Tadotsu

Tadotsu is a historic port town in Kagawa Prefecture that played a key role in Shikoku's maritime history. The town is known for its well-preserved buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods, giving the center a nostalgic charm. A special highlight on the coast is Kaiganji Beach (海岸寺海水浴場), located right next to the temple of the same name. This beach is famous not only for its clear water and fine sand but also for the spiritual atmosphere created by the adjacent Kaiganji Temple, an important site on the Shikoku pilgrimage route. Tadotsu gained worldwide fame as the headquarters and birthplace of Shorinji Kempo, a modern Japanese martial art. Martial arts enthusiasts from around the world visit the headquarters to study its philosophy and techniques. In addition to martial arts, Tadotsu is famous for its railway history, as it was home to the first railway station in Shikoku. The town's railway museum is for technology fans. The local cuisine is defined by the bounties of the sea. Fresh fish directly from the boat and the famous Sanuki Udon noodles can be found in the numerous small streets of the town. The port of Tadotsu still serves as an important hub for ferries to nearby islands today. A walk through Doryu Park also provides magnificent views of the city and the sea, especially during cherry blossom season. Tadotsu is a place where tradition, martial arts, and maritime life meet harmoniously.

Nearby cities

Takamatsu

Takamatsu is the main gateway to the island of Shikoku on the Seto Inland Sea.

Mitoyo

Famous for Chichibugahama Beach, the 'Salar de Uyuni of Japan', Mitoyo offers breathtaking coastal panoramas.

Sanuki

The home of world-famous Udon noodles and stunning pine-fringed beaches on the Seto Inland Sea.

Asakuchi

Asakuchi is home to Japan's oldest swimming beach and serves as a significant center for astronomy and traditional crafts.

Shikokuchuo

Shikokuchuo is Japan's leading city for the paper industry, located on the scenic coast of Ehime Prefecture.

Okayama

Okayama is often called the 'Land of Sunshine' due to its mild climate.

Setouchi

A picturesque coastal city in Okayama Prefecture, often called the 'Aegean Sea of Japan' for its olive groves and blue waters.

Konan

Konan is a charming coastal city in Kochi Prefecture, known for its agricultural products and beautiful beaches.

Niihama

Niihama is a major industrial city on Shikoku island, famous for its copper mining history and the massive Taiko Festival.

Kochi

Isolated by deep mountains in southern Shikoku, Kochi has developed an independent, lively culture.

Kamijima

Kamijima is an idyllic island community in the Seto Inland Sea, known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful coastal routes.

Toyo

Toyo is a surfing mecca on the coast of Shikoku Island, famous for its world-class waves and the unique Dual-Mode Vehicle (DMV).

Ako

Ako is a historic coastal city in Hyogo Prefecture, famous for its salt production and the legend of the 47 Ronin.

History & landmarks

Kotohira

Home to the grand Konpira-san shrine complex, reached by climbing over a thousand stone steps.

More places

Naoshima Art Island

A small island in the Seto Inland Sea known for its modern art museums, architecture, and outdoor sculptures.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

A beautifully preserved merchant quarter from the Edo Period along a scenic canal.

Iya Valley

A remote and mountainous valley in Shikoku, known for its deep gorges, traditional farmhouses, and scenic vine suspension bridges.

Onomichi Temple Walk

A walking course that winds through the hills of Onomichi, connecting about 25 temples.