Kagawa’s Autumn Leaves Information 2019
Once Setouchi Triennale 2019 ends, Kagawa prefecture looks quieter. However, red leaves season and the lighting-up event of Christmas also attract lots of people to visit Kagawa. According to the forecast, the best period for enjoying the red leaves in Kagawa will be late in 2019. Life Takamatsu collects lots of information about red leaves and the events in 2019. If you are visiting Kagawa during fall enjoy the special atmosphere of the Momiji colours in Japan. Vivid colours and enchanting sceneries will definitely worst your time. It is recommended to check the red leaves situation on social media such as Twitter or Instagram before you arrange your schedule.
Okuboji Temple
Okuboji Temple is the final temple of Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, and also called the temple of Kechigan (結願). It is located at the southern base at an altitude of 774m of Mount Nyotaisan (女体山). The temple is a famous spot for the coloured leaves and you can enjoy the gorgeous scenery with coloured gingko and maple leaves. Especially, the 26-meter-hight gingko tree is designated as Kagawa’s preserved tree and a popular photo spot among visitors.
Best Viewing Period: From the end of October to the end of November.
Business hour: 7:00-17:00
Closed on: Open all year round
Ticket: Free
WEB：http://www.city.sanuki.kagawa.jp/sightseeing/henro/ookuboji
TEL：+81-87-956-2278
ADDRESS：〒769-2306 香川県さぬき市多和兼割96
Access: About 20 minutes by taxi from Kotoden Nagao station.
Take Okawa bus Hiketa line (引田線) from JR Takamatsu station to Okawa Bus Honsyamae (大川バス本社前) about 40 minutes, then change to Sanuki City bus to Okuboji-me (大窪寺前) bus stop about 30 minutes.
Kankakei
Listed as one of the three most beautiful valleys in Japan, it is recommended to take the ropeway to enjoy the view of Setouchi Inland Sea with coloured leaves. The leaves will bring warm colours to the mountain from its foot to its peak with, offering for about one picturesque landscape.
Best Viewing Period: From the middle to the end of November.
Business hour: 8:00-17:00, Please visit the official webpage for detailed information.
Closed on: Open all year round
Ticket: From Kountei(紅雲亭) station to Top station,
Adult JPY1,050 (one way) or JPY1,890 (round way)
Student JPY530 (one way) or JPY950 (round way)
WEB: http://www.kankakei.co.jp
TEL: +81-87–982-2171
ADDRESS: 〒761-4433 香川県小豆郡小豆島神懸通168
Take bus Kankakei line (神懸線) from Kusakabe Port to the final stop Kountei(紅雲亭).
Shionoe Hot Spring Area
The Shionoe hot spring area is a very famous place in Kagawa. It is said that, in Tenpyo period (during 729-749), a famous monk from Nara named Gyoki found this place, and then Kukai (Kobodaishi) disseminated it. Besides the hot spring, cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves attract lots of visitors.
Best Viewing Period: From the middle to the end of November.
Business hour: Always opens
Closed on: Open all year round
Ticket: Free
WEB: http://shionoe.jp
TEL: +81-87-893-0148 Shionoe Onsen Tourist Association
ADDRESS: 〒761-1612 香川県高松市塩江町
Access: Take Kotoden bus from JR Takamatsu station heading for Shionoe about 1hr.
Shikoku Mura
For visitors who would like to enjoy each character of 4 prefectures in Shikoku, Shikoku Mura (Shikoku Village) located 30 minute-ride from center of Takamatsu, is highly recommended. Coloured leaves against Iya-no-Kazura Bashi (Suspension bridge made of vine) and old folk houses make you feel visiting all around Shikoku.
Best Viewing Period: From the end of November to the beginning of December.
Business hour: 8:30-17:30 (November-March)
Closed on: Open all year round
Ticket: JPY1,000
WEB: http://www.shikokumura.or.jp
TEL: +81-87-843-3111
ADDRESS: 〒761-0112 香川県高松市屋島中町91
Access: About 5-minute walk from Kotoden Yashima Station.
About 10-minute walk from JR Yashima Station.
Kotohira Shrine
Kotohira Shrine has 4 million visitors a year and is famous for its long staircase, consisting of 1368 steps. Besides the stairs, the pretty landscape including cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas in early summer and coloured leaves in autumn is well worth seeing. Momiji Matsuri (Colored Leaves Festival) held on November 10th every year is elegant and refined festival which announces the arrival of fall. The line of female attendants, Otama-Kushi(Big branch of the sacred trees to God) made by red leaves in their hands, walks gracefully towards Main Shrine from the gate. The line with Otama-Kushi in the lead is accompanied by ambrosia, furnishing goods, dancers of Sanuki Life’s dance and Yaotome Mai(dance by girls who serve God), minstrels and priest.
Best Viewing Period: From the end of November to the beginning of December.
Business hour: 6:00-18:00(April to September), 6:00-17:00(October to March)
Closed on: Open all year round
Ticket: Free
WEB: http://www.konpira.or.jp
TEL: +81-87-775-2121
ADDRESS: 〒766-0001 香川県仲多度郡琴平町892-1
Access: About 20 minutes-walk from JR Kotohira station. About 15 minutes-walk from Kotoden Kotohira station.
Ritsurin Garden
Ritsurin Garden in the center of Takamatsu is the most easily accessible spot for colored leaves. In autumn, you can enjoy “Ippo-Ikkei”(different views with each step) of the garden, and the lighting-up event is the best chance to visit Ritsurin Garden at night.
Autumn lighting-up in 2019 is from November 23rd to December 1rd. Besides night-running Wasen (Japanese style boat), lots of events such as music performance will be held in weekend.
Best Viewing Period: From the middle of November to the beginning of December.
Business hour: 6:30-17:00 (November), 7:00-17:00 (December). The garden opens between sunset and sunrise and differs each month. Please visit the official webpage for detailed information.
Closed on: Open all year round
Ticket: Adult JPY410, Child JPY170
WEB: http://www.my-kagawa.jp/ritsuringarden
TEL: +81-87-833-7411
ADDRESS: 〒760-0073香川県高松市栗林町1-20-16
Access: About 3-minute walk from JR Ritsurin Koen Kitaguchi Station.
About 5-minute walk from Kotoden Ritsurin Koen Station.
You can also take the bus from Takamatsu station and get off at Ritsurin Koen Mae Bus Stop.