Kagawa in One Day: Ritsurin Garden — Guide Kaji
August, 2025
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan.
Tour Itinerary
- 09:20 JR Takamatsu Station, at the ticket gate [Meet]
- by taxi
- 09:40~11:10 Ritsurin Garden
- by taxi
- 11:50~13:10 The Top of Mt Yashima
- Yashimaji Temple, Shishinoreigan-the Observatorty for The Seto Inland Sea
- 13:18 Yashima-Sanjyo Bus Stop
- by shuttle bus
- 13:24 Shikokumura Bus Stop
- 13:30~14:10 Lunch at Waraya (a famous Udon noodle shop near Shikokumura Village)
- 14:15~15:30 Shikokumura Village
- by taxi
- 15:50~16:20 Takamatsu Castle Historic Site
- 16:25 Takamatsu Castle West Gate in front of JR Takamatsu Station [Say Goodbye]
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kagawa began at 09:20, when the guide met the guests at JR Takamatsu Station, at the ticket gate [Meet], and finished at 16:25. The day ran to 7 hours and 5 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at Waraya (a famous Udon noodle shop near Shikokumura Village) at 13:30.
From there the group visited Ritsurin Garden at 09:40, Top of Mt Yashima at 11:50, Yashima-Sanjyo Bus Stop at 13:18, Shikokumura Bus Stop at 13:24, Shikokumura Village at 14:15 and Takamatsu Castle Historic Site at 15:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Yashima Summit by Kotoden Bus～Shikokumura / Kotoden Bus (100JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 100JPY per person.
What Is a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Takamatsu Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I guided a group visiting from Europe. They were a very cheerful and friendly group, which made them easy to guide. They especially loved Ritsurin Garden. This was their first visit to Japan, and during a two-week trip, in addition to popular spots in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, they seemed to have chosen Takamatsu as a local spot where they could enjoy nature and culture. It was a day trip from Kyoto. At Yashimaji Temple, they showed particular interest in the Shikoku Pilgrimage. For lunch at a soba restaurant, they very much enjoyed the cold bukkake udon and the shoyu-mame (soy-simmered beans). They liked that udon was also inexpensive for lunch. Despite the intense heat, they seemed to enjoy the representative spots of Takamatsu.
Click here for more details: Takamatsu Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Other | Yashima Summit / Kotoden Bus～Shikokumura / Kotoden Bus | 100JPY |
| Total | 100JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kagawa tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at JR Takamatsu Station, at the ticket gate [Meet] at 09:20, and the tour finished at Takamatsu Castle West Gate in front of JR Takamatsu Station [Say Goodbye] at 16:25.
How long does the tour last?
About 7 hours and 5 minutes in total, from 09:20 to 16:25.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Ritsurin Garden, Top of Mt Yashima, Yashima-Sanjyo Bus Stop, Shikokumura Bus Stop, Shikokumura Village and Takamatsu Castle Historic Site.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 100JPY per person across 1 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Kaji is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kagawa itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.
Apr 19, 2026
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Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
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Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
added so much valuable information and guidance. It was a rewarding experience and
one we will remember fondly.
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It was great to relax and leave the organising of our day on Naoshima to our very
experienced guide,Kaji. He speaks excellent English and tailored the day very well to our
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Highly recommend the half day tour and our wonderful guide, Hisao Kaji. He
accommodated our requests and was very knowledgeable with excellent English. Thank
you Hisao!