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Sanuki

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City
—°7
Sanuki (Japan)
ℹ️

Practical info — Sanuki

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Eat Udon for breakfast; many local shops open early and close as soon as they run out of freshly made noodles.
  • Visit Tsuda-no-matsubara, a beautiful white sand beach famous for its grove of over 3,000 ancient pine trees.
  • Head to Ōkubo-ji Temple, the 88th and final stop of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, to witness pilgrims completing their journey.
  • Look for 'Udon Taxis'; the drivers are certified experts who can take you to the best hidden noodle gems in the city.
  • Don't be afraid to slurp your noodles; in Sanuki, it's a sign of enjoyment and helps you appreciate the flavor of the broth.

🍽 Food

🍽
Sanuki Udon

World-famous thick wheat noodles; prize the 'firm yet chewy' texture known locally as 'koshi'.

🍽
Honetsuki-dori

Spicy roasted chicken on the bone, a local soul food that pairs perfectly with a cold drink.

🍽
Wasanbon Sugar

Fine, traditional sugar produced in this region, used to make beautiful pressed sweets for tea ceremonies.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Dried Udon Kits

Available in gift boxes with soup base included, allowing you to recreate the Sanuki flavor at home.

🛍
Wasanbon Confections

Artistically shaped sugar sweets that make for a beautiful and unique local gift.

🛍
Traditional Uchiwa Fans

Handcrafted bamboo fans, a specialty craft of the region with centuries of history.

🧘
Tsuda-no-matsubara Pine Grove

A sprawling, peaceful seaside park handy for relaxing in the shade of ancient, twisted pines.

🧘
Ōkubo-ji Temple Forest

Tucked away in the mountains, the area around the 88th temple provides deep mountain silence and fresh air.

🧘
Nagao-ji Temple Grounds

A quieter pilgrimage stop with a lovely atmosphere, first-rate for a moment of reflection.

Sanuki, located in Kagawa Prefecture, is synonymous with Japan's favorite noodle variety: Sanuki Udon. The city has countless small eateries where you can enjoy this handmade specialty right at its source. Beyond its culinary fame, Sanuki is known for its rich Buddhist history, housing three temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage route, including the impressive Nagao-ji and Shido-ji. A major highlight for nature lovers is the 津田の松原海水浴場 (Tsuda no Matsubara Beach). This beach is famous for its over 3,000 ancient pine trees, which create a scenic green belt along the white sand and the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea. It is a handy spot for swimming, water sports, or simply relaxing in the shade of the trees. The coastline provides wide-open sunset views over the islands of the inland sea. The city is easily accessible via the JR Kotoku Line between Takamatsu and Tokushima. Sanuki is an excellent destination for travelers wishing to combine authentic Japanese cuisine with spiritual depth and restful days by the sea. The local hospitality and peaceful coastal vibe make every visit special.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C56913182226272418127
Rain mm5468961061321952191381871307070

Geography

Population
47,003 (2024)
Coordinates
34.32502, 134.17202

Facts

  • Sanuki Udon Center
  • Tsuda no Matsubara Beach
  • 3,000 Pine Trees
  • Shidō-ji Temple
  • Nagao-ji Temple
  • Seto Inland Sea
  • Dolphin Center
  • Wasanbon Sugar Production

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Sanuki (7)

86 Shido-ji⛪ religious

The 86th temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage route, known for its historic architecture.

Ping He Yuan Nei Xian Sheng Yi Pin Guan🏛 museum

A museum in Sanuki dedicated to the life and inventions of the polymath Hiraga Gennai.

Aizen-ji⛪ religious

A religious site in Sanuki offering visitors a peaceful environment for prayer.

Gao Song Qin Ping Dian Tie 335Hao📍 landmark

A historic railcar of the Takamatsu Kotohira Electric Railroad displayed in Sanuki.

🕒 24/7

kotodenChe Liang📍 landmark

An exhibited train car of the Kotoden line, representing the railway history of Sanuki.

Yuan Nei Yin Le ho-ru(sanukiShi Zhi Du Yin Le ho-ru)🎭 culture

A modern theatre and concert hall in Sanuki named after the scholar Hiraga Gennai.

Jizo Temple⛪ religious

A Buddhist temple in Sanuki known for its Jizo statues and serene surroundings.

Frequently asked questions

What should you definitely eat in Sanuki?
Sanuki Udon, the most famous thick wheat noodles in Japan, is a must-try.
What is Orodani Park?
A pleasant park known for its natural surroundings and sports facilities.
Are there pilgrimage temples there?
Yes, Shidoji (Temple 86) and Nagaoji (Temple 87) are located within Sanuki City.
What can you do on the coast?
You can visit seaside parks and enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea islands.
When is udon season?
Udon is enjoyed year-round, served hot in winter and cold in summer.
Sanuki: where is it located?
Sanuki is located in Japan.
Sanuki: what is there to see?
Highlights include 86 Shido-ji, Ping He Yuan Nei Xian Sheng Yi Pin Guan, Aizen-ji.
Sanuki: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Sanuki: why is it worth visiting?
Sanuki, located in Kagawa Prefecture, is synonymous with Japan's favorite noodle variety: Sanuki Udon.
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