Marugame (丸亀) is a large city in northern Shikoku, and a good stop-off before visiting the shrines in Kotohira, heading west to Matsuyama, or visiting the nearby islands.
Things to do
Kotohira-gu Shrine
A great one day trip from Marugame, Kotohira has one of Japan’s premier shrines. A mysterious group of ancient buildings up a wooded mountain.
Marugame Castle
One of 12 remaining original castles in Japan, this is worth visiting if you have an hour or so free. A hilltop castle, the castle has a grand view over the city and over to Honshuu and the islands in-between.
Open: 9am – 4pm
Price: 200 yen (children 100 yen)
How to get there
With Japan Rail Pass or Shikoku Rail Pass
From any major city in Shikoku, take a Limited Express train (about hourly).
If coming from Okayama in the main island of Honshu, take a Limited Express (40 mins). Shinkansen trains on the Rail Pass stop at Okayama.
Without a rail pass
Willer Bus has buses to Matsuyama from outside Shikoku (included in Bus Pass). JR Shikoku Bus has a range of routes, but Japan Bus Lines is the best way to search for the cheapest buses from all locations.
From Okayama, you can take a local train on the JR Seto-Ohashi Line (80 mins, 980 yen).
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