Enjoy Utazu Town in Kagawa Prefecture to the fullest! 4 recommended sightseeing spots

Utazu Town, Kagawa Prefecture. A quiet town with a population of about 20,000, located between Sakaide City to the east and Marugame City to the west. Taking advantage of the warm Seto Inland Sea climate with little rain and long hours of sunshine, the area prospered in the salt-making industry from the mid-Edo period until the abolition of the salt fields in 1972. Today, in order to pass down this history, facilities where visitors can learn about the history of salt-making technology have been developed.

In addition, after the opening of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, which connects Honshu and Shikoku, many tourists began visiting the Kagawa side, forming a new Utazu Town that continues to the present day. The beauty of the view of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea needs no explanation, and the sunset sinking into the Seto is an indescribable spectacle. Here, we introduce sightseeing spots in Utazu Town, Kagawa Prefecture.

1. Eat, learn, and see! “Utazu Umi Hotaru”

Utazu Umi Hotaru is a comprehensive seaside park in Utazu Town, Kagawa Prefecture. Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, this popular sightseeing spot is famous for enjoying the orange-colored sunset over the Seto and the illuminated Seto Ohashi Bridge at night. Inside the grounds, there are facilities such as a restored salt field developed in the early Edo period, exhibitions and videos where you can learn about Utazu Town and salt-making technology, as well as the “playground” and “lawn park,” which are popular with families.

At the end of the park stands the “Lovers’ Sanctuary Monument,” making it a favorite for couples enjoying the night view. Inside “Utazu Umi Hotaru,” there is also a café-restaurant and souvenir shop, so you can take your time enjoying yourself. In summer, the “Utazu Aloha Night” event is held, where visitors gather to enjoy graceful hula dancing against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. Be sure to visit this Kagawa sightseeing spot at least once.

2. A spectacular sightseeing spot overlooking Utazu Town: “Mt. Aonoyama Summit”

Mt. Aonoyama, which straddles Utazu Town and Marugame City, is a 220-meter-high mountain shaped like a rice ball. Also known as the “Mountain of Tumuli,” many ancient burial mounds and old kiln remains can be found here. The tumulus at the summit has been identified as a 1,400-year-old site, telling the story of Utazu’s ancient history.

At the top, an observation deck offers sweeping views of the small islands of the Seto Inland Sea, the pure-white Seto Ohashi Bridge, and the townscape of Utazu, making this a truly spectacular sightseeing spot in Kagawa! There is also a grassy square and athletic playground equipment, making it popular with families.

In spring, the area becomes a famous spot for cherry blossoms, and it is also well-known as a beautiful night-view location. In particular, the illuminated Seto Ohashi Bridge glowing in the night is a must-see. Please enjoy the view from the summit of Mt. Aonoyama!

3. Indoor Playground “Play Park Gold Tower”

For families with children, “Play Park Gold Tower” is highly recommended! Located near the seaside park in Utazu Town, Kagawa Prefecture, it is within walking distance from the JR station. This all-weather amusement park is a place where you can play all day long. At the shining golden Marine Tower, you can enjoy an exclusive panoramic view from 158 meters above. On the observation deck is the “Gold Shrine,” where couples leave numerous “keys of vows” as tokens of their love.

Around the tower, there are play parks, karaoke, game corners, and much more. There are so many fun spots that you won’t run out of things to do even if you stay all day. Especially popular with children are the “Kids Land,” the “Wanwan Land” where you can interact with dogs, and other play areas. Of course, there is also a food court, so you won’t go hungry.

4. Nostalgic visit to the past in the “Komachi Area”

Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Utazu Town in Kagawa Prefecture has prospered as a port town since ancient times. With thriving trade centered on lively fishermen, old townhouses (“machiya”) and historic temples and shrines still remain in their original form today.

The area south of Utazu Town Hall is called the “Komachi Area,” a sightseeing district filled with the aroma of old history and culture. Highlights include “Ubukai Shrine” with its 1,200-year history, “Goshoji Temple,” the 78th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and the triangular-roofed Western-style building “Kura no Yakata Sankakutei.” The streets of the Komachi area are paved with bricks that match the surroundings, making it a perfect spot for strolling.

The event held in March during the Hinamatsuri festival is also very popular, attracting many tourists. Be sure to stop by the Komachi area, one of Utazu’s sightseeing highlights.

◎ Summary

Utazu Town in Kagawa Prefecture is a place where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. This time, we introduced sightseeing spots where you can fully appreciate these views. Both “Mt. Aonoyama Summit” and “Play Park Gold Tower” are spots where you can capture the panorama of islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea in your field of vision. In addition, the “Komachi Area” allows you to immerse yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere of Utazu, which once flourished through fishing and salt-making. When visiting Kagawa, be sure to take your time strolling through this town.

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Enjoy Utazu Town in Kagawa Prefecture to the fullest! 4 recommended sightseeing spots