Things To Do
in Higashikagawa
Higashikagawa is a coastal city on the northeastern tip of Kagawa Prefecture, facing the Seto Inland Sea and known for its fishing ports, beaches, and quiet rural scenery. The town mixes small-town, coastal life with easy access to regional attractions in Kagawa: you’ll find local seafood, maritime industry, and views across the islands. It’s a slower-paced destination favored for outdoor activities such as cycling, beachcombing, and short hikes rather than busy tourist crowds.
Expect friendly local hospitality, seasonal festivals, and a landscape shaped by the sea and modest agriculture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your adventure by visiting the Sanuki Genichiro-in, an art museum dedicated to the works of the famous painter Genichiro Yamada. Stroll through the gardens that surround the museum, which offer breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. Take your time to appreciate the integration of nature and art.
Head to the nearby Teshima Island by ferry, where you can visit the Teshima Art Museum, a masterpiece of architectural design and artistic expression. Explore the island's natural beauty while enjoying local delights at a quaint café. As the sun shines, enjoy a peaceful walk along the coastline to soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
Return to Higashikagawa and settle down for a traditional kaiseki dinner, featuring seasonal ingredients and beautifully presented dishes. Engage with the local culture through a guided discussion about the history of local cuisine. Wind down your day by taking a stroll along the waterfront, where you can observe the sunset painting the sky.
Set out early for the Yashima Mountain, where you can hike to the summit and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding region. The morning air is crisp and reassuring, making it a perfect time for photography enthusiasts. Pause for a break and take in the serene vistas that stretch out before you.
After descending, head to Okutoyohira Park, where you can explore beautiful walking trails amidst lush greenery and enjoy a picnic with local snacks. It’s a great opportunity to connect with nature, particularly during the blooming season. Consider renting a bicycle for a more adventurous exploration of the park's expansive landscape.
Return to Higashikagawa to experience local nightlife at a cozy izakaya, where you can try various sake with your meal. Engage in friendly conversation with locals and learn about their way of life. End your day by visiting a local onsen to relax and unwind, completing your nature-filled adventure.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $3-5 |
| 🚕Taxi start (short trip) | $4-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $1.50-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic coastal Japanese experience away from crowds
- Fresh seafood and strong local food culture
- Scenic coastal roads and outdoor activities (cycling, beaches, birdwatching)
- Convenient base for exploring eastern Kagawa and nearby islands
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist services than larger cities
- Public transport schedules can be infrequent; a car or bike is useful
- English signage and speakers may be limited in rural areas
- Weather can be wet in rainy season and typhoon-prone in late summer
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / To get someone's attention
- "トイレはどこですか (Toire wa doko desu ka)" - Where is the restroom?
- "これに魚のだしは入っていますか？ (Kore ni sakana no dashi wa haitte imasu ka?)" - Does this contain fish stock?
Places to Visit in Higashikagawa
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic harbor scenes with fishing boats, nets, and early-morning activity — excellent for sunrise and candid maritime life shots.
Sweeping Seto Inland Sea vistas, rocky outcrops, and quiet beaches provide strong compositions around golden hour and low tide.
Elevated ruins and nearby shrines offer panoramic views over town and sea; useful for landscape and architectural shots.
Mudflats attract wading birds and seasonal wildlife — use a telephoto lens for bird portraits and serene long-exposure shoreline images.
Food in Higashikagawa
Higashikagawa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thick, chewy wheat noodles served hot or cold with simple broth and toppings; available at family udon shops across the city and region.
Must-Try!
Locally caught seasonal fish served as sashimi or salt-grilled (shioyaki) at small izakayas and harbor-side restaurants near the fishing ports.
Lightly battered local seafood and vegetables, best at small tempura stalls or casual eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small-scale morning market near the port where fishermen sell fresh catch and local sellers offer prepared items — try freshly grilled fish or packaged dried seafood for souvenirs.
Occasional weekend stalls and festival booths sell takoyaki, grilled skewers, and on-the-spot seafood snacks during busy seasons or events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Take off shoes when entering homes, some traditional inns (ryokan), and certain restaurants; look for a genkan (entryway) or shoe rack and wear clean socks.
Maintain a low voice in public spaces and trains; queue patiently and avoid loud phone conversations in transit.
A light bow and polite greetings are appreciated; use 'sumimasen' for attention and 'arigatou gozaimasu' to say thank you.
Use both hands when giving or receiving business cards, gifts, or change for added courtesy, and avoid pointing directly at people or objects.
Safety
Tipping in Higashikagawa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be refused; excellent service is already included, so simply thank staff with a polite phrase like 'arigatou gozaimasu.'
Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used, especially in rural areas and small shops. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist facilities, but bring cash for local markets, small izakayas, and vending machines. ATMs at 7-Eleven convenience stores and post offices are traveler-friendly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms in March–April make for pleasant walks and outdoor photography; festivals begin to pick up as the weather warms.
Hot and humid with a rainy season (tsuyu) in early summer; beaches and coastal activities are popular in July–August but watch for typhoons in late summer and early autumn.
Comfortable temperatures and clearer skies with crisp evenings and mild foliage on inland hills — ideal for hiking and seaside explorations.
Generally mild compared with northern Japan but cooler and wetter; fewer tourists and quieter coastal scenes, with occasional cold snaps and brisk sea breezes.
Higashikagawa at Night
Hiking in Higashikagawa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, low-difficulty trails along the shoreline connecting beaches, ports, and viewpoints — suitable for casual walkers and photographers.
A recognizable peak in Kagawa Prefecture known as 'Sanuki Fuji' for its conical shape; offers moderate hikes and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding plains, reachable within an hour or so from Higashikagawa by car.
Numerous short climbs to local shrines and lookout spots provide easy hiking options with cultural interest and good views over the sea and town.
Airports
How to reach Higashikagawa by plane.
The closest regional airport serving Kagawa Prefecture with domestic flights and some seasonal routes; reachable by car or bus from Higashikagawa, generally within an hour to 90 minutes depending on route.
Major international hub for western Japan; travel to Higashikagawa involves train and/or bus connections plus a ferry or bridge crossing depending on route and can take several hours — good for international arrivals.
Another regional airport across the Seto Inland Sea on Honshu; reachable by road and ferry/train combinations and useful as an alternate for domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Like many regional Japanese towns, Higashikagawa has an aging population with a significant proportion of older adults engaged in local community life.
Local economy includes fishermen, fish processors, and agricultural producers who maintain traditional industries and markets.
Small households and families who commute to nearby cities for work, and children attending local schools and community activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is widely played and followed across Japan, including regional youth leagues and school teams in Higashikagawa.
Soccer (football) is popular at amateur and school levels, with local matches and youth programs.
Recreational cycling along coastal roads and island routes is very popular among visitors and locals alike.
Both recreational and small-scale commercial fishing are important to local life and leisure.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Higashikagawa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; many broths and side dishes use fish stock (dashi). Communicate 'watashi wa bejitarian desu' and ask for dishes without fish broth; simpler udon with soy-based toppings is often safest.
Challenging due to prevalence of fish-based dashi; bring a pocket translation card asking for no fish or bonito stock and seek out cafes or larger restaurants that can accommodate requests.
Difficult to guarantee because soy sauce and udon contain wheat; discuss requirements in advance and look for rice- or seafood-based dishes rather than noodle-centered meals.