5 Must-Try Tours In Kagawa Prefecture

Kagawa Prefecture is a fantastic destination for those looking to combine art, spirituality, and authentic local experiences. Located on Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, it’s less crowded than nearby regions but packed with unique sights. We’re especially fond of the Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide for its fully customizable approach, allowing travelers to explore Naoshima’s art and architecture at their own pace. Plus, the private guide ensures you get insider insights and personalized attention. If you’re interested in spiritual journeys, the Seven Temple Pilgrimage Private Full-Day Tour in Kagawa offers a meaningful immersion in Buddhist culture. For a quick, artsy escape, the Finding Naoshima Tour: An Art Island Discovery Tour is perfect for those on a shorter schedule. Lastly, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage by E- Bike Tour, which combines cycling with spiritual sightseeing. Whether you want artistic inspiration, spiritual reflection, or active adventure, Kagawa’s tours deliver a memorable experience.

Quick Overview: The best tours in Kagawa span a variety of interests and activity levels. You can enjoy a fully private, tailored art tour of Naoshima, explore seven historic temples on a guided pilgrimage, or see the island’s highlights on a quick discovery trip. For those wanting a deeper dive into Buddhist tradition, the pilgrimage offers walking and meditative experiences. Meanwhile, cycling along sacred temple routes provides a lively and eco-friendly way to connect with Japan’s spiritual side. Read on to find the perfect tour for your trip.

1. Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

At number 1, the Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide offers a personalized exploration of Japan’s most famous art island. Costing around $200.96 per person, this 8-hour tour is ideal for travelers who want a flexible, curated experience without the hassle of planning logistics. Your private guide will pick you up from your Takamatsu hotel—no need to worry about transport— and take you on a journey through Naoshima’s most compelling sites.

What makes this tour stand out is its fully customizable itinerary. You choose between three or four sites like the Chichu Art Museum, with its underground Tadao Ando architecture, or the Art House Project in Honmura, where abandoned houses become art installations. The Benesse House combines a museum with a boutique hotel, letting you enjoy art and nature side by side. If energy permits, a relaxing soak at the I♥YU sento, a colorful traditional bathhouse filled with contemporary art, is a fun way to cap the day. This tour is perfect for art lovers who want depth and flexibility, and the personalized touch means you won’t be stuck in a crowded group.

Bottom Line: A private, customizable art tour that caters to your interests, offering a deep dive into Naoshima’s most iconic sites—especially suited for art aficionados or those seeking a stress-free day.

2. Seven Temple Pilgrimage Private Full-Day Tour in Kagawa

For around $300.96 per person, the Seven Temple Pilgrimage Private Full-Day Tour in Kagawa offers a meditative journey through Japan’s spiritual heartland. This 7-8 hour tour takes you along the sacred route from the 71st to the 77th temple of the famous 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, mainly via bus. You’ll experience walking pilgrimages on historic paths like the Iyadani-ji and Mandara-ji routes, each with detailed explanations and cultural insights.

Highlights include visiting Koyama Temple, where you can explore exclusive rooms with Fusuma paintings and participate in meditation, and a special shojin (vegetarian Zen cuisine) lunch at Le Paysant. The tour also includes a walking tour inside Zentsuji, a site with a long-standing history tied to the pilgrimage. This experience is perfect for those interested in Buddhism, Japanese tradition, or those who want a meaningful, immersive day that combines walking, reflection, and cultural discovery.

While no reviews are available, the emphasis on walking and meditation makes this suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level who want to connect with local spiritual practices. Expect a serene, contemplative experience with plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet moments.

Bottom Line: A contemplative, culturally rich tour that appeals to spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts, offering an authentic taste of Japan’s religious landscape.

3. Finding Naoshima Tour: An Art Island Discovery Tour

At number 3, the Finding Naoshima Tour: An Art Island Discovery Tour is a shorter, more budget-friendly option at just $58.80 per person. Lasting about 4 hours, this tour is perfect for travelers with limited time who still want a taste of Naoshima’s rich art scene. It covers the essentials, including visits to the Art House Project around Miyanoura Port, where you can see iconic spots like the Red Pumpkin and Pavilion, and enjoy taking memorable photos.

What makes this tour different is its focus on capturing Naoshima’s essence without the need for extensive planning. The guide ensures you see the island’s most famous works and provides insights into how these art pieces blend with the natural landscape. It’s an easy-paced tour suitable for families, casual travelers, or those just wanting a quick art fix without sacrificing depth.

Since the tour is brief, it’s best suited for visitors on a tight schedule or first-timers who want a snapshot of Naoshima’s artistic highlights. The price is reasonable, and it includes free admission to the sites, making it great value.

Bottom Line: A quick, engaging introduction to Naoshima’s art scene, ideal for first-time visitors or travelers with limited time who want an authentic experience.

4. Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage by E- Bike Tour

For active travelers, the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage by E- Bike Tour allows you to cycle through the last three temples of the renowned 88-temple route, specifically 86-88. Priced at around $98.01 per person, this 3-hour tour combines physical activity with spiritual sightseeing, making it a lively alternative to walking or bus-based pilgrimages.

Your e-bike makes riding over country roads manageable, even if you’re not an experienced cyclist. Along the way, you’ll pass through peaceful rural scenery, visit Temples 86-88, and witness where pilgrims complete their journey. The tour offers insights into the Japanese cultural practice of pilgrimage, including visits to beautiful temples and interactions with local people, providing a well-rounded cultural experience.

The tour is suitable for those over 150cm comfortable on bikes and looking for a bit of movement amid their spiritual exploration. While this short route only covers the final part of the pilgrimage, it’s a meaningful way to understand the tradition without committing to the full 88-temple route.

Bottom Line: An active, fun way to experience part of Japan’s famous pilgrimage route, perfect for cyclists who want a short, energetic cultural outing.

5. Naoshima Island Private Customizable Full Day Tour

Rounding out the list, the Naoshima Island Private Customizable Full Day Tour offers a tailored experience for about $280.31 per person. This 8-hour private tour is ideal if you want a flexible, personalized approach to exploring Naoshima. Upon booking, you’ll fill out a tour form detailing specific sites and interests, allowing your guide to craft a bespoke itinerary that suits your passions.

Highlights include visiting architecture masterpieces like Tadao Ando’s Benesse House, touring the Art House Project in depth, and discovering lesser-known spots that many visitors overlook. The tour also includes visits to a renowned public bathhouse with contemporary art and traditional design, providing a well-rounded culture.

Guests who prioritize a customized experience appreciate the depth and personal attention, with the flexibility to explore what interests them most. The downside might be the higher cost and the need to plan ahead with preferences in mind, but for those who want total control over their day, it’s worth it.

Bottom Line: A fully personalized tour that lets you focus on your favorite aspects of Naoshima, ideal for travelers who want control and exclusivity.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Kagawa

When selecting a tour, consider your interest level in art or spirituality, whether you prefer guided or private experiences, and your budget. If you’re passionate about contemporary art, the private Naoshima Art Tour is hard to beat, especially for art lovers craving customization. For a spiritual journey, the Seven Temple Pilgrimage provides a profound cultural connection, while cycling on the Shikoku 88 Temple route offers an active, engaging way to experience Japan’s pilgrimage traditions.

For those with limited time but a love for art, the Finding Naoshima Tour gives a quick, affordable taste without sacrificing the core experience. And if customizing suits your travel style, the Naoshima Private Full Day provides the flexibility to focus on what matters most to you.

Practical tips include booking early during peak seasons (spring and autumn), and considering travel logistics—most tours include hotel pickups or easy access points. Decide if you want an active day on bikes, a contemplative spiritual experience, or a tailor-made art exploration, and pick the tour that best matches your style.

Final Thoughts

Kagawa Prefecture offers a fascinating mix of art, spirituality, and scenic beauty, with options suited for a variety of interests and activity levels. If you’re an art enthusiast craving deep engagement, the fully private tour of Naoshima is hard to beat. For those drawn to Japan’s spiritual side, the temple pilgrimage provides meaningful insights and reflection. Active travelers will find cycling tours both fun and enlightening, while shorter discovery trips are perfect for tight schedules.

No matter your preference, these tours demonstrate that Kagawa is a place where culture and nature meet in authentic, memorable ways. To ensure an enjoyable experience, book early and tailor your itinerary to your interests. With so much to see and do, your trip to Kagawa will surely be one to remember.