Things To Do
in Tōnoshō

Tōnoshō is a charming city located in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Nestled between the Seto Inland Sea and lush mountains, it offers a serene environment for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. The city is famous for its traditional craft of udon noodle making, which is a must-try for any visitor.

With a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and local culinary delights, Tōnoshō is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Explore Tōnoshō
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Tōnoshō Udon Museum to learn about the art of udon making and sample freshly made noodles.

afternoon
:

Take a leisurely stroll along the Seto Inland Sea coastline, enjoying the scenic views and maybe stopping at a local café for lunch.

evening
:

End your day with a visit to the Tōnoshō Castle ruins, where you can witness a beautiful sunset over the city.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Head to the nearby Shirotori Park for a morning hike, where you can enjoy the seasonal flowers and serene atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Visit the local art galleries and craft shops showcasing traditional Kagawa crafts, followed by lunch at a local izakaya.

evening
:

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at a well-known restaurant, experiencing the flavors of Kagawa Prefecture.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Bowl of Udon$7
🍣Sushi Meal$15
Coffee$3
🍺Local Beer$5
🏨Hotel Night$80

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural experiences with traditional crafts and cuisine.
  • Stunning natural scenery with opportunities for outdoor activities.
  • Friendly and welcoming local community.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Transport may require more planning as public transit is less frequent.
  • Language barrier can be an issue in non-tourist areas.
  • "こんにちは" - Hello
  • "ありがとう" - Thank you
  • "おいしい" - Delicious
  • "はい" - Yes
  • "いいえ" - No

Places to Visit in Tōnoshō

Visit one of these nice places.

Tōnoshō Castle Ruins

Capture stunning panoramic views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea from the ruins.

Shirotori Park

A picturesque park with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn, perfect for nature photography.

Seto Inland Sea Sunset

The coastline provides breathtaking sunset views; a great spot for photography enthusiasts.

Culinary Guide

Food in Tōnoshō

Tōnoshō offers a delightful culinary scene, particularly famous for its udon noodles and other local specialties. You'll find a variety of dishes that celebrate the region's agricultural produce and seafood.

Tōnoshō Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Sanuki Udon

Thick, chewy noodles served hot or cold, typically accompanied by tempura or green onions.

Must-Try!

Kagawa Soba

A unique buckwheat noodle dish served with a rich soy-based broth.

Kagawa Olive Beef

Tender beef raised on olive leaves, known for its distinct flavor and high quality.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Tōnoshō Market

A bustling market offering fresh produce, local snacks, and street food, perfect for sampling various delicacies.

Yume Plaza

A vibrant area with food stalls serving delicious yakitori and takoyaki.

Climate Guide

Weather

Tōnoshō experiences four distinct seasons. Winters are mild with temperatures averaging between 3-10°C (37-50°F), while summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C (91°F). Spring and autumn are delightful, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, making them ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Bowing

Bowing is a common greeting; a slight bow is considered respectful.

Shoes Off Indoors

Always remove your shoes when entering someone's home or traditional accommodations.

Quietness in Public Spaces

Maintain a low volume in public areas like trains and restaurants to respect others.

Safety Guide

Safety

Tōnoshō is generally a very safe city, with low crime rates. Visitors should still exercise standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping personal belongings secure. Emergency services are accessible, and locals are often willing to help if needed.

Tipping in Tōnoshō

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not customary in Japan; excellent service is typically included in the price.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, but credit cards are increasingly common in larger establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Expect beautiful cherry blossoms in March and April, making it a popular time for hanami (flower viewing).

Summer

Warm and humid, ideal for outdoor activities, but prepare for occasional rain showers.

Autumn

The foliage turns vibrant shades of red and orange, creating a stunning backdrop for photography.

Winter

Cool temperatures with occasional snow; a quieter time to explore the city and enjoy hot udon.

Nightlife Guide

Tōnoshō at Night

Tōnoshō offers a laid-back nightlife scene with a variety of izakayas (Japanese pubs) and karaoke bars. While it may not be as vibrant as larger cities, visitors can enjoy local sake and engage in friendly conversations with locals. Seasonal festivals may also feature evening events that provide a glimpse of traditional Japanese culture.

Hiking in Tōnoshō

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mount Shiun Trail

A moderate hiking trail that leads to the peak of Mount Shiun, offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Kagawa Nature Trail

A well-marked trail that winds through forests and along the coastline, ideal for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Airports

How to reach Tōnoshō by plane.

Takamatsu Airport (TAK)

Located about 30 km from Tōnoshō, Takamatsu Airport offers domestic and some international flights, making it the primary gateway for air travel to the region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Tōnoshō is quite walkable, especially in the downtown area where most attractions are located within a short distance of each other. Sidewalks are well-maintained, and many local sights can be reached on foot, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere at a leisurely pace.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Young Families

Many young families reside in Tōnoshō, often drawn by the serene environment and community-centric lifestyle.

Retirees

The city is also home to a significant number of retirees who enjoy the calm lifestyle and natural beauty.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is immensely popular in Japan, and local teams often play in community leagues.

Soccer

Soccer has a growing fanbase with local schools and clubs actively promoting the sport.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Tōnoshō is generally light, making it easy to navigate by car or bike. Public transportation includes local buses that connect various parts of the city, but services may be limited during off-peak hours, so planning ahead is recommended.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Tōnoshō.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian udon dishes; however, be sure to confirm that broth does not contain meat.

Gluten-Free Options

Gluten-free noodles are available at some locations; check with the restaurant in advance.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Tōnoshō is accessible, with several clinics and a hospital available for visitors. Most medical facilities are equipped to handle minor emergencies, and English-speaking staff may be available at larger hospitals. It is advisable for travelers to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Discover Japan

Read more in our Japan 2025 Travel Guide.

Japan Travel Guide