Kagawa

Kagawa Prefecture occupies the northeastern corner of Shikoku island and is the smallest prefecture in Japan by area, yet it packs a remarkable concentration of cultural, culinary and natural attractions into its compact geography. Facing the Seto Inland Sea to the north, Kagawa is connected to Honshu via the Seto Ohashi Bridge, one of the world’s longest series of bridges, which spans a chain of small islands between Sakaide city in Kagawa and Kurashiki city in Okayama Prefecture.

The prefecture is perhaps best known throughout Japan for Sanuki udon, its thick, chewy wheat noodles served in a light dashi broth. Kagawa produces and consumes more udon per capita than any other prefecture in Japan, and the region’s hundreds of udon restaurants — ranging from casual self-service counters to long-established family-run shops — draw dedicated food travelers from across the country. The local style is characterized by firm, elastic noodles and a delicate broth made from iriko (dried sardine) dashi, distinct from the richer broths found in other udon regions.

The prefectural capital, Takamatsu city, is home to Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s finest feudal-era stroll gardens, and serves as a gateway to the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea, including Naoshima, Teshima and Shodoshima — internationally renowned for their contemporary art museums, installations and architecture.