficiently.
While it’s not a private tour, the group size keeps it intimate enough for personalized attention. It’s especially suited for art enthusiasts or travelers with limited time.
Bottom Line: If your goal is to capture Naoshima’s art essence in a few hours, this tour offers a well-curated, budget-friendly experience.
$58.80 per person
8. Spend Special Time Enjoying Local Food in Zentsuji, Kagawa
Finally, number 8 is a food-centric tour in Zentsuji, the birthplace of Kobo Daishi Kukai. For about $75, this 2-hour tour explores local sacred temples and incorporates a food tasting journey. It’s perfect for those wanting to combine spiritual exploration with regional cuisine.
The tour includes visits to temples related to Kukai and may feature tastings of local specialties. It’s a relaxed way to learn about Kagawa’s cultural traditions while enjoying authentic meals in the town. Ideal for food lovers and culture seekers, this experience balances spiritual history with culinary delights.
This tour suits travelers interested in local food and religious sites, especially if you prefer a more leisurely pace. The focus on Zentsuji’s town atmosphere makes it an authentic, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: For a mix of food and culture, this tour offers a meaningful look at Zentsuji’s spiritual and culinary traditions.
$75.57 per group (up to 10)
How to Choose the Perfect Tour in Kagawa
When deciding between these options, consider your priorities: Are you an art enthusiast who wants a private, tailored experience? The Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour is hard to beat for customization. If you’re interested in cultural and spiritual sites, the Seven Temple Pilgrimage provides a meaningful journey, while the Shikoku pilgrimage by e-bike offers a quick taste of the route.
For food lovers wanting to explore local udon on a budget, the E-bike udon tour is ideal, especially for active travelers. Meanwhile, those seeking a cultural, spiritual, or artistic experience can pick from private, custom tours or group explorations focusing on temples or art sites.
Booking early is especially important for popular tours like the private Naoshima visit or the pilgrimage experiences, which fill quickly during peak seasons. Consider your pace, interests, and budget to find the best fit — Kagawa offers something for every curiosity.
In sum, whether you’re after art, spirituality, culinary delights, or adventure, Kagawa has a tour that matches your style. The variety of options ensures you can plan a trip that’s tailored to your interests, leaving you with memorable stories and authentic experiences. Take the time to pick the right tour, and enjoy discovering this charming corner of Japan.