From Amusement Parks to Historic Landmarks! 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture

Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Marugame City encompasses the Shiwaku Islands and the northeastern part of the Marugame Plain. It is the second largest city in Kagawa Prefecture. Famous attractions include Marugame Castle, whose magnificent stone walls highlight its small keep, and Mt. Iinoyama (Sanuki Fuji), which displays a graceful beauty. Beyond these, the city offers traditional crafts such as Marugame fans (uchiwa), and family-friendly facilities like Reoma World, making it a place where both adults and children can have fun. At the same time, Marugame is a history-rich town surrounded by nature. So, what kind of city is Marugame? Let’s introduce five diverse sightseeing spots in Marugame City.

1. Thrill rides, pools, and nighttime illuminations: “NEW Reoma World”

The largest theme park in Shikoku, it originally opened in 1991 as “Reoma World,” part of the Reoma Resort. Although it closed once in August 2000, it was renewed and reopened as “NEW Reoma World” in April 2004.
Here, visitors can enjoy attractions like Ferris wheels, roller coasters, and go-karts. Within the grounds, you’ll also find “Reoma Flower World,” which boasts around 100 species and 420,000 flowers, and “Oriental Trip,” which faithfully recreates Asian World Heritage Sites.
A highlight in summer is the massive “Reoma Waterland.” It features the Chugoku-Shikoku region’s largest 260-meter lazy river, Shikoku’s only adventure-style pool, and three types of waterslides—perfect for thrilling water fun for families.
In winter, the park transforms into the enchanting “Reoma Light World.” Illuminations are held year-round, but the winter “Winter Illumination” is special. The “Miracle Aurora,” available only in winter, is breathtaking, creating a dreamy atmosphere that feels like being at the North or South Pole.

2. Enjoy Japanese gardens and art at “Nakatsu Banshoen”

This is a daimyo strolling garden designed after the Eight Views of Omi. The garden features a pond modeled after Lake Biwa and islands representing Omi’s scenic spots. It was built in 1688 by Kyogoku Takatoyo, the second lord of the Marugame domain.
Highlights include the red “Drum Bridge,” where the moon beautifully reflects at night; “Shojuen,” a gate nicknamed “The Gate of Longevity”; and the 600-year-old “Chiyo-no-Kasamatsu,” a pine tree chosen as one of Japan’s Top 100 Famous Pines. The garden vividly preserves Edo-period daimyo culture. Visitors can enjoy seasonal scenery reminiscent of period dramas, including cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes.
Within the garden is the Marugame Museum of Art, which houses French paintings by Millet and Rousseau, Japanese paintings from the Showa era, and artifacts such as decorated earthenware, ceramics, and glass vessels from Central Asia and the Middle East. This spot uniquely blends Japanese Edo-period culture with Western and Middle Eastern art.

3. Make your own Marugame fan at the “Uchiwa Port Museum”

The craft of “Marugame Uchiwa” began in the early Edo period as souvenirs for visitors to Kotohira Shrine. It has long been celebrated as a specialty product of Kagawa, with even local poems written about it.
In 1997, it was designated as a “Traditional Craft of Japan.” Inside the museum, there are exhibits explaining the history of Marugame Uchiwa and detailed displays of the production process using dolls and models. There’s also a demonstration corner where artisans craft fans, and an experience corner where you can make your own Marugame Uchiwa in about 50 minutes for 500 yen.
The fans are crafted by shaving bamboo bones, attaching Japanese paper, and applying lacquer or persimmon tannin for coloring. Known as “Bamboo-bone Uchiwa,” these have a unique charm absent in plastic fans. Making one yourself offers a hands-on way to experience Marugame’s history.

4. Climb one of Japan’s New 100 Famous Mountains, local Fuji of Kagawa: “Mt. Iinoyama”

While Mt. Fuji is Japan’s most iconic mountain, many regions have their own “local Fujis.” Mt. Iinoyama, spanning Marugame City’s southern area and Sakaide City, is one such mountain, nicknamed “Sanuki Fuji.”
Its conical shape explains the nickname. With an elevation of 421.9 meters, it was selected as one of the “New 100 Famous Mountains of Japan” when Marugame City merged with Ayauta and Hanzan towns. A commemorative monument stands at the summit.
Unlike Mt. Fuji, a dormant volcano, Mt. Iinoyama is not volcanic. There are three main trailheads: Iino Town, Hanzan Town, and Sakaide. Along the trails and at the summit, you can find monuments inscribed with poems composed by Crown Prince Hirohito (later Emperor Showa). Benches are placed at intervals, making it easy to climb at your own pace.

5. Symbol of Marugame City: The stone-walled Marugame Castle with 400 years of history

The origins of Marugame Castle are debated, but it is said to have begun in the early Muromachi period as a fort built by a vassal of the Hosokawa clan. Later, during the Azuchi-Momoyama to Edo periods, Ikoma Chikamasa, lord of Marugame, remodeled it as a branch of Takamatsu Castle. After the Battle of Sekigahara in 1602, the current castle was completed.
It is one of only 12 surviving original castle keeps from the Edo period, and though the smallest, it retains a dignified presence. The secret lies in its stone walls. Known as the “Stone Wall Castle,” Marugame Castle features four-tiered stone walls. The tall northern wall of the San-no-Maru employs Sangizumi, a technique of alternating short and long sides of rectangular stones, common in the Sengoku period.
The precisely stacked stones form a graceful curve known as “Fan Slope” (Ogi-no-kobai), admired for both strength and beauty. Recognized for its stonework, Marugame Castle is listed among “Japan’s Top 100 Castles.” The entire site is designated a National Historic Site, with the keep, First Gate, and Second Gate classified as Important Cultural Properties.

◎ Summary

Famous for its Sanuki Udon, Marugame City is a town rich in nature and history. With little rainfall and a mild climate, it is also popular as a relocation destination. Even the city’s official website promotes Marugame as “the most livable city in Shikoku.”
In addition to historical sites, Marugame also offers leisure facilities like Reoma World. Access from Honshu is convenient; by Shinkansen, transfer at Okayama Station to the Seto-Ohashi Line, and you’ll reach Marugame Station in under an hour. With diverse attractions and a comfortable living environment, Marugame is appealing not only for tourism but also for those considering regional relocation. A visit will surely help you discover its charm.