Yashima in Kagawa, Shikoku

~ Journey to the Source: Kagawa, Japan — The City of Art ~

Yashima

Yashima, designated as a national park in 1934, is located in northeastern Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku, Japan.
It is covered by rock layers called a “mesa,” surrounded by steep cliffs that form a table-like plateau resembling a huge roof—hence the name “Yashima.” The highest altitude is up to 300 meters, you can see the natural beauty of Seto Inland Sea, Takamatsu City and Sanuki Mountain Range. Yashima has been selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Sunset Spots,” “Top 100 Night View Spots,” and “Top 100 Moon Viewing Locations.”

Official Website：Yashima Tourist Information Website

Premium Stone “Aji Stone” (AOISHIMA Inc.)

“Aji Stone” is one of the three major granites in Japan. It originates in eastern Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, spanning from Murecho Mure to Mount Gokenzan in Ajicho. Its fine crystalline texture, luster, weight, and hardness have earned it the nickname “Diamond of Granite” as a premium stone.

AOISHIMA Inc., founded by craftsman Riki Ninomiya from the Aji quarry, is dedicated to the stone industry and promoting the charm of its place of origin.

Image source：Instagram @aoishima.jp

Official Website：Aoshima Showroom
Address：3195-1 Mure, Murecho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture Googlemaps
Official Website：Aoishima｜AJI PROJECT
Instagram：Aoishima｜AJI PROJECT

Waraya (Sanuki Udon)

Inside a traditional thatched-roof house from the Edo period, Waraya has been serving the same great taste since its founding in 1975 (Showa 50).

Their signature dish is kama-age udon. Even in Kagawa Prefecture, the udon capital, few shops feature kama-age udon as their specialty. Unlike other udon, kama-age is served without rinsing in cold water, yet it still maintains a firm, chewy texture. This requires extra care and skill in both noodle making and cooking time management, making it a true test of the chef’s craftsmanship.

Image source：圖片提供

Official Website：Waraya (Sanuki Udon)
Address：91 Yashima Nakamachi, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture Googlemaps

Shikoku National Museum “Shikoku Mura”

Shikoku Mura Museum is located at the foot of Mt. Yashima in Kagawa Prefecture and covers a vast area. At its center is an open-air museum composed of 33 relocated and restored buildings from all four prefectures of Shikoku — the Shikoku Mura Museum.

The relocated and restored buildings include residences, workshops, meeting halls, theaters, rice warehouses, and soy sauce cellars dating from the Edo to Taisho periods, where were actually lived in and used by our ancestors. The interior beams, pillars, and various tools all reflect the wisdom, hard work, and hopes of those who came before us.

“Shikoku Mura Gallery,” designed by master architect Tadao Ando.

Image source：Photo Credit

Official Website：Shikoku Mura Museum
Address：91 Yashima Nakamachi, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture Googlemaps

Yashima Temple

Image source：Photo Credit

In 754 AD, the Tang Dynasty monk Ganjin established Fugen-do Hall on the northern ridge of Yashima, enshrining the statue of Bodhisattva Fugen and Buddhist scriptures he brought with him. This temple is number 84 in the Shikoku Pilgrimage’s 88 sacred sites*, and is the only temple founded by Ganjin, making it especially famous.

*The Shikoku Pilgrimage (Shikoku Henro) is a circuit of 88 temples on Japan’s Shikoku Island, all associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi). Pilgrims visit these sites as a spiritual journey.

Official Website：Yashima Temple
Address：1808 Yashima Higashimachi, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture Googlemaps

Yashimaru

The Takamatsu Yashima Mountain Exchange Facility, also known as Yashimaru, opened in 2022. It is dedicated to promoting tourism in Yashima and showcasing the natural beauty, history, and culture of the surrounding area.

©SUO

This approximately 200-meter-long glass curtain-wall corridor building features roof tiles made from waste materials generated during the quarrying of Aji Stone, perfectly blending historical tradition with modern design. In 2024, it was honored with the BCS Award, recognizing it as an outstanding architectural work in Japan.
©SUO

Inside the corridor, there is a panoramic artwork themed around the Genpei War (admission fee required), as well as an exhibition area showcasing the culture of Yashima.

The multipurpose conference room can accommodate up to 80 people and is available for reservation in advance.

In addition to cultural exchanges inside the facility, Yashimaru, located at the summit of Mount Yashima, is an excellent spot for watching sunsets and enjoying panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea islands and the cityscape.