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Kotohira Travel

Curated Itineraries

An Advanced Ride from Kotohira—Tracing History to the Harbor

1day

The farther you ride, the more the scenery unfolds. From town to temple, from temple to harbor—and quietly, back to everyday life.
Starting from Kotohira, this route takes you through Zentsuji, Tadotsu, Marugame, and Sakaide.
A cycling journey that connects the history and daily life of Sanuki—at your own pace.

＼Local Guide／

なおや コトリ琴平 おてつたび

Course Details

  1. DAY.18:20

    Kotori Kotohira

    Depart from Kotori Kotohira Rental Bicycle Available

    Cycling time: about 45 minutes

  2. DAY.18:50

    Nogi Museum (Zentsuji Camp History Museum)

    In addition to items commemorating General Nogi, you can also see tanks and helicopters.

    Nogi Museum stands on the former site of the headquarters of the Imperial Japanese Army’s 11th Division.
    Today, it is open to the public as a museum preserving this layered history.

    Zentsuji remains home to an active Japan Ground Self-Defense Force base, and it is not uncommon to see personnel and military vehicles in the surrounding area—
    a reminder of the town’s long-standing connection to military history.

    The name “Nogi Museum” comes from General Nogi Maresuke, the first division commander.
    Since 2006, materials related to the former Imperial Army have been on display.

    Inside the elegant Western-style building,visitors can explore exhibits spanning both the past and present—from historical military artifacts to displays about the modern Self-Defense Forces.
    The museum also serves as a public relations facility for the Zentsuji base.

    Name
    Nogi Museum (Zentsuji Camp History Museum)
    Address
    1821-2 Ikuno-cho, Zentsuji City, Kagawa
    Opening Hours
    9:00～12:00、13:00～16:00
    Closed
    Wednesday, New Year's holidays

    Cycling time: about 10 minutes

  3. DAY.110:10

    Zentsuji Temple

    Zentsuji is formally known as Byōbugaura Gogakuzan Tanjōin Zentsuji. Its name reflects the five mountains rising to the west, which resemble a folding screen—giving rise to the name “Byōbugaura Gogaku.”
    As the birthplace of Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), the founder of Shingon Buddhism, it is also known as “Tanjōin,” meaning “the temple of birth.”
    Together with Tō-ji Temple in Kyoto and Kōyasan in Wakayama, Zentsuji is considered one of the three most sacred sites associated with Kōbō Daishi, and has drawn worshippers for centuries.
    Today, it serves as the head temple of the Zentsuji branch of Shingon Buddhism, and is also the 75th temple of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage.
    Here, you may encounter pilgrims along their   journey—a quiet reminder that faith still walks these grounds.

    Name
    Zentsuji Temple
    Address
    香川県善通寺市善通寺町3-3-1

    12 minutes walk

  4. DAY.114:00

    Miyagawa Seimenjo

    If you’re visiting Zentsuji, this is a must-stop. Miyagawa Seimenjo is a beloved local spot that even appeared in the popular TV series “Kodoku no Gourmet (Solitary Gourmet).”

    A traditional udon shop serving freshly made noodles inside a noodle factory.

    A shop serving freshly made udon in one corner of a noodle factory.
    The nostalgic atmosphere and scent of dried sardines enhance its charm.

    It was my first time at a fully self-service shop, and I was confused at first.
    Thankfully, a kind staff member helped me, making it a memorable experience.

    The menu has only three options: kake, tsuke, and bukkake.
    Payment is after eating. Remembering these two points should be enough.

    Name
    Miyagawa Seimenjo
    Address
    1-1-20 Nakamura-cho, Zentsuji City, Kagawa, Japan
    Opening Hours
    8:00-18:00
    Closed
    Sundays

    Cycling time: about 30 minutes

  5. DAY.111:15

    Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji / Shorinji Kempo Headquarters

    Kongozen Shorinji Temple is the head temple of the sect, located about a 20-minute walk from Tadotsu Station.

    Shorinji Kempo is a martial art founded in 1947 by Dōshin Sō in Tadotsu Town.
    It was created not only as a form of physical training, but as a practice for developing people and character.

    Today, it is practiced in around 2,000 dojos across Japan, welcoming participants of all ages—from children to seniors.

    At this headquarters, visitors can observe three training halls and demonstrations that are not usually open to the public.
    You can also take part in hands-on experiences, including self-defense techniques and the Shorinji Kempo Wellness Program.

    This program focuses on breathing, posture, and awareness,
    offering a gentle and accessible form of exercise that even beginners can enjoy.

    Name
    Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji / Shorinji Kempo Headquarters
    Address
    3-1-48 Hon-dori, Tadotsu-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa

    12 minutes walk or 5 minutes by bicycle

  6. DAY.111:30

    Tadotsu Port

    Tadotsu Port has long been a gateway of trade.
    During the Edo period, it flourished as a stop for the Kitamaebune trading ships, and as a bustling point of arrival for pilgrims visiting Konpira Shrine.
    From here, a ferry ride of about one hour—via Takamijima—leads to Sanagijima Island.
    In the late Edo period, some islanders went on to serve aboard Katsu Kaishū’s Kanrin-maru and joined Sakamoto Ryōma’s Kaientai, leaving their mark on history.
    Today, the island is also known as a “cat island, where gentle seaside scenery and freely roaming cats create a quiet, healing atmosphere.
    If time allows, it’s a journey worth continuing.

    Name
    Tadotsu Port
    Address
    川県仲多度郡多度津町

    Cycling time: about 120 minutes

  7. DAY.111:30

    Seto Ohashi Memorial Park

    Set against a sweeping view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, this expansive seaside park invites both discovery and relaxation.

    Set against a sweeping view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, this expansive seaside park invites both discovery and relaxation.

    Within the grounds, you’ll find a museum that introduces the history and engineering behind the bridge, alongside fountains inspired by suspension and cable-stayed structures, open lawns, and spaces for children to play.

    Originally developed on the site of the Seto Ohashi Bridge Expo, the park offers a vast open landscape equipped with sports fields and recreational areas.

    Scattered throughout are works by sculptor Masayuki Nagare,and nearby you’ll find the Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum,as well as the Seto Ohashi Tower—a rotating observation tower rising 108 meters above ground,offering a 360-degree panorama of the Seto Inland Sea.

    Here, scenery and culture come together—a place to pause, and take in the scale of both nature and human creation.

    Name
    Seto Ohashi Memorial Park
    Address
    6-13 Bannosu Midorimachi, Sakaide City, Kagawa
    Opening Hours
    Open all year round

    Cycling time: about 90 minutes

  8. DAY.112:20

    Teuchi Udon Ayumi

    The menu is extensive, with 41 different types of udon noodles and seasoned rice dishes.

    One of Kagawa’s well-loved udon spots, known for its consistently good quality.

    Inside, the atmosphere feels quietly nostalgic—like a countryside diner you might stumble upon by chance.
    At the same time, the space is carefully maintained,
    with the warmth of wood creating a calm and welcoming place to sit and enjoy a bowl.

    Name
    Teuchi Udon Ayumi
    Address
    484 Higashi-ni, Iino-cho, Marugame City, Kagawa
    Opening Hours
    10:30〜15:00（We will close once we run out of balls.）
    Closed
    Every Tuesday and Wednesday

    Cycling time: about 30 minutes

  9. DAY.115:15

    Yokita Chado Ruins

    The tea served during hospitality is a wonderful travel memory.

    Located along the historic Konpira Road between Marugame and Kotohira, this site once served as a resting place for pilgrims during the Edo period.

    Here, travelers would pause—unpacking their lunches, sharing stories, and taking a quiet moment before continuing their journey.

    Remnants of that time still remain: a mounting stone once used to get on horseback, roof tiles marked with the seal of Konpira Shrine, and a milestone carved with the words 75 chō from here to the entrance of Marugame.

    Also standing here is the largest Konpira lantern along the Marugame route,donated in 1827,along with additional milestones and votive lanterns lining the nearby waterway.

    It is a place where the traces of past journeys still linger—and where, for a moment, you can slow down and follow them.

    Name
    Yokita Chado Ruins
    Address
    692 Yonokita-cho, Zentsuji City, Kagawa

    Cycling time: about 15 minutes

  10. DAY.115:40

    Hyakujitchō Milestone

    A place where a signpost was erected on the Konpira Road.

    A historic milestone along the Konpira Road, marking a distance once measured in chō—with “110 chō” indicating roughly 11 kilometers from Marugame (1 chō ≈ 109 meters).

    Riding this stretch, the distance feels surprisingly short—a reminder of how travel changes when experienced at your own pace.

    The road from Marugame unfolds through quiet countryside,with open fields stretching out on either side,and distant views of Mount Iino (Sanuki Fuji) and Mount Zōzu.

    It is a route best enjoyed slowly—where the scenery, and the sense of distance, come together.

    Name
    Hyakujitchō Milestone
    Address
    Kamikushinari, Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa

    Cycling time: about 90 minutes

  11. DAY.116:00

    Arrival Kotori Kotohira｜End of the Course Before you know it, you’re back at Kotori.

    Beyond Kotohira, the surrounding towns—Zentsuji, Tadotsu, Marugame, and Sakaide—are all connected, each with their own quiet charm.
    If you feel like going a little further, exploring by bicycle might just be the best way to discover them.

    Bicycle Rental Information Rental Hours: 9:00 – 18:00
    Location: Kotori Coworking ＆ Hostel Kotohira

    Guest Rates (for Kotori Kotohira guests)
    ・Cross Bike
    ーFull Day (9 hrs): ¥1,500
    ーHalf Day (4 hrs): ¥700
    ・E-bike
    ーFull Day (9 hrs): ¥3,000
    ーHalf Day (4 hrs): ¥1,500

    General Rates
    ・Cross Bike
    ーFull Day (9 hrs): ¥3,000
    ーHalf Day (4 hrs): ¥1,500
    ・E-bike
    ーFull Day (9 hrs): ¥6,000
    ーHalf Day (4 hrs): ¥3,000

    Cycling Routes：Explore recommended cycling routes around Kotohira