The Insider’s Guide to an Experience-filled Trip Through Setouchi

The three-day trip we map out here introduces some of the very best aesthetically, physically, and intellectually rich time-slip experiences to be found anywhere in Japan. From working up a sweat dancing to making noodles, paddling furiously in river rapids, or visiting some of the most exquisite traditional gardens and castles remaining in Japan, this trip has something to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Ritsurin Garden

Takamatsu City hosts the largest, and one of the most beautiful, Japanese gardens in all the country. Construction of this manicured masterpiece of nature started in 1625, and took more than a hundred years to reach its full glory. Apart from 1400 beautifully manicured pine trees, a host of cherry blossom trees, and so much more by way of vivid plant life, one of the most attractive features of the garden is the way it’s been integrated into the adjoining low lying hills, stretching up to the local peak, Mt. Shuin. Taking in this garden vista, our eyes are fooled into perceiving the view as spreading far beyond the garden’s outer wall. This scenic enhancement continues within the park, with artificial hills and six lakes adding topographical diversity and distance, miniaturizing nature onto a very Japanese scale. Taking a boat ride on the glass-like ponds is highly recommended, as is a visit to the teahouse. Sipping tea, looking over the ponds filled with dappled carp, delivers a quintessentially Japanese experience.

Nakano Udon School (Udon)

With an extraordinary abundance of noodle shops, Kagawa prefecture forms the heartland of Japan’s revered white flour Udon noodles. If you have a hankering to know more about this delicious noodle, or would like to try your hand at making some, then you can’t pass up the Nakano Udon School. Over the course of 60 to 90 minutes, you can experience softening up the dough with your feet, kneading it by hand, and then hand-cutting the noodles, all done in an energetic and fun workshop. Do all this and you earn yourself a diploma wrapped up with a rolling pin. And as a bonus, you even get to eat the fruits of your labor in the adjoining cafeteria.

Accomodation: Kiyomisanso Hanajyukai

For those seeking accommodation in Takamatsu City, we wholeheartedly recommend Kiyomisanso Hanajyukai. Located on the east side of Mineyama Park, Hanajyukai is entirely surrounded by trees and flowers, offering a new experience in every season. Taking full advantage of the ryokan’s location overlooking both Takamatsu City and the Seto Inland Sea, the outdoor and open-air baths offer 200-degree panoramic views which will hold you spellbound, even as the rejuvenating waters of the bath wash away your cares.
Transportation to and from JR Takamatsu Station included.