Kagawa, which is famous for the Shikoku 88 location pilgrimage, has hot springs and tourist spots everywhere, and there are many Japanese-style inns and resort hotels. Here, we will introduce the four hot spring villages in Kagawa, including inns and highlights in the area.
Shionoe Onsen-kyo: Kanagawa's 1,300 Year Old Hot Spring Resort
Shionoe Onsen-kyo is a historical onsen village that was founded about 1,300 years ago by the high priest Gyoki and has been loved as a spa for healing body pain and various problems ever since. Stay in one of the hot spring inns dotted around the area, and you will be healed both physically and mentally by using the silky-smooth bath while surrounded by nature. There are many other attractions besides the hot springs, such as the cherry blossoms that bloom in spring, the autumn leaves that color the surrounding mountains, and the summer fireworks display. The wooden bridge heading to the hot spring facility called Gyoki no Yu, is also recommended as a place where you can take photos that capture the atmosphere of Shionoe Onsen-kyo.
Access from Tokyo
- Tokyo Station → [Shinkansen] approximately 3 hours 40 minutes → Okayama Station → [Marine Liner] approximately 1 hour → Takamatsu Station → [Kotoden Bus] approximately 75 minutes → Shionoe.
- Haneda Airport → About 1 hour and 20 minutes → Takamatsu Airport → [Airport Limousine Bus] about 40 minutes → Takamatsu Station → [Kotoden Bus] about 75 minutes → Shionoe.
Spot Information
- Spot name： Shionoe Onsen-kyo
- Address： 390-9 Yasuhara Kamihigashi, Shionoe-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture 761-1612 (Shioe Onsen Tourism Association)
- Access: About 75 minutes by Kotoden Bus from Takamatsu Station
- Wi-Fi: There are many Wi-Fi spots such as at the Shionoe Information Center or rest areas, and at each hotel.
- Language：Most hotels have no foreign language support.
- Credit cards：Accepted at Shinkabakawa Kanko Hotel, Hyper Resort Villa Shionoe, Sanuki Onsen Shionoe Hotel Second Stage, etc.
Shodoshima Onsen: A Hot Spring Resort to Enjoy Both Hot Springs and Sea
Shodoshima is a resort surrounded by the calm sea and mountains. There are many hot spring sources on the island whose water is said to be effective for muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and to get beautiful skin. Some of the accommodations have their own private spring sources, and some have private baths in each guest room, such as “Moromi no Shimajuku Mari,” where the dining room is designated as a tangible cultural property.
The island is dotted with beaches and sightseeing spots, and you can enjoy not only hot springs but also marine sports and shopping. A particularly recommended spot is the Angel Road, which appears from out of the sea only at low tide. It is said that angels will grant your wishes if you walk across it while holding hands with a loved one. It's a perfect place to take commemorative photos.
Access from Tokyo, Okayama or Takamatsu Station
- Tokyo Station → [Shinkansen] approximately 3 hours 40 minutes → Okayama Station → [walking] approximately 10 minutes → Takamatsu Port → [High-Speed Boat] approximately 35 minutes → Tonosho Port.
- Haneda Airport → About 1 hour and 20 minutes → Takamatsu Airport → [Airport Limousine Bus] about 40 minutes → Takamatsu Station → [Walk] about 10 minutes → Takamatsu Port → [High-Speed Boat] about 35 minutes → Tonosho Port.
- Okayama Station → [Bus] approximately 10 minutes → Takamatsu East Port → [Jumbo Ferry] About 70 minutes → Sakate Port.
- Takamatsu Station → [Bus] About 5 minutes → Takamatsu East Port → [Jumbo Ferry] About 70 minutes → Sakate Port.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Shodoshima Onsen
- Address: 1896-1 Nishimura Kou, Shodoshima-cho, Shodo District, Kagawa Prefecture 761-4434 (Shodoshima Tourism Association)
- Access: About 70 minutes by Jumbo Ferry from Takamatsu East Port
- Wi-Fi: There are many Wi-Fi spots such as at hotels and sightseeing spots
- Language：English assistance available at many hotels on the island
- Credit cards：Can be used at many hotels, including the resort hotel Olivean Shodoshima and Yumoto Shodoshima Onsen Shio-no-yu Orchid Hotel.
Aji Kanko Hotel Umi no Yadori: A Hotel with The Aji Hot Spring
Aji Onsen is a hot spring in Kagawa that is located at the northernmost point of the island of Shikoku, and which is available to take a dip in at the "Aji Kanko Hotel Umi no Yadori". The smooth hot water can be used to relieve body problems such as nerve pain, muscle pain, and fatigue, and it can also help moisturize the skin.
From the open-air bath, you can overlook the Seto Inland Sea, and at dusk you can take a bath while looking out at the sky and sea that are stained orange with the sunset. Especially at the full moon, the yellowish moon makes the scenery even more beautiful. It is a sight that will heal your heart.
Access from Tokyo
- Tokyo Station → [Shinkansen] About 3 hours 40 minutes → Okayama Station → [Marine Liner] about 50 minutes → Takamatsu Station → [Kotoden Bus] about 50 minutes → Get off at Aji Onsen.
- Haneda Airport → About 1 hour and 20 minutes → Takamatsu Airport → [Airport Limousine Bus] about 40 minutes → Takamatsu Station → [Kotoden Bus] about 50 minutes → Get off at Aji Onsen.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Aji Onsen
- Address: 5494 Aji-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture 761-0130
- Access: About 50 minutes by Kotoden Bus from Takamatsu Station
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language：English
- Credit cards：VISA、JCB
Konpira Onsen-kyo: A Collection of Inns For Visitors to Kotohira-gu Shrine
Konpira Onsen-kyo is a hot spring village that was formed in 1997 in the area of town where there was a bustling business for worshipers at Kotohira-gu Shrine, one of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage temples. There are three types of hot springs there that are said to be effective for the health of the whole body and the beauty of the skin, and the various hotels have different types.
There are many sightseeing spots in the surrounding area, including Kotohira-gu Shrine. Among them, Kanamaru-za, a nationally designated important cultural property and the oldest playhouse in Japan, is the second most popular spot after Kotohira-gu Shrine. The annual Kabuki performances are a story centered around the theme of 'spring'.
Access from Tokyo
- Tokyo Station → [Shinkansen] 3 hours 40 minutes → Okayama Station → [JR] 50 minutes → Kotohira Station.
- Haneda Airport → About 1 hour and 20 minutes → Takamatsu Airport → [Airport Limousine Bus] about 50 minutes → Kotohira Station.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Konpira Onsen-kyo
- Address: 811 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado District, Kagawa Prefecture 766-0001 (Kotohira Tourism Association Tourist Information Center)
- Access: About 50 minutes by JR train from Okayama Station or by Airport Limousine Bus from Takamatsu Airport
- Wi-Fi: There are many Wi-Fi spots such as at the Kagawa / Kompira Tourist Information Center, Kotohira Kadan, Yumoto Konpira Onsen Hana-no-yu Koubaitei and other sightseeing spots
- Language：English assistance is available at many hotels such as Kotohira Kadan and Yumoto Konpira Onsen Hana-no-yu Koubaitei.
- Credit cards：Can be used in many hotels such as Kotohira Kadan and Yumoto Konpira Onsen Hana-no-yu
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