Why you should cycling the Kagawa coastline? There’s no better way to explore the area around Kotohira than to grab a bicycle and start turning those pedals. But where should you go? No worries, we’re here to help! Get the most out of your day and tour the beautiful coastline while enjoying some of the best views Kagawa has to offer.

Table of Contents

• About the route
• What should you bring?
• Part 1: Kotohira to Kanonji
• Part 2: Kanonji to the Takumacho peninsula
• Part 3: Takumacho to Zentsuji
• Part 4: Zentsuji to Kotohira

Cycling the Kagawa coastline – About the route

This cycling day trip will take you to an impressive giant sand sculpture in Kanonji, after which you’ll follow the coastline north to explore the Takumacho peninsula, where charming seaside towns and lush green hills welcome you to this scenic part of Kagawa. Get off your bike for a hiking break to the lighthouse! 

After your visit to this peninsula, you’ll return to Kotohira by crossing the hills near Zentsuji, and visiting a number of unique temples along the way. The entire route is 76 kilometers (47,2 miles) long, and will take around 5 hours of cycling to complete. 

If you feel the route is too long, you can use a shortcut that cuts 23 kilometers (14,2 miles) and the toughest climbing sections from this route. See the route description ‘Part 2’ below for more information!

Of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to take a break, shoot amazing photos, and go sightseeing, so make sure you leave early in the morning! Excited yet? Take a look at the route below and make sure to reserve a bike with the staff at Kotori Coworking & Hostel.

Note: you can download a .gpx file to use on a navigation app by clicking on the overview title above to go to the Komoot route page. Once there, click on the three dots on the right (upper right corner on mobile) and select ‘Download GPX’ from the dropdown menu.

What should you bring for cycling the Kagawa coastline?

Make sure you have everything you need for a day on the saddle. You shouldn’t bring too much, but you should bring at least:

• A bicycle. Very funny, we know! We just want you to know that you can rent one at Kotori Coworking & Hostel.
• A small backpack (or bike bag). No more than 20 liters, to fit the other items on this list.
• A bottle of water. There are dozens of vending machines along the way, so don’t bother bringing anything more than 0,5 liters. Make sure to drink an electrolyte drink in hot weather.
• Something to cover your head. Cover your face and head in sunny weather, and make sure to use sunscreen. Use a small hat, otherwise the wind will blow it off!
• A rainproof jacket/pants. Check the weather forecast; if it looks rainy, bring waterproof layers. 
• A camera (or phone). It would be a crime not to take pictures of the beautiful Kagawa coast!
• A powerbank or charger. You’ll need your phone for navigation and pictures, so make sure it stays charged.
• A snack. There are plenty of convenience stores and restaurants along this route, but it never hurts to pack something to restore your energy when you need it.

Cycling the Kagawa coastline Part 1: Kotohira to Kanonji

The day starts with a bit of a challenge: a long, steady climb to get over the hills south of Kotohira. Make sure to stay on the left side of the road, and cycle on the sidewalk where possible to avoid the traffic on this section. After 4,5 kilometers (2,7 miles) you can catch your breath before zooming down the road as it descends towards Kanonji city in the distance.

After 7 more kilometers (4,3 miles) the route will leave the highway and follow a smaller road along the Saita river all the way to the coast. Once there, you can take a break at Kotohiki Park before climbing the hill to reach an observation deck, where you can get an amazing view of the sea and the famous Zenigata sand sculpture below. According to local rumors, this sand sculpture has been around since the Edo period (1603-1868)! Take a good look, because it is said this sculpture gives financial blessings to those who gaze on it.

Part 2: Kanonji to the Takumacho peninsula

After your break, go north and connect with Route 21. Follow this road past charming seaside scenery until you reach Chichibugahama beach (quite a name, we know). Make sure to take a break at this beautiful sandy beach, which is especially popular at sunset; the low tide creates a ‘mirror effect’ that makes people look like they’re standing on the water!

Have you finished shaking the sand from your shoes? Good! Keep going north along small streets until you cross Route 231. 

Shortcut: at this point, you can choose to turn east along Route 231 and reconnect to the route again in Takuma, to cut 23 kilometers (14,2 miles) from this day of cycling. However, by skipping the Takumacho peninsula you will miss out on a somewhat challenging, but very rewarding seaside ride with unforgettable views!

To cycle the full route along the peninsula, keep going north instead. Soon you’ll encounter the first of many short, but tough hillclimbing sections that define this part of the route. Is all the climbing a bit too much for you? There’s no shame in getting off and pushing your bike on foot!

Your hard work will be rewarded as you pass the Ohama fishing port (where you can decide to head east on another possible shortcut) and reach Namari beach, where you can take a well-deserved break and a cooling dip in the sea. From this beach, you can even choose to go for a hike to the lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula! It will take around 1,5 hours to hike to the lighthouse and return to this beach, so make sure you have enough time left. It will take another 2 to 2,5 hours to get back to Kotohira from here.

Part 3: Takumacho to Zentsuji

Once you cross the hills and reach the northeastern shore of the Takumacho peninsula, you have left the hardest part of the route behind! From here, the route turns south and you’ll face only a few easy climbing sections before reaching the industrial zone at Takuma. (This is where the shortcut reconnects to the main route)

After riding through the city for a while, the route goes east along Route 48. After a while, you can choose to tackle a steep climb to reach Iyadani temple (the first of three temples before Kotohira) for a contemplative break. This unique temple is built into the mountainside, and you’ll have to get off your bike and climb a set of stairs to reach the temple itself. The climb is worth it, though!

If you really don’t feel like climbing anymore, you can choose to skip Iyadani temple, go east and connect with the highway (Route 11) to reach the outskirts of Zentsuji, where this route passes Mandaraji temple before reaching the impressive Zentsuji temple at the heart of this town. Zentsuji temple is one of the largest temples in Kagawa, as it is the birthplace of Kobo Daishi; the monk that founded the Shingon sect of Buddhism and whose travels inspired the famous Shikoku Henro pilgrimage.

Cycling the Kagawa coastline Part 4: Zentsuji to Kotohira

After all those coastlines, seaside towns, and temples it is finally time to head back to Kotohira. Head south along the train tracks, keeping the ridge of Mount Zozu to your right, like a familiar friend guiding you home. You’ll enter Kotohira from the north, passing a gas station before turning left, crossing a bridge, and then turning right again to follow the river until you reach Kotohira’s covered shopping street. Turn right and cycle the final 200 meters until you reach Kotori Coworking and Hostel, where you can return your bicycle (if you rented it here). 

Congratulations! You’ve earned your rest!

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