Kagawa might be the smallest prefecture in Japan but has recently risen in popularity due to its close proximity to the art islands Naoshima and Teshima, and housing some of the main temples in the esteemed 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Public transportation is fairly straightforward with lots of English signage to help out tourists. The Kotoden train line runs through Takamatsu, Kagawa’s capital city, while ferries transport art lovers to the nearby islands.
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The Takamatsu Airport Limousine bus is the most seamless way to get into the city from Takamatsu Airport. Each bus leaves approximately 15 minutes after each flight arrives and fares depend on the arrival destination. The fare for the airport to the terminal Takamatsu station is 760 yen one way and takes about 40 minutes. The limousines run from 9:15 AM to 9:30 PM. It is also possible to travel by taxi. The thirty minute journey costs about 5,000 yen, depending on the time.
![Getting Around Kagawa]()
Getting Around Kagawa
The Kotoden is Kagawa’s main source of transportation. The terminal station is Takamatsu-Chikko, just around the corner from the JR Takamatsu station. The three train lines, the Kotohira, the Nagao and Shido Lines are all named after the temples at the terminal stop, making them easy to remember. The Kotoden runs from the port down the Kotohira Line, the main destination being Kotohira-gu shrine, as well as the Nagao Line, with the Okubo-ji Temple, or the 88th temple, being the terminal tourist destination. The Shido Line runs parallel to the sea, its ending stop being the Shido-ji Temple, or the 86th temple. Unfortunately, the JR pass cannot be used with the Kotoden, with fares ranging from 190 yen to 620 yen.
Local buses are also available to access but have less English signage and are more difficult to use.
It is recommended to get a dolphin adorned IruCa for easier public transportation use. Similar to Tokyo’s Suica card, the IruCa saves the time of purchasing daily tickets. The initial charge is 2,000 yen which includes a 500 yen deposit. It is also possible to return the card to receive the deposit back. The IruCa can also be used in participating stores in lieu of cash. Only in Kagawa for one day? The one day ticket costs 1,230 yen (620 yen for children) and can be used for all Kotoden train lines.![Getting Around Kagawa]()
Getting Around Kagawa
Taxis are also an option. In Takamatsu city the fare starts from 640 yen for 1,500 meters and additionally 80 yen every 306 meters.
![Getting Around Kagawa]()
Getting Around Kagawa
The Japan Rail Pass covers the JR Tokushima Line which provides easy access to outside Takamatsu. It is less convenient than the Kotoden for inner city access but will provide an easy gateway to destinations a little outside the city center. The JR Takamatsu station, or Sunport, is also a large shopping area serving as the central point in the capital.
![Getting Around Kagawa]()
Getting Around Kagawa
One of the main destinations in Kagawa is Naoshima, the art island. Both a 25 minute high speed boat and an hour long Yayoi Kusama polka dotted ferry travel from Takamatsu port to Miyanoura port. The high speed boat costs 1,220 yen one way while the ferry costs 520 yen one way. The ferry and boat only run about ten times per day from 7 AM to 7:50 PM so be sure to double check the timetable at the port before leaving for Naoshima.
Naoshima Island 1 day Cycling Tour
¥69,600
Update date：2024/04/25
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