Mannō(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Man'yō Town, the top choice for authentic local charm is Man'yō Onsen Guesthouse, a beautifully restored traditional Japanese ryokan nestled beside the Man'yō River. This intimate inn features tatami rooms with private onsen baths, handcrafted wooden furniture, and seasonal kaiseki meals made from locally sourced ingredients like fresh sea bream and Shikoku rice. Guests can participate in cultural experiences such as handmade pottery workshops using local clay or join the annual Rice Planting Festival. The peaceful setting surrounded by rice fields and mountains makes it ideal for travelers seeking serenity and deep cultural immersion.

The best time to visit Man'yō Town for cherry blossoms is from late March to early April, when the Man'yō Riverbanks bloom with delicate pink sakura trees. During this period, the river reflects the blossoms like a living painting, creating an unforgettable photo spot. The town also hosts the Sakura Lantern Festival, featuring evening illuminations along the river path. Spring visitors can enjoy warm weather, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds compared to peak summer months, making it perfect for walking tours, photography, and experiencing the gentle rhythm of rural Shikoku life.

Tourists in Man'yō Town can engage in unique cultural activities such as traditional pottery-making workshops using local clay, where artisans teach the ancient techniques of Shikoku-style ceramics. Another highlight is the Man'yō Rice Wine Festival, held annually in autumn, offering guided tastings and insights into how local rice is fermented into smooth, aromatic sake. Visitors can also explore the Man'yō Historical Museum, which houses rare Edo-period manuscripts, farming tools, and detailed models of historic village life, providing a profound understanding of the town’s heritage.

Yes, Man'yō Town is highly family-friendly. The town offers safe, scenic trails like the Man'yō River Nature Walk, where children can spot frogs, birds, and native plants. Many guesthouses provide kid-friendly amenities including play areas, farm visits to feed goats and collect eggs, and hands-on activities like rice planting and weeding. Nearby Shikoku Island is accessible via short bus rides, offering additional outdoor fun. With low traffic, clean air, and welcoming locals, it's an ideal destination for parents seeking a calm, enriching experience for their children away from urban chaos.

Man'yō Onsen stands out due to its rich sodium bicarbonate mineral water, known for softening skin and promoting relaxation. The natural hot spring water flows directly into open-air baths at Man'yō Onsen Hall, where guests enjoy panoramic views of rice paddies and distant islands. Some inns offer forest therapy baths, combining herbal infusions with ambient nature sounds for deep mental rejuvenation. Don’t miss trying the local specialty: Man'yō Onsen Eggs, boiled slowly in spring water—tender, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.

Photography lovers should visit the Stone Bridge of Dreams spanning the Man'yō River, especially during cherry blossom season when petals drift across the water like confetti. The Man'yō Lookout Point offers sweeping vistas of terraced rice fields meeting the Seto Inland Sea, ideal for sunrise shots. At night, the softly lit onsen street reflects in the river, creating dreamlike mirror effects. Additionally, the Old-Mansion Coffee House, transformed from a 19th-century farmhouse, features a Zen garden with bamboo and stone lanterns—perfect for artistic composition.

Visitors must sample Man'yō Udon, a chewy noodle dish made from local Shikoku rice flour, served in a light broth with fresh seafood. Try the Seto Inland Sea Seafood Bowl, featuring daily catch like tuna, bonito, and sea urchin. For sweets, indulge in Man'yō Wagashi, delicate confections made with matcha, sweet potato, and red bean paste, often shaped like seasonal flowers. Pair your meal with Man'yō Sake, a smooth, fragrant rice wine brewed locally—each sip tells the story of the land.

From Takamatsu City, take the Takamatsu Transportation Bus to the "Man'yō Town Office" stop—journey takes about 40 minutes with frequent departures. Alternatively, rent an electric bike or drive via Prefectural Route 18, a scenic route through farmland and forest that takes around 30 minutes. Check schedules in advance, especially on weekends when services may be limited. The Takamatsu Station East Exit has clear signage directing visitors to Man'yō Town transport options.

Man'yō Town offers a quiet, peaceful nightlife centered around tranquility. Stroll along the onsen street at dusk, enjoying warm lights reflecting on the river. Local izakayas serve fresh seafood skewers and homemade sake, often with live folk music. Some guesthouses offer starlit dinners under the open sky, complete with heaters and handmade menus. While there are no large clubs or late-night venues, the lack of noise and strong sense of community create a deeply relaxing atmosphere—ideal for those seeking restorative stillness after a day of exploration.

Must-buy souvenirs include handmade Shikoku pottery crafted from local clay, each piece unique and artistically inspired. Also consider Man'yō Sake Gift Sets, perfect for gifting, and Man'yō Wagashi Assortments, beautifully packaged sweets made with regional ingredients. Visit the Local Farm Direct Shop for organic vegetables, citrus fruits, and raw honey—all produced without pesticides. These thoughtful, sustainable choices reflect the town’s commitment to preserving nature and tradition.