Marugame

Marugame (丸亀) is a city in western Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku island, best known for Marugame Castle, one of only 12 original castles in Japan. The castle's stone-walled keep sits atop a small hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. The city has a relaxed pace with a historic core, a thriving local arts scene, and excellent udon culture — Kagawa is famously known as "Udon Prefecture." Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather; summer is hot and humid while winters are mild.

By Plane

Takamatsu Airport (TAK) is about 45 minutes by limousine bus (¥1,200). Kansai International Airport (KIX) is about 3 hours via shinkansen and limited express (¥10,450, covered by JR Pass).

By Train

Marugame is on the JR Yosan Line. From Okayama, Shiokaze and Nanpu limited expresses reach Marugame in about 40 minutes (¥2,250). Local trains from Takamatsu take about 25 minutes (¥550). The station is central and convenient.

By Car / Road

Highway buses run from Kobe (3 hr, ¥3,800), Osaka (4 hr 15 min, ¥4,200), and overnight from Tokyo (11 hr 45 min, from ¥9,400) and Nagoya (8 hr, from ¥5,600). By car from Takamatsu it's about 30 minutes via the Seto-Chuo Expressway.

Marugame is walkable in the center, especially between the station and the castle. Bicycles can be rented at the station. Local buses cover the outskirts and the New Reoma World amusement area.

• Marugame Castle (丸亀城) — One of Japan's 12 original castles. The stone base is particularly impressive. ¥200. Daily 09:00–16:30.

• Nakazu Banshoen Garden — A spacious Japanese garden with a large pond, tea house, and attached art museum. ¥570. 09:00–17:00.

• Marugame City Museum of Art — Contemporary and local art exhibitions.

• Miyamoto Zenyuemon Residence — Historic merchant house in the castle town area.

• Castle climb — The walk up the stone walls to the keep offers views over the city and Inland Sea.

• New Reoma World amusement park — A small theme park with rides and a pool, popular with families. ¥1,500 admission.

• Udon cooking class — Learn to make Sanuki udon, Kagawa's signature dish.

Sanuki udon is the star — chewy, square-edged noodles in a light soy-based broth. Try it at local udon shops. Marugame is also known for its fresh seafood, particularly tai (sea bream). Budget-friendly udon shops charge ¥300–500 for a bowl; mid-range restaurants serve kaisendon and tempura sets for ¥1,000–2,000.

Local sake from Kagawa's breweries is available. Green tea is the standard accompaniment to meals. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget: Business hotels near the station, ¥5,000–8,000.
• Mid-range: Comfortable hotels in the city center, ¥8,000–14,000.
• Upscale: Limited; many visitors stay in Takamatsu and day-trip.

The shopping streets near the station sell local crafts, including Marugame uchiwa (traditional fans) and Sanuki lacquerware. The area around the castle has small souvenir shops.

• Takamatsu — 25 minutes by train, with Ritsurin Garden and ferries to Naoshima.
• Kotohira — 20 minutes south, home to the Konpira-san shrine with 1,368 steps.
• Sakaide — Neighboring city, famous for the Seto Ohashi Bridge observation point.
• Kurashiki — Across the bridge in Okayama Prefecture, a beautifully preserved canal town (1 hour).