Kagawa Autumn Foliage 2026: Kankakei, Ritsurin Garden & Mt. Daisenzan

Autumn Foliage in Kagawa

Crimson autumn color blazing across the cliffs of Shodoshima — the largest island in western Japan — the gentle falling of autumn leaves in a famous garden that has been passed down through 400 years since the Edo period, and the deep silence of standing alone facing the clouds on a misty mountain summit. Kagawa's autumn conceals depths and variety that no one can imagine before visiting.

From early October to late November each year, the mountains and valleys begin to be dyed in vivid gradations of red, orange, and yellow. Illuminated by the gentle, soft light of the Seto Inland Sea, these landscapes are so beautiful they seem unreal — creating an illusion of having wandered into a dream. Kagawa is known nationwide as "the prefecture of udon noodles," but the scenery the prefecture shows only in autumn is every bit as remarkable as its famous cuisine.

The typical peak season runs from early to mid-November in the mountain areas, and mid-to-late November in the lower valleys and town gardens. The mild Seto Inland Sea climate means foliage colors are relatively slow to develop, but when they do peak, the contrast of red and yellow against the still blue sea views visible from the mountains is extraordinary.

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Nakano Ochi Garden (Tonosho Town, Shodoshima)

Shodoshima is famous as the island of olive trees and ancient gorges, but it also possesses Japan's largest natural maple grove — the Kankakei Gorge — and within reach of the gorge, the Nakano Ochi Garden stands as a jewel of traditional Japanese garden design.

Established during the Edo period, this garden has been continuously maintained for over 400 years, its carefully shaped pine trees, stone lanterns, and raked gravel garden evolving slowly with the seasons. In autumn, the surrounding maple trees turn brilliant red and orange, their reflections shimmering on the garden's central pond — a scene of classical Japanese beauty at its finest.

The garden is small enough to tour in about 30 minutes but rich enough in detail to reward much longer contemplation. The combination of the aged pine trees' evergreen depth and the maple's temporary brilliance is particularly moving.

Access

From Tonosho Port (reached by ferry from Takamatsu — about 35 minutes), take a bus toward Kankakei, get off at "Nakano Ochi Garden" stop. By car from Tonosho Port, about 20 minutes.

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Kankakei Gorge (Shodoshima, Tonosho Town)

One of Japan's Three Great Gorges, Kankakei (literally "the valley where the rocks hang") on Shodoshima Island is a geological masterpiece — sheer volcanic rock faces and peculiarly shaped rock formations towering above a river valley, accessible by a spectacular ropeway that ascends through the heart of the gorge.

In autumn, the maple and oak trees covering the gorge walls turn brilliant red and orange, the vivid color contrasting dramatically with the dark grey volcanic rock. The view from the ropeway during the descent — looking down through the changing colors at the gorge floor — is among the most dramatic in Shikoku.

At the top of the ropeway, a walking trail leads through the summit area with panoramic views across the Seto Inland Sea — the combination of autumn color in the foreground and the island-dotted blue sea in the distance is genuinely breathtaking.

Best period: Mid-November (peak foliage in the gorge)

Access: Ropeway departs from near the mouth of the gorge, accessed by bus from Tonosho Port.

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Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu City)

One of Japan's Special Places of Scenic Beauty and one of the country's finest surviving feudal-era gardens, Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu City is a masterwork of Japanese landscape garden design. Created over approximately 100 years by the Matsudaira lords of the Takamatsu Domain from the early Edo period, the garden features six ponds and 13 scenic hills artfully arranged around pine trees of exceptional form.

In autumn, the garden's Japanese maple trees turn brilliant red, and the combination of the red maples, the shaped pine trees, the stone lanterns reflected in the clear ponds, and the backdrop of Mount Shiun creates a scene of layered, refined beauty that has been celebrated for centuries.

The garden is large — roughly 750,000 square meters — and a complete circuit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The traditional Japanese tea house within the garden (Kikugetsutei) serves matcha and seasonal wagashi sweets in a tatami room overlooking the central pond — a perfect way to rest and absorb the autumn scenery.

Best period: Mid-to-late November

Access: From JR "Ritsurin Koen Kitaguchi Station" (Kotoku Line), about 5 minutes on foot. From "Takamatsu Station," about 20 minutes by bus.

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Travel Tips for Kagawa Autumn Foliage

Island Transport: For Shodoshima, ferries run from Takamatsu Port and several other Seto Inland Sea ports. Ferry timetables are posted on the Shodoshima Tourism Association website. A rental car or bicycle is recommended once on the island, as public buses to the interior are infrequent.

Combining with Ritsurin Garden: Ritsurin Garden is easily accessible from Takamatsu Station and can be combined with a half-day or full-day Shodoshima trip — take the morning ferry to Shodoshima, explore the gorge and garden, then return in the late afternoon for an evening garden visit.

Sanuki Udon: No visit to Kagawa is complete without eating Sanuki udon. The smooth, firm noodles in a clean dashi broth are extraordinarily good — and the value is remarkable. During the autumn foliage season, many local udon restaurants open early and close relatively early, so plan meals accordingly.

Weather: Kagawa's Seto Inland Sea climate tends toward mild and dry, making it one of the more reliably comfortable autumn foliage destinations in western Japan. However, evenings can be cool in November — a light jacket or layer is advisable.