[Explore Shikoku, Meet the Locals: Part 1] Experience, Savor, and Stroll
Higashikagawa in Kagawa Prefecture is home to fresh seafood, historic streetscapes, and experiences you won't find anywhere else.
This itinerary is packed with things to do, including a kyudo (Japanese archery) experience at the dojo of Shirotori Shrine, decorated with colorful pinwheels; an opportunity to interact with fish at Ado Pond, the Japan's first-ever yellowtail farm; and a stroll through the nostalgic streets of Hiketa.
Along the way you will savor delicious seafood while getting a taste of the region's history and culture.
This itinerary is packed with things to do, including a kyudo (Japanese archery) experience at the dojo of Shirotori Shrine, decorated with colorful pinwheels; an opportunity to interact with fish at Ado Pond, the Japan's first-ever yellowtail farm; and a stroll through the nostalgic streets of Hiketa.
Along the way you will savor delicious seafood while getting a taste of the region's history and culture.
Experience the Breeze and Find Inner Peace
Shirotori Shrine is one of Higashikagawa's best-known spiritual sites.
As you enter the approach to the shrine, the first thing to catch your eye is a vibrant display of colorful pinwheels. Along the Pinwheel Corridor, around 500 pinwheels begin spinning in unison whenever the breeze picks up and their gentle whirring fills the shrine grounds.
It's a scene that invites visitors to stop and take photos, and on the day of our visit, families and tourists alike were pausing to capture the moment.
As you enter the approach to the shrine, the first thing to catch your eye is a vibrant display of colorful pinwheels. Along the Pinwheel Corridor, around 500 pinwheels begin spinning in unison whenever the breeze picks up and their gentle whirring fills the shrine grounds.
It's a scene that invites visitors to stop and take photos, and on the day of our visit, families and tourists alike were pausing to capture the moment.
The Refreshing Sound of Pinwheels and Wind Chimes
From early to late summer, wind chimes made from the leaves of the Asian bayberry tree are also displayed, filling the shrine grounds with the gentle sounds of spinning pinwheels and tinkling chimes.
A scene befitting a shrine dedicated to the wind, your spirit is uplifted as you stroll through the grounds.
A scene befitting a shrine dedicated to the wind, your spirit is uplifted as you stroll through the grounds.
Authentic Kyudo Experience
You can also try your hand at kyudo (Japanese archery) in the dojo next to the shrine.
When you draw the bow, you will soon realize just how challenging the sport is—from handling the arrow to simply lining up your shot. Even so, the feeling of releasing the arrow is immensely satisfying, and hitting the target is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Feeling the breeze, clearing your mind, and drawing the bow in quiet concentration make for a memorable experience unlike a typical stop on a sightseeing tour.
When you draw the bow, you will soon realize just how challenging the sport is—from handling the arrow to simply lining up your shot. Even so, the feeling of releasing the arrow is immensely satisfying, and hitting the target is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Feeling the breeze, clearing your mind, and drawing the bow in quiet concentration make for a memorable experience unlike a typical stop on a sightseeing tour.
People You’ll Want to Meet!
Two people are indispensable to any visit to Ado Pond.
Mr. Inokuma, the shrine's senior priest, welcomes every visitor with a gentle smile.He is also the creative force behind the shrine's seasonal events, including the pinwheel and wind chime displays.
Mr. Mashima of the Sanuki Komayumi Association, the instructor for the kyudo experience, is an accomplished archer who has competed in tournaments throughout Japan. His archery form, including his zanshin (the posture after releasing the arrow), is a thing of beauty.Despite his expertise, he has a very gentle demeanor and patiently tailors his instruction to those trying kyudo for the first time.
Mr. Mashima of the Sanuki Komayumi Association, the instructor for the kyudo experience, is an accomplished archer who has competed in tournaments throughout Japan. His archery form, including his zanshin (the posture after releasing the arrow), is a thing of beauty.Despite his expertise, he has a very gentle demeanor and patiently tailors his instruction to those trying kyudo for the first time.
Experience the Bounty of the Sea at Wa-san-tei Restaurant and Marre Ricco.
Ado Pond, the birthplace of yellowtail farming in Japan, is home to the marine learning center Marre Ricco, where you can experience the history and appeal of yellowtail farming.
The first thing that catches your attention is the yellowtail feeding experience. The moment the feed hits the water, the once-calm surface erupts as schools of yellowtail surge toward it. The spectacle is even more impressive than you might imagine, and you’ll find yourself crying out in surprise.
Sea bream fishing is another popular activity. Drop your line into the water and you'll often get a bite within seconds, making it easy to lose yourself in the thrill of reeling in your catch. You may even find the adults having more fun than the children.
The first thing that catches your attention is the yellowtail feeding experience. The moment the feed hits the water, the once-calm surface erupts as schools of yellowtail surge toward it. The spectacle is even more impressive than you might imagine, and you’ll find yourself crying out in surprise.
Sea bream fishing is another popular activity. Drop your line into the water and you'll often get a bite within seconds, making it easy to lose yourself in the thrill of reeling in your catch. You may even find the adults having more fun than the children.
Don't Miss the Signature ADOMILK Brand Oysters
After a day of activities, take a break at Wa-san-tei restaurant. Looking out over the pond, it's the perfect place to sample ADOMILK, the region's signature brand oyster. Raised in the clean waters of Ado Pond, these oysters can be enjoyed raw year-round. True to their name, they are rich and milky, yet remarkably mild, with very little bitterness or aftertaste.
Experience the sea, then savor its bounty. It's the perfect place to enjoy a quintessential Higashikagawa experience while taking in the tranquil scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
Experience the sea, then savor its bounty. It's the perfect place to enjoy a quintessential Higashikagawa experience while taking in the tranquil scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
People You’ll Want to Meet!
Two people are indispensable to any visit to Ado Pond.
Mr. Muguruma, the director of Marre Ricco, may seem reserved at first, but he's friendly and full of humor once you start talking with him.His yellowtail filleting demonstrations at events are a true display of craftsmanship, and he's always happy to share practical tips and techniques that you can use at home.
Mr. Teranishi of the Higashikagawa Local Management Organization is passionate about bringing people together, even organizing local networking events himself. His cheerful personality has made him a well-liked figure in the community.His recommendation is the ADOMILK brand oysters. "With very little bitterness or fishiness, they’re easy to enjoy so I hope everyone will try them," he says with confidence.
Mr. Teranishi of the Higashikagawa Local Management Organization is passionate about bringing people together, even organizing local networking events himself. His cheerful personality has made him a well-liked figure in the community.His recommendation is the ADOMILK brand oysters. "With very little bitterness or fishiness, they’re easy to enjoy so I hope everyone will try them," he says with confidence.
A Nostalgic Stroll Through the Streets of Hiketa
The streets of Hiketa feel less like a tourist destination and more like a port town where everyday life continues much as it always has. The narrow streets lined with traditional white-walled merchant houses, soy sauce breweries, and other old architecture evoke a sense of nostalgia, inviting you to explore at your own pace.
Unlike many well-known sightseeing spots, Hiketa is free from large crowds, and visitors are sparse. Being able to enjoy a leisurely stroll through town is precisely what makes Hiketa an appealing destination.
Unlike many well-known sightseeing spots, Hiketa is free from large crowds, and visitors are sparse. Being able to enjoy a leisurely stroll through town is precisely what makes Hiketa an appealing destination.
Encounter Art from the Setouchi Triennale
Art to Enjoy Even Between Festival Years
The Setouchi Triennale is a contemporary art festival held once every three years across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.Spanning the three seasons of spring, summer, and fall, the festival runs for approximately 100 days in total and attracts around one million visitors from Japan and abroad to experience the region’s different seasons.Even outside the festival period, you can encounter the following artworks in Hiketa.
* Please note that viewing dates vary by artwork.
* Please note that viewing dates vary by artwork.
Step Back into the Edo Period at Sanshu Izutsu Residence
Sanshu Izutsu Residence preserves the tranquil atmosphere of a merchant residence that has stood since the Edo period (1603-1868).
As you relax and look out over the garden, the sound of birdsong drifts through the air, and time seems to slow just a little. It's the kind of place that lets you leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind.
As you relax and look out over the garden, the sound of birdsong drifts through the air, and time seems to slow just a little. It's the kind of place that lets you leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind.
Take a Break at a Retro Café in a Former Post Office
If you need a break during your stroll, stop by Café Nouvelle Post, housed in the renovated former Hiketa Post Office.
The café's nostalgic atmosphere attracts both tourists and local residents alike.
But this space was not created solely for tourists. As conversations among locals fill the room, you'll find yourself naturally slipping into the rhythm of everyday life in the town. As you sip a cup of coffee and admire the historic architecture and furnishings, you may find yourself lingering a little longer than you had planned.
The café's nostalgic atmosphere attracts both tourists and local residents alike.
But this space was not created solely for tourists. As conversations among locals fill the room, you'll find yourself naturally slipping into the rhythm of everyday life in the town. As you sip a cup of coffee and admire the historic architecture and furnishings, you may find yourself lingering a little longer than you had planned.
An Artistic Waterfront Awakens Your Senses
Next, make your way toward the harbor, where colorful murals and other artworks line the waterfront. Visitors often stop to strike a pose alongside the murals before snapping a photo. An art-hopping tour around the area's little creative spots makes for a delightful day out.
Summary
Draw a bow while feeling the breeze, feed the fish, and savor the fresh bounty of the sea. Then take a leisurely stroll through streets where history still lives on.
Higashikagawa offers all the pleasures of travel—experiencing, savoring, and strolling. So, why not leave the busy pace of everyday life behind and explore Higashikagawa at your own pace?
Higashikagawa offers all the pleasures of travel—experiencing, savoring, and strolling. So, why not leave the busy pace of everyday life behind and explore Higashikagawa at your own pace?
Recommend Spot
Tanoura Campground:“The Road Leading to the Sea” [left]
Osaka Pass Observation Deck [Center]
Japan Dolphin Center [right]
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Osaka Pass Observation Deck [Center]
Japan Dolphin Center [right]