Sakaide

Sakaide (坂出) is a city on the northern coast of Kagawa Prefecture, directly adjacent to the Seto Ohashi Bridge that connects Shikoku with Honshu. It developed as a transport hub and port town, with salt production and petrochemical industries alongside traditional crafts. Sakaide offers panoramic views of the bridge, access to the Seto Inland Sea, and a quieter alternative to Takamatsu. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit.

By Plane

Takamatsu Airport (TAK) is about 30 minutes by car or taxi. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is accessible via train and the Seto Ohashi Bridge.

By Train

Sakaide is on the JR Yosan Line, just minutes from Marugame and about 15 minutes from Takamatsu by local or rapid train. The Marine Liner connects Okayama directly to Sakaide in about 30 minutes (¥1,170).

By Car / Road

The Seto-Chuo Expressway and Route 11 pass through Sakaide. By car from Okayama it's about 30 minutes across the bridge. From Takamatsu it's about 15 minutes.

The city is best navigated by car or bicycle. The station area is walkable. Local buses connect outlying areas, though service is limited.

• Seto Ohashi Bridge Viewpoint — Several parks and observation points along the coast offer sweeping views of the bridge, the longest two-tiered bridge in the world.

• Sakaide Salt Museum — Exhibits on the history of salt production, for which the area was once famous.

• Shirakabe no Machi — A district of white-walled former salt-merchant warehouses.

• Cycling across the Seto Ohashi — A dedicated cycling/pedestrian path runs alongside the bridge, offering dramatic Inland Sea views.

• Ferry to the islands — Short ferry rides to nearby islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

• Walking the coast — Pleasant seaside promenades.

Sakaide is known for its seafood, especially octopus (tako) and sea bream (tai). Sanuki udon shops are abundant. Reasonably priced restaurants can be found near the station and along the main roads.

Tap water is safe. Local sake and citrus juices are available.

• Budget: Business hotels near the station, ¥5,000–7,000.
• Mid-range: Comfortable hotels, ¥7,000–12,000.
• Upscale: Limited luxury options; most visitors stay in Takamatsu or Marugame.

Local products include salt-based goods, Seto Inland Sea citrus, and Sanuki udon. Roadside stations sell regional crafts.

• Marugame — 5 minutes by train, with its original castle keep.
• Takamatsu — 15 minutes east, with Ritsurin Garden and Naoshima ferry.
• Kotohira — 20 minutes south, with Konpira-san shrine.
• Kurashiki — 30 minutes north across the bridge, a charming canal town in Okayama.
• Okayama — 30 minutes north, home to Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle.