Introducing 9 recommended tourist spots in Manno Town, Kagawa Prefecture, making the most of nature and water sources

Manno Town is a new town established in 2006 through the merger of three towns. Flowing through Manno Town is the Doki River, the only Class A river in Kagawa Prefecture. The town's treasures are its untouched greenery, traditions and history woven by the local people over many years, and its culture. Manno Town is rich in water resources, making it an indispensable part of Kagawa Prefecture’s agriculture.

The area around Manno Pond is rich in nature, with forest parks where you can enjoy the natural greenery. Because much of the area remains untouched by humans, you can even see fireflies. Now, let’s explore the tourist attractions of nature-rich Manno Town.

1. Manno Pond

Manno Pond is an essential place for agriculture in the Seto Inland Sea region, which has little rainfall. It boasts the largest water storage capacity in Kagawa Prefecture at 15.4 million cubic meters. The pond has a long history, believed to have been constructed in the 700s by Morimichi Morinoomi.

Later, the pond collapsed and repairs were delayed, but in 821, the monk Kukai repaired Manno Pond in about three months. After several more renovations and expansions, it reached its current size in 1959. The area around Manno Pond is rich in nature. During rice planting season, you can see Manno fireflies at night.

There was a time when the fireflies disappeared, but efforts were made to revive them by building a waterwheel hut and creating waterways suitable for fireflies. Now, fireflies can be seen every year.

2. Sanuki Manno National Park

Sanuki Manno National Park is a place where you can fully enjoy rich nature. It is the 12th national park in Japan and serves as a center for leisure and culture. It features the largest auto-camping site in Shikoku and hosts various events.

For example, you can join stargazing sessions under a beautiful starry sky, enjoy campfires, or attend summer festivals. The campground is car-accessible, with complete facilities such as water, sinks, power supply, and spaces for RVs, making camping easy. There's also rental service for those who don’t have camping gear.

The park also offers places for sports and recreation, making it a perfect spot to spend a fun day.

3. Shioiri Onsen

Shioiri Onsen is a local gathering spot and a community hub for health and relaxation.

It is said to have been discovered during the Kamakura period by Ajari Dohon from Mount Koya during his training. The onsen is nestled in nature, where you can fully enjoy the changing seasons. Its sodium-rich water is ideal for therapeutic baths, expected to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and frozen shoulder.

The natural hot spring gushes out from 500 meters underground and is known for its excellent quality. The large baths change between male and female monthly, so both can enjoy different views.

The souvenir corner is well-stocked, and the handmade ice cream from the local market is especially popular after a bath. Try it after soaking!

4. Sora no Yume Mominoki Park - Chunan Farmers Market

Chunan Town is famous for its fresh, locally-sourced products. At the Sora no Yume Mominoki Park - Chunan Farmers Market, you can buy plenty of fresh items at very affordable local prices — making it hard to resist overbuying! The products are high-quality, carefully managed, and sold directly by farmers.

There is a wide variety of items, including crops and processed products unique to Manno Town. Especially popular are country soba, bara-zushi, and steamed sticky rice. Manno Town also produces brown Koshihikari rice, milled traditionally using a water wheel. Carefully cultivated, this rice is a must-try for its rich flavor.

5. Epia Mikado

Epia Mikado is a day-use hot spring facility that uses the famous Mikado Hot Spring water, which was also loved by Hiraga Gennai. It is equipped with a large public bath, jacuzzi bath, cold bath, and sauna. The spring quality is said to be effective for neuralgia, chronic gynecological diseases, and even has skin-beautifying effects, making it popular among women.

Epia Mikado's charm is not only the hot springs but also the delicious local food and sake. You can enjoy homestyle dishes and good drinks. It is located within "Michi-no-Eki Kotonomi," making it a great stopover during a drive.

6. Mikado Gorge

Mikado Gorge is located upstream of the Doki River, known for its clear streams and beautiful rocky landscapes. It’s a popular scenic spot selected as one of the Sanuki Ten Views. Since it’s near Epia Mikado, many visitors enjoy walking here after their hot spring bath.

The gorge has two deep pools called Obuchi and Mebuchi, which are said to be home to a legendary giant serpent. Their depths remain unmeasured, adding a mystical charm. The gorge also features "Meoto Iwa" or "Married Rocks," where two similar rocks sit closely together, believed to bless married couples with harmony.

7. Hotarumi Park

At Hotarumi Park in Mannō Town, you can see naturally occurring Genji fireflies. The park’s "Hotaru no Sato" area has a water mill and waterways designed to create a comfortable environment for the fireflies to grow naturally.

Besides fireflies, the park also features seasonal flowers like peonies, irises, and hydrangeas. It is a great place to visit from May to June.

8. Karin no Oka Park

Karin no Oka Park is one of the rare places in Shikoku where you can enjoy bicycle and motorcycle trial sports. Surrounded by nature, it’s perfect for motor sports enthusiasts. The park also has areas for picnics, sports like baseball and soccer, and large playground equipment, making it a popular weekend spot.

There are resting facilities and pavilions where visitors can relax. With activities for both kids and adults, you can enjoy spending the whole day here. Plenty of parking space is available, so it’s easy to access by car.

9. Kenkō Fureai no Sato

Kenkō Fureai no Sato is known for its spacious grounds, featuring a baseball field, tennis courts, and a gateball field. It also has a campground that becomes lively with families during summer. Additionally, there is a community hall available for local residents, making it a spot where people of all ages can gather.

Since Kenkō Fureai no Sato is located within the Ōtaki Ōkawa Prefectural Natural Park, visitors can enjoy the beautiful changing seasons. The area is rich in nature, attracting many wild birds, making it a popular spot for bird watchers. There is also an observation deck where you can enjoy the magnificent view of Mannō.

◎ Summary

Mannō Town is a peaceful area where people live a laid-back lifestyle. Thanks to its abundant nature, you can enjoy watching fireflies or camping with your family.

There are also many hot springs, roadside stations, and tourist attractions that make use of the rich natural surroundings. Located in the southern part of Kagawa Prefecture, it is a little far from the city center, but it’s definitely worth visiting for a relaxing drive.

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Introducing 9 recommended tourist spots in Manno Town, Kagawa Prefecture, making the most of nature and water sources