MARUGAME CITY

気持ちのいい旅 MARUGAME～ Delightful Trip MARUGAME ～Marugame City
HP https://www.city.marugame.lg.jp/

Marugame City TourismAssociation
HP https://www.love-marugame.jp/

Revised April 1, 2024

Contents
Key Characteristics of Marugame 03Access to Marugame 

04

Events Information 

05

Subsidy Program for Group Travel 

06

Marugame Castle 

07

Rickshaw Pulled by Comedians“OwaraiJinrikisha” 

08Rental Bicycle 

09Nakazu-Banshoen Garden 

10Marugame Uchiwa Paper Fan 

11Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art  12
Shiwaku Islands 13

Other Tourist Spots 

14Experiences in Marugame 

15

Local Souvenirs & Local Gourmet 

16

Recommended Route Courses 17

Key Characteristics of Marugame
Good points of Marugame
Okayama Prefecture

Shodoshima①W arm weather② Nice environment for a compact

excursion around Marugame
station③ Fusion of history and culture such

Marugame Citya s M a r u ga m e C a s t l e a n d
Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma
Museum of Contemporary Art④ Islands of art
3

Access to Marugame
From JR Shin-Osaka Station
Okayama Prefecture

JRShin-Osaka Station
JR Okayama Station
orJR Okayama StationShinkansen (About 45 min)
Limited express train (About 40 min)
Local train (About 55 min)
JR Sakaide Station
One transfer

JR Okayama Station
JR Marugame Station
JR Marugame Station

From Takamatsu Airport
Takamatsu Airport 

Marugame / Sakaide / Airport limousine bus (1 hrs and 15 mins)

Airport limousine bus (40 mins)
Takamatsu Airport		
JR Takamatsu Station

30 mins(JR=Japan Railway)
JR Marugame Station
JR Marugame Station

Airport limousine bus (30 mins)
Marugame City Community Bus
Kotoden Okada Station
Marugame Station
Takamatsu Airport
4

Events Information (Subject to change or cancellation without notice.)
DateApril 1st~14th
April 9th
April 22nd~28th
May 3rdand 4th
Late July
Late September to late November
Mid-October ~ Mid-November
Early November
early January
Early February

Txakoli day

Festival / Event
Marugame Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Txakoli day
Sanuki-Fuji Mountain Week
Marugame Castle Festival“Momoku-Matsuri” Peach Festival
Marugame Castle Road(illumination)
Marugame Castle Chrysanthemum Exhibition
Ayauta Furusato Festival
Marugame Castle New Year's Event
Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon

Marugame Castle Road(illumination)

5PlaceKameyama-Koen Castle Park
Marugame Tori-cho Shopping Street
Iino Trail / Hanzan-cho Trail
Marugame Castle and the surrounding area
Hanzan Kita Community Center
Kameyama-Koen Castle Park
Otemon Gate Plaza, Marugame Castle
Ayauta Cultural Center “i-lex”
Kameyama-Koen Castle Park
Pikara Stadium

Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon

Subsidy Program for Group Travel (Marugame City Tourism Visit and Stay Promotional Project Subsidy)
This is a subsidy program to attract group travelers who have a plan to tour in Marugame City. Marugame
City also has subsidy programs for competition organizers and schools for their group travels.
For Travel Agencies : Marugame City Group Tour Promotional Project Subsidy
Target travel group must include “tour in Marugame” in the itinerary.

Overnight Trip
Tour in Marugame

Designated accommodation in Marugame

40,000yen per group

Eating in Marugame

20,000yen per group

Day TripTour in Marugame

Please note6

• Number of Participants: 20 or more
• The maximum subsidy amount is 180,000 yen per branch office.
• Applications may be submitted up to 3 times per promotional project.

Marugame Castle
A famous castle with soaring stone walls that continues to be cherished by the local citizens
Marugame Castle is the symbol of Marugame City with 420 years of history.
It is known throughout the country as “the castle of stone walls” and has been selected as
one of the 100 best castles in Japan.
It is the smallest of only 12 remaining wooden castle towers in Japan and is designated asa National Important Cultural Property. You can overlook panoramic views of Marugame
City and the Seto Inland Sea from the top. Local citizens enjoy cherry blossom viewing,walking, jogging, and other activities at Marugame Castle.

Information of Marugame Castle
Address Ichibancho, Marugame CityFree parking space 50 cars / large buses 5~7 cars
Open 9:00 a.m. ~ 4:30 p.m. (Last entry 4:00 p.m.) Open all year round
Admission fee Adult 400yen		Children (junior high school students, and younger) Free		 20% discount for a tourist group of 20people or more		 (Admission fee revised on April 1, 2024)
TEL +81 (0) 877-25-3881
(Marugame Castle Tourist Information Center)HP https://www.city.marugame.lg.jp/site/castle/

Experience the History of Marugame App
You can download the VR app which can reproduce
sensations of visiting Marugame Castle in the Edo
period ♪ (You can download the app from App store
and Google play for free in the castle.)
7

Rickshaw Pulled by Comedians“OwaraiJinrikisha”
Why don’t you take a rickshaw tour around Marugame Castle?
The tour takes about 30 minutes to visit all the photo spots while being guided by the driver.
You can enjoy views that can only be experienced from a rickshaw.
What a great memory to make during your visit!
1 Course for viewing Marugame Castle
2 Course to Marugame Station
3 Course for viewing the Tori-Cho shopping arcade
Marugame
StationMarugame Genichiro-Inokuma
Museum of Contemporary Art(MIMOCA)

Information of Rickshaw

Tori-Cho shopping arcade

Tomiya-Cho shopping street

Marugame Live-in Comedian: Kamemaru Ohki

Marugame City HallMarutasu

Operating 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Fee 1,000yen per person
Reservations Reservations required (email, phone, travel website, etc.)
Required time About 20min
Payment cash
Boarding location Marugame Castle Otemon Square
Course Check map on the right
TEL +81 (0) 877-22-0331 (Marugame City Tourist Information Center)

STARTMarugame Castle

8Otemon GateRental Bicycle
Why not rent a bicycle and enjoy sightseeing in Marugame?
Since bicycles allow for a wider range of travel, they are recommended for not only
sightseeing but also for visiting local Udon noodle restaurants.
People who can rent a bicycle:
Junior high school students or older(Younger children that can ride a 24 inch bicycle while being accompanied by a parent
can also rent one)
Personal ID (passport, drivers license, student card, etc.) is required to be shown whenrenting a bicycle.
Standard bicycle fees:¥200 for up to 6 hours, ¥300 for all day, plus ¥500 deposit.
Electric bicycle and Sport bicycle fees:¥500 for up to 6 hours, ¥700 for all day, plus ¥1,000 deposit.

Information of Rental Bicycle
Open 7:00 a.m. ~ 7:00 p.m. Open all year roundTEL +81 (0) 877-25-1127
Rental and Return location is the Marugame Station South Parking Lot(Just outside Marugame Station South Exit)

From Rental Port
5 mins to Marugame Castile
15 mins to Marugame Uchiwa Museum
15 mins to “Nakazu-Banshoen”Japanesegarden
25 mins to Kagawa Prefectural Marugame Stadium
25 mins to Marugame City Baseball Stadium
30 mins to Mt.Iinoyama(IinoTrail)
9Nakazu Banshoen Garden
The view from vermillion lacquered Yogetsu bridge is exceptionally beautiful.
Nakazu Banshoen is a traditional Japanese garden with pathways weaving around manicured ponds,
created by Takatoyo Kyogoku, the feudal lord of Margame, as his personal villa.
When you enter the park, you are greeted with a vermilion-lacquered arched bridge.
The 15-meter-diameter, 600-year-old pine tree on the west side park is a mustsee attraction!
Also, the Marugame Museum of Art within the garden is home to the works ofMillet, Corot, Rousseau and others from the Barbizon School.
The Marugame Uchiwa Paper Fan Museum opened in March 2023.

100 torii gates

Information of Nakazu Banshoen Garden
Address 25-1 Nakazucho, Marugame City
Free parking space 30 buses / 100 cars
Open 9:30 a.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. (Last Entry 4:30 p.m.)
※ P lease check the website for closing dates during the year-end
and New Year holidays.
Closed on Wednesdays (Open on public holidays)
Admission fee Adult 700 yenChild (Junior high student or under) 300 yen
TEL + 81 (0) 877-23-6326
HP http://www.bansyouen.com/

One of the 100 best pine trees in Japan, Ogasamatsu

tearoomJapanese restaurant “Kaifu-Tei”You can enjoy Japanese beautiful scenery ofthe garden from this restaurant.
The restaurant serves Kagawa’s famous
cuisine “Sanuki Udon noodle” originallybrought from China by a Buddhist monk Kobo
Daishi. With this special cuisine, Kagawa’s
seasonal dishes will be served.
There are private rooms, a banquet room with a capacity of 60
people, and a lecture/seminar hall with a capacity of 200 people.
10Marugame Uchiwa Paper Fan
Marugame Uchiwa is a Traditional Craft of JapanThe Marugame Uchiwa was made as a souvenir for those visiting Konpira Shrine.
Today, more than 90% of all Uchiwa produced in Japan are made in Marugame.
Various types of Uchiwa are sold, and you can choose the one that you like best, from traditional ones to moderndesigns.

Information of Marugame Uchiwa Museum

Information of Uchiwa Workshop “Ta-ke”

Why don’t you make your own original Uchiwa atthe Museum and discover the art and beauty of theMarugame Uchiwa.
Please make a reservation by 3:30 p.m. the day
before.
Address 25-1 Nakazucho, Marugame CityFree parking space 15 cars (If you are coming by large bus, please contact
us in advance.)
Open 9:30 a.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. (Last entry 4:00 p.m.)
Closed on Wednesdays (Open on public holidays), Year-end and New Year holidays
Admission fee is free (The Uchiwa hand crafting experience : ¥1,000)※ It will take 40 mins ~ 50 mins for making a Uchiwa※ For making a Uchiwa, advance reservation is required.
TEL +81 (0) 877-24-7055
HP https://marugameuchiwa.jp/

Skilled craftsmen demonstrate how
to make an Uchiwa and sell them at
the workshop in the Marugame
Castle Tourist Information Center.
Reservations are required for theUchiwa making experience.
Address Ichibancho, Marugame City (Marugame Castle)
Free parking space 50cars (South of Marugame City History and FolkloreMuseum)Open 10:00 a.m. ~ 4:00 p.m. Open all year round
Admission fee is free (The Uchiwa hand crafting experience : ¥1,000)※ It will take 60mins for making a Uchiwa※ For making a Uchiwa, advance reservation is required.
TEL +81 (0) 877-25-3882
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Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art (MIMOCA)
Unique “Museum in front of the Train Station”
At the entrance of the museum “Plazaof Creation”, visitors will find amazingly
impressive giant mural of Genichiro Inokuma and some of his art works.
The building was designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, a world-famous architect for his
beautiful museums. Natural light taken in the building makes the museum
lighter and more open, and there are spacious exhibition rooms.
The museum shop sells high quality gifts and souvenirs relating to Genichiro
Inokuma and MIMOCA.

Information of MIMOCA
Address 80-1 Hamamachi, Marugame City
Parking lot under Marugame Station Two hours free
※ Show your parking ticket at the Museum reception.
Open 10:00p.m. ~ 6:00p.m. (Last entry 5:30p.m.)
Closed Mondays (open if Monday is a public holiday; closed on the following weekdayinstead) / Year-end(December 25th to December 31st) / Temporary closures may occur(during exhibition changes, etc.)
Admission fee 300yen (240yen for group visitor)
University student 200yen (160yen for group visitor)※ Additional fee will be required for special exhibition.
HP https://www.mimoca.org/ja/
TEL +81 (0) 877-24-7755
12Museum Café Restaurant “MIMOCA”
TEL +81 (0) 877-22-2340
The museum café serves coffee , a small selection of drinks, lunch
and light meals. You can enjoy food and drink in the relaxing café
space looking theview of Cascade
P laz a f r om thewindow.
The limited menu
will be offered forspecial exhibitions.
Photographer: Yoshiro Masuda/
Photo provided by: Machi no Schule 963

Shiwaku Islands
Island Journey from Past toPresent
Marugame has five islands
which is called “Shiwaku
Islands” including Honjima
Island. The international art
festival on the island of Seto
Inland Sea has been held
every three years and Honjima
Island participated in that art
festival 2016. You can enjoy
many of artworks remaining in the island. Also you can see the national-designatedhistorical site “Shiwaku Kinbansho (Old Administrative Office)”, sunflower field…. You canfind the fusion of nature, history and art. Spend your time relaxing in the islands ofShiwaku.

Information of Shiwaku Islands“Shiwaku Kinbansho” Administrative Office(Honjima)
Iroha-Ishi Stone (Hiroshima)

Gokurakuji Temple (Ushijima)
Sunflower field (Teshima)

Address Honjima, Ushijima, Hiroshima, Teshima, Oteshima, Marugame City
Access Catch a ferry at Marugame Port
※ In Honjima and Hiroshima, rental cycles and Community busservices are available.
TEL +81 (0) 877-24-8822 HP https://www.marugame-happylife.jp/islands/
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Tamatsushima Shrine(Oteshima)Other Tourists Spots
New Reoma WorldAmusement Park : One of the largest amusement parks in Shikoku which has scary rides, ahotel with swimming pools and hot spring bathes. You can enjoy exciting amusement facilities and relaxing hotel spaces.
Address 40-1Kurikuma Nishi, Ayautacho, Marugame City | Free parking space About 4,000 cars | Openweekdays 10:00a.m. ~ 4:00p.m. / Saturday and Sunday 10:00a.m. ~ 8:00p.m.(Subject to change depending on theseason) | Admission fee entrance fee (Attraction fee is separat) Adults (junior high school students and above)
2,000 yen / Children (3 years old - elementary school students) 1,500 yen Please check the official website forother ticket types and prices. | TEL +81 (0) 877-86-1071 | HP https://www.newreomaworld.com/
Boat Race Marugame : Boat racing is a motorboat competition where professional racers compete against
each other and spectators can place bets on the race. You can predict the placement of the 6 competing boats andreceive a dividend if you choose correctly. Boat Race Marugame also holds night races referred to as the“Marugame Blue Nighter”. There are other facilities to enjoy while watching the races, such as the food court, acommunity park “Gruun”, and a kid's boat park “Mooovi” located next to Marugame Boat Race.
Address 4-1-1Fujimi cho, Marugame City | Free parking space 2,000cars | Open Time varies dependingon the race. | Admission fee after 2:00p.m. 400yen | TEL +81 (0) 877-23-5141 | HP https://www.
marugameboat.jp/Mt. Iinoyama : Mt. Iinoyama, 422meters above sea level and was selected as One of “New Best 100 Mountainin
Japan”.
TEL +81 (0) 877-22-0331(Marugame Tourist Information Center) | HP https://www.city.marugame.lg.jp/page/3063.html

14

Experiences in Marugame
Hike the Mountains of Shiwaku Islands : Shiwaku Islands consist of 28 islands and some mountains are very
recommendable for hiking and trekking.
Hiking the Mt.Tomi (Honjima Island) : The view of Seto Ohashi Bridge and Seto Inland Sea from the summit of theMt. Tomi is incredibly beautiful. Also you can enjoy walking along the beach, stroll around the old town preserves
historic atmosphere, viewing art works. (2 hrs / 6 km)
Trekking in the Mt. Oto (Hiroshima Island) : The Mt. Oto is the highest mountain in Shiwaku Islands and it’s at analtitude of 312 meters. From the summit you can get a full viewof Seto Inland Sea. Near thesummit, there is a partwhich is called “Oto Dessert” and see effloresce appears on granite stones will be seen. (2 hrs 45 mins / 5 km)Experience How to Make “Marugame Uchiwa” : Making your own uchiwa is recommendable. When fanning
your own uchiwa in the summer, you can feel fresh wind cools you.
Marugame Uchiwa Museum : You can choose your favorite paper from 20 different types of uchiwa papers andpast it to bamboo skeleton to make your own uchiwa. Uchiwa craftsperson will teach you how to make your uchiwa.
It’s easy and fun! (Reservationis required.) | Fee 1,000yen (About 40~50 mins / For a group of 10 people ormore: about 90mins) | TEL +81 (0) 877-24-7055
Uchiwa Workshop “Take” : Uchiwa craftsperson will teach you how to make your own uchiwa from making
uchiwa’s bamboo skeleton to pasting uchiwa paper to bamboo ribs. (Reservationis required.) | Fee 1,000 yen(About 1 hour) | TEL +81 (0) 0877-25-3882
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Local Souvenirs & Local Gourmet
Peaches “Momo”
Fresh peaches are available inreasonable price at Hanan Peach
Farmers’ Market. Summer special
desserts, soft serve ice cream andpeach sherbet are popular desserts.

“O-iri” Sweets“O-iri” is Marugame originated fluffed and smallround balls made with glutinous rice. Pastelcolored O-iri balls are sweetened lightly.
Originally O-iri is ordered for the Bride in her
wedding but now it’s very popular amongpeople who love its pretty colors and shape.

Honetsuki-dori
The spicy flavor of this chicken issure to be addictive!
Honetsuki-dori originated inMarugame.
This gourmet chicken leg isseasoned with special spices and iscooked in the oven. The outside is crunchy while
the inside is very juicy.
You can choose from two kinds of chicken,
chewy Oya-dori (adult chicken) and juicy andsoft Waka-dori (young chicken).

Sanuki Udon Noodles
Eating Kagawa's specialty Udon in thehome of Udon! Sanuki Udon, the favorite of
Kagawa residents.
Let’s enjoy eating some delicious chewy
noodles with savory soup stock.
Each restaurant has its own special
noodles and soup stock, and you can explore the differences between them.
There is a wide variety of udon dishes! “Kake Udon” is a hefty portion of noodles
severed in a bowl of zesty soup. “Kamaage Udon” is eaten with a special dipping
soup. “Kamatama Udon” is hot noodles served with raw eggs. “Nikku Udon” is abowl of udon noodles with salty and sweet cooked beef.
Rental bicycles and taxies are recommended to enjoy visiting Udon restaurants!

16

Recommended Route Courses from Takamatsu Airport
Recommended Rout Course from Takamatsu Airport (3 days and 2 nights in Marugame)
Tour around Marugame Castle
1st Day

Takamatsu Airport(a.m.) >>> 1hr and 15mins by limousine bus >>> JR Marugame Sta. >>> Lunch (Udon noodle)>>> Making a Uchiwa (It takes about 1hr) >>> Marugame Castle (About 1hr and 30 mins) >>> NakazuBanshoen (About 1hr) >>> Dinner (Grilled chicken) >>> Lodging in Marugame Take a ride on the rickshaw!
Islands Tour

2nd Day

Hiking islands is recommendable!
Marugame Port >>> 30mins by ferry >>> Honjima Port >>> Ride a rental bike >>> Shiwaku Kinbansho(About1hr) >>> Kasashima District Preservation Center(About 1hr) >>> Lunch >>> Tour the remaining Setouchi
Triennale artworks on the island(About 1hr) >>> Honjima Port >>> 30mins by ferry >>> Marugame Port >>>JR Marugame Sta. >>> Fresh fish for dinner >>> Lodging in Marugame
Tour around Marugame City

3rd Day

JR Marugame Sta. >>> 10mins by train >>> JR ZentsujiSta. >> Zentsuji Temple(About1 hr) >>> JR Zentsuji Sta.
>>> 10mins by train >>> JR Kotohira Sta. >>> Konpira Shrine(About 1hr) >>> Lunch >>> Kotoden Kotohira
Sta. >>> 45 minsby airport limousine bus >>> Takamatsu Airport17