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

In Sanuki City, the top choice for authentic Japanese ambiance is Sanuki Onsen Ryokan, a family-run inn nestled near the historic Takamatsu Castle Ruins. Each room features tatami mats, wooden sliding doors, and private onsen baths with views of seasonal gardens. Guests enjoy homemade Sanuki udon for breakfast and access to communal bathhouses with natural hot spring water. The inn also offers guided cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies and local calligraphy workshops, making it ideal for travelers seeking immersive heritage stays in Kagawa Prefecture.

The Takamatsu Station area and the Kotohira Town junction offer the most convenient hotel options in Sanuki City. These districts are well-connected by the Kotahira Electric Railway, with easy access to Takamatsu Airport Bus Terminal and major attractions like Kotohira Shrine. Top accommodations include Takamatsu Grand Hotel, which combines modern comfort with proximity to dining, shopping, and sightseeing spots. Many hotels here provide multilingual staff and free shuttle services, ensuring seamless travel for international visitors exploring the region's rich culture and scenic landscapes.

Must-try cultural experiences in Sanuki City include hiking the 785-step path to Kotohira Shrine, a sacred pilgrimage route leading to the iconic Kotohira-gu Temple. Along the way, visitors encounter ancient stone lanterns and serene shrines, offering deep insight into Shinto traditions. Don’t miss a hands-on Sanuki Udon Making Workshop, where you’ll learn to craft the famous chewy noodles using local wheat and sea water. You can also join a Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Guided Tour, delving into Buddhist history and spiritual practices unique to this region of Japan.

Sanuki Udon stands out due to its distinct texture—firm, elastic, and slightly chewy—achieved through the use of locally grown wheat flour from Kagawa and pure seawater from the Seto Inland Sea. The noodles hold their shape even after prolonged cooking and pair perfectly with clear soy-based broth or rich miso soup. Visit renowned spots like Marugoya Udon Honke or Sanuki Otemon Udon to savor freshly made bowls served with hand-grated daikon and fresh seafood. For deeper insight, tour the Sanuki Udon Culture Museum, where you can witness the entire process from grain milling to hand-cutting, celebrating this culinary heritage.

For families visiting Sanuki City, the Kagawa Prefectural Park Resort is an ideal choice, located along the coast of Shodoshima Island. It offers spacious family villas, outdoor playgrounds, barbecue areas, and child-friendly activities like marine life discovery sessions and hands-on udon-making classes. Nearby attractions include the Shodoshima Olive Garden and Naoshima Art Museum, perfect for intergenerational exploration. Another great option is Takamatsu Asahi Hotel, which provides family suites, baby cots, and direct access to Kotohira Town’s restaurants, ensuring comfort and convenience for all ages.

Couples seeking romance should stay at Tsukimi-tei Onsen Ryokan, a secluded Japanese-style inn offering private onsen rooms with outdoor baths overlooking garden views. Enjoy a candlelit dinner of freshly caught seafood and handmade Sanuki udon, served in a quiet tatami room. At night, relax under the stars while soaking in the warm springs. The inn also arranges private tours to Kotohira Shrine’s hidden trails and Seto Inland Sea viewpoints, creating intimate, unforgettable moments. Some packages include wine pairings and personalized gift sets, perfect for anniversaries or honeymoons.

Key natural attractions in Sanuki City include Shodoshima Island, famed for its vast olive groves and dramatic coastal rock formations like Awa-Iwa and Taiko-iwa. Hiking trails offer panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and seasonal blooms. The Takamatsu Castle Ruins Park features expansive lawns and cherry blossom trees, ideal for spring picnics and autumn foliage viewing. For tranquility, take a ferry to Oshima Island to explore remote temples and untouched forest paths. These locations provide peaceful escapes rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty, perfect for nature lovers.

Popular nighttime experiences in Sanuki City include strolling through Takamatsu Port Night Market, where you can sample grilled kushiyaki, tempura, and fresh oysters with cold beer. For a serene evening, book a soak in the private onsen at Sanuki Onsen Ryokan, gazing at the starlit sea. The Kotohira Shrine Night Illumination Festival (held annually in spring) transforms the shrine complex into a golden wonderland with thousands of lanterns. Some hotels also offer stargazing tours in low-light zones, where guides explain constellations and local myths, enhancing the romantic and mystical atmosphere.

Begin your day at Kotohira Shrine, climbing the 785 steps from the base, then enjoy lunch at a local Sanuki Udon restaurant in Kotohira Town. Afterward, take the train to Shodoshima Island to visit the Olive Garden, Sea Road, and Naoshima Art Museum. Return to Takamatsu Port in the late afternoon, stroll through the night market, and end your day at a riverside onsen ryokan for a relaxing soak. This full-day journey blends spirituality, cuisine, art, and nature, showcasing the diverse charm of Sanuki City.

Yes, Sanuki City is highly accessible via public transit. The Kotahira Electric Railway connects Takamatsu Station to Kotohira Town with frequent service, taking just 20 minutes. Takamatsu Airport is about 30 minutes away by bus or taxi. Local buses operated by Kagawa Prefecture cover key destinations including Shodoshima Island and Naoshima. Ferry services run regularly between Takamatsu Port and cities like Okayama and Kochi, enabling island hopping. Most hotels offer complimentary shuttle services, making navigation effortless for both domestic and international travelers.