Recommended sightseeing spots accessible from bus stops
1. Konpira Shrine (Kotohira-gu)
The nearest bus stop: Highway Zentsuji
Konpira Shrine, also called Kotohira-gu, is a popular shrine that went by the name of Konpira-san of Sanuki in olden times. It is characterized by a long path of 785 stone steps that lead up to the main shrine and visitors that reach the top often feel an extra sense of excitement. Only people who climb all the way to the top are entitled to purchase the yellow good-luck charm for happiness.
[Admission] Free
[Access] Roughly 20 minutes by taxi from the Highway Zentsuji bus stop.
For taxi, call Kotosan taxi: 0120-70-5667, Kawata taxi: 0120-25-2918
2. Zentsuji Temple
The nearest bus stop: Highway Zentsuji
Zentsuji Temple is number 75 on the Shikoku pilgrimage, a route that takes in the 88 sacred and famous temples of Shikoku. As the birthplace of the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi, this temple is visited by many worshippers from all over Japan. The grounds of the temple are vast and you can spend hours exploring them. On the east side is a five-story pagoda and statues of the 500 disciples of the Buddha, while the west side houses the Mieido, the hall in which Kobo Daishi was born. Zentsuji Temple receives a steady stream of visitors all year round.
[Opening hours] 8:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
[Admission] Adult (high school students or older) 500JPY, Child (elementary/junior high) 300JPY
[Access] Roughly 10 minutes by taxi from the Highway Zentsuji bus stop.
For taxi, call Kotosan taxi: 0120-70-5667, Kawata taxi: 0120-25-2918
3. Chichibugahama Beach
The nearest bus stop: Highway Kan-onji
Chichibugahama is a beach roughly one kilometer long with a dedicated swimming area. The beautiful sunset at this beach is listed as one of Japan's best and you can snap some fantastic photos at low tide with the sky reflected in the water, much like the famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia.
[Access] Roughly 20 minutes by taxi from the Highway Kan-onji bus stop.
For taxi, call Kawata taxi: 0120-25-2918
4. Zenigata Sunae Sand Sculputre
The nearest bus stop: Highway Kan-onji
The Zenigata Sunae is a giant sand sculpture in the shape of a Kanei Tsuho coin, the currency of Japan from more than 200 years ago. This historical site is 122 meters long, 90 meters across, and has a circumference of 345 meters. The observation deck at the top of Kotohiki Park is the best vantage point to view the sand drawing, which is illuminated from dusk until 22:00. It is said that those who view the Zenigata Sunae live a long life and have plenty of money.
[Access] Roughly 15 minutes by taxi from the Highway Kan-onji bus stop.
For taxi, call Kawata taxi: 0120-25-2918
5. Honenike Dam
The nearest bus stop: Highway Kan-onji
Resembling a European medieval castle, the Honenike Dam is one of only two multiple-arch dams in Japan. The dam wall viewed from Honenikeyumizu Park below is quite massive and a sight to see. The best time to take photos is when water powerfully gushes out of the dam wall gates. We recommend visiting when the cherry blossoms are in bloom or during summer when special events are held to coincide with the release of water.
[Access] Roughly 20 minutes by taxi from the Highway Kan-onji bus stop.
For taxi, call Kawata taxi: 0120-25-2918
6. Takaya Shrine (The Torii in the sky)
The nearest bus stop: Highway Kan-onji
Takaya Shrine is famous for the main shrine's Torii (gate), located on the top of 404-meter high Mt. Inazumi. It is able to see Seto Inland Sea and Ariake Beach over the Tori, called "The Torii in the sky". Enjoy taking the stunning photo at this spot! Not only the daytime view, but also the twilight and night view with Torii is very romantic and highly recommended.
[Access] Roughly 25 minutes by taxi from the Highway Kan-onji bus stop.
For taxi, call Kawata taxi: 0120-25-2918
7. Swings in the sky
The nearest bus stop: Highway Kan-onji
These “swings in the sky” are located at an altitude of 920 meters on top of Mt. Umpenji, which straddles the two prefectures of Kagawa and Tokushima.
They offer an exhilarating and thrilling ride—as if you were flying high in the sky.
Also, the view from one of Japan’s longest ropeways is undoubtedly the perfect place to snap a few photos for your Instagram page!
[Access] Roughly 15 minutes by taxi from the Highway Kan-onji bus stop.
For taxi, call Kawata taxi: 0120-25-2918
8. Shikoku Aquarium
The nearest bus stop: Highway Marugame
One of Shikoku’s largest next-generation aquariums with a focus on the waterscape of Shikoku.
There are various attractions to enjoy, including a dolphin show and an aquatic zone where visitors can come in contact with penguins.
With interactive experiences for children and interesting displays that even adults can enjoy, this aquarium is fun for the whole family.
[Access] Roughly 10 minutes by taxi from the Highway Marugame bus stop.
For taxi, call Kotosan taxi: 0120-70-5667
9. Mt. Shiude
The nearest bus stop: Highway Zentsuji
At 352 meters above sea level, Mt. Shiude is the highest point on the Shonai Peninsula.
Cherry blossoms in spring and hydrangeas in summer complement beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea.
In particular, visitors can also learn about Japanese history, because near the top of the mountain is a building that houses a display of cultural properties and artefacts from the time the Yayoi people built a hilltop settlement here roughly 2,000 years ago.
[Access] Roughly 20 minutes by taxi from the Highway Zentsuji bus stop.
For taxi, call Kotosan taxi: 0120-70-5667, Kawata taxi: 0120-25-2918
