20 Museums in Kagawa worth your time
Japan Gems
Kagawa Prefecture offers a diverse array of museums, including the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum and Benesse House. Visitors can find art, history, and cultural exhibits across 27 different locations.
Kagawa has 27 museums on Japan Gems. Below are the 20 we can tell you the most about — each one written up in English from Japanese sources, with what to see and how to get there. See all museums in Kagawa.
01
Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 丸亀市猪熊弦一郎現代美術館
This museum, designed by Taniguchi Yoshio, exhibits 20,000 artworks by multidisciplinary artist Inokuma Genichiro.
What it is
- Museum dedicated to artist Inokuma Genichiro.
- Houses 20,000 artworks donated by the artist.
- Founded by a native of Kagawa, Inokuma Genichiro.
What to see
- Exhibits of Inokuma's paintings, sculptures, illustrations, design.
- Special exhibitions by contemporary artists.
- Museum building designed by Taniguchi Yoshio.
- Three Inokuma sculptures at the entrance.
- Giant mural at the entrance.
- Minimalist entrance and high-ceilinged interior.
When to go
- Several special exhibitions held every year.
Getting there
- Located in front of Marugame Station.
- Address
- 〒763-0022 香川県丸亀市浜町80番地1 Map
- Official site
- www.mimoca.org
Read more about Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art
02
Shikoku Mura
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 四国村
Shikoku Mura is an open-air museum preserving historic buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods.
What it is
- An open-air museum in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture.
- Opened in 1976, operated by a foundation.
- Preserves old buildings from Edo to Meiji periods.
- Exhibits buildings from Shikoku and Hyogo Prefecture.
What to see
- Almost all buildings are designated cultural properties.
- Two National Important Cultural Properties are on display.
- Six National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties are here.
- Shikoku Mura Gallery designed by Tadao Ando.
- Gallery includes a museum and garden.
Getting there
- Located at the southern foot of Yashima.
- Next to Yashima Shrine.
- Address
- 香川県高松市屋島中町91 Map
- Official site
- www.shikokumura.or.jp
03
Stone Museum
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 石の民俗資料館
Explore the history and culture of stone, including local Aji stone, at this unique museum.
What it is
- A municipal museum dedicated to stone history and culture.
- Opened on March 20, 1995.
- Focuses on local Aji stone.
What to see
- Stone tools from Mure and Aji are stored here.
- 791 stone tools are National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties.
- Exhibits the history of Aji stone.
- Displays scenes of stonemasons' work before mechanization.
When to go
- Open from 9:00 to 17:00.
- Closed on Mondays and during New Year holidays.
Getting there
- 15-minute walk from Yakuri Station.
- Address
- 香川県高松市牟礼町牟礼1810 Map
- Official site
- www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp
04
Marugame Hirai Museum
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 丸亀平井美術館
A unique museum in Marugame City, celebrating Japanese and Spanish cultural exchange through art and architecture.
What it is
- Opened in 1993 for international cultural exchange.
- Focuses on Japan and Spain.
- Admission to the museum is free.
What to see
- Building designed by Alfredo Arribas.
- Exhibition designed by Francisco Partearroyo.
- Artworks selected by Javier Aiguabella.
- Exhibition rooms on 1F, 2F, 3F, and a pavilion.
- A cafe and restaurant are available.
When to go
- Open from 10:00 to 18:00.
- Closed during year-end and New Year holidays.
Getting there
- 13-minute walk from Utazu Station.
- Official site
- www.rnc.co.jp
05
Hōsai Ozaki Memorial Hall
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 小豆島尾崎放哉記念館
A small museum dedicated to haiku poet Hōsai Ozaki, located where he spent his final years.
What it is
- A municipal literature museum in Tonoshō, Kagawa Prefecture.
- Dedicated to haiku poet Hōsai Ozaki.
- Built at Minango-an, where Ozaki Hōsai spent his last years.
- Opened on April 7, 1994.
What to see
- Japanese-style rooms of 8, 6, and 2 tatami mats.
- Ozaki Hōsai's grave is in the inner temple of Saikōji.
When to go
- Open 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Closed Wednesdays and New Year holidays.
- April 7 is Hōsai's memorial day.
Getting there
- 20-minute walk from Tonoshō Port.
- Official site
- ww8.tiki.ne.jp
06
Seto Inland Sea Folk History Museum
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 瀬戸内海歴史民俗資料館
Explore the history and culture of the Seto Inland Sea through its unique folk artifacts.
What it is
- A humanities museum in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture.
- Opened in 1973, it researches Seto Inland Sea folklore.
- It is a branch of the Kagawa Prefectural Museum.
- The building is a National Important Cultural Property.
What to see
- Exhibits on Seto Inland Sea shipping.
- Exhibits on festivals and performing arts.
- Collection of fishing tools, designated cultural property.
- Collection of ship drawings and tools, designated cultural property.
- Collection of carrying tools, designated cultural property.
- Address
- 香川県高松市亀水町1412-2 Map
- Official site
- www.pref.kagawa.lg.jp
07
Kamada Foundation Museum
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 鎌田共済会郷土博物館
Explore Kagawa's history in a beautiful 1922 building, free and steps from the station.
What it is
- A museum operated by the Kamada Kyosaikai Foundation.
- Established in 1918 by Kamataro Kamada.
- Opened as a local museum on May 24, 1925.
- A nationally registered tangible cultural property.
What to see
- The current building, constructed in 1922 as a library.
- A three-story reinforced concrete structure.
- Over 10,000 historical materials from Kagawa Prefecture.
- Important cultural properties related to Kume Tsuken.
Getting there
- A 5-minute walk from Sakaide Station.
- Address
- 〒762-0044 香川県坂出市本町1-1-24 Map
- Official site
- kamahaku.jp
08
Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum
KAGAWA · MUSEUM イサム・ノグチ庭園美術館
Explore the outdoor sculpture garden and home of Isamu Noguchi, a unique artistic experience.
What it is
- A museum dedicated to sculptor Isamu Noguchi.
- It opened in 1999, realizing his will.
- The Emperor and Empress visited in 2004.
What to see
- A garden featuring numerous sculptures.
- A display storehouse with art.
- Isamu House, the artist's former residence.
- The artist's atelier.
When to go
- Open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
- Admission requires a reservation.
Getting there
- A 20-minute walk from Yakuri Station.
- Official site
- www.isamunoguchi.or.jp
09
Chichu Art Museum
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 地中美術館
See world-class art and unique architecture in this underground museum.
What it is
- A museum in Kagawa Prefecture, opened July 18, 2004.
- Part of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima.
- Designed by Tadao Ando Architect & Associates.
- Operated by the Fukutake Foundation.
What to see
- Most of the building is buried underground.
- Art by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria.
- Monet's 'Water Lilies' series is on permanent display.
- Chichu no Niwa garden with plants Monet cultivated.
When to go
- Entry is by reservation only.
- Address
- 〒761-3110 香川県香川郡直島町3449番地1 Map
- Official site
- benesse-artsite.jp
10
Benesse House
KAGAWA · MUSEUM ベネッセハウス
Benesse House is a unique museum and hotel designed by Tadao Ando, offering art and architecture.
What it is
- A facility integrating a museum and a hotel.
- Opened in 1992, designed by Tadao Ando.
- A core facility of Benesse Art Site Naoshima.
What to see
- Architecture by Tadao Ando, awarded the 35th BCS Award.
- Four accommodation buildings: Museum, Oval, Park, Beach.
- Museum building integrates museum and guest rooms.
- Oval building is on a hill, accessed by monorail.
- Park building is surrounded by greenery and outdoor artworks.
- Beach building is located by the sea.
- Address
- 〒761-3110 香川県香川郡直島町琴弾地 Map
- Official site
- benesse-artsite.jp
11
Teshima Yokoo House
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 豊島横尾館
A unique art museum on Teshima Island, showcasing Tadanori Yokoo's work in a striking architectural setting.
What it is
- A museum dedicated to artist Tadanori Yokoo.
- Opened in 2013 for the Setouchi Triennale.
- Renovated and extended three old private houses.
- Designed by architect Yuko Nagayama.
What to see
- Exhibition spaces: main house, storehouse, barn.
- Three large paintings in the main house.
- River flowing under a glass floor.
- Japanese garden on the premises.
- A 14-meter-high cylindrical tower.
When to go
- Closed from January 1 to April 7, 2026.
- Official site
- benesse-artsite.jp
12
The Museum of JGSDF Camp Zentsuji
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 陸上自衛隊善通寺駐屯地資料館
Explore a former military headquarters, now a museum with tanks and aircraft, for free.
What it is
- A museum in Zentsuji, Kagawa Prefecture.
- Opened to the public in 2006.
- Building completed in 1898 as military headquarters.
- Also a public relations facility for the JGSDF.
What to see
- Original military division headquarters building.
- Outdoor exhibits include tanks.
- Outdoor exhibits include fighter jets.
- Outdoor exhibits include helicopters.
When to go
- Closed on Wednesdays.
- Closed during New Year holidays.
- Official site
- www.mod.go.jp
13
Shiwaku Kinbansho
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 塩飽勤番所
Explore the historic government office of the Shiwaku Islands, now a museum with unique exhibits.
What it is
- Former government office of the Shiwaku Islands.
- Constructed in 1798, renovated in 1860.
- Designated a national historic site in 1970.
- Currently open as a museum.
What to see
- Restored building to its original appearance.
- Main building is Irimoya-zukuri style.
- Vermilion seal storage in the northwest courtyard.
- Exhibits vermilion seal letters from historical figures.
- Displays artifacts of Kanrin Maru crew members.
14
Shikoku Mura Gallery
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 四国村ギャラリー
See modern art, ancient artifacts, and unique architecture at this hillside gallery.
What it is
- An art museum within Shikoku Mura.
- Designed by architect Tadao Ando.
- Completed in 2002.
What to see
- Modern French paintings by Picasso, Renoir, and Degas.
- Works by Japanese artist Genichiro Inokuma.
- Calligraphy by Hon'ami Koetsu and Ikkyu Sojun.
- Ancient Buddhist statues from India, China, and Northern Wei.
- Chinese bronze mirrors from the Warring States period.
- Ancient Iranian figurative pottery from 1000 BC.
- Address
- 〒761-0112 香川県高松市屋島中町91 Map
- Official site
- www.shikokumura.or.jp
15
Seto Ōhashi Commemorative Hall
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 瀬戸大橋記念館
This hall, built for the Seto Ohashi Bridge's opening, offers insight into the bridge's history and structure.
What it is
- Pavilion built for 1988 exhibition.
- Marks the opening of the Seto Ohashi Bridge.
- Designed by architect Yamamoto Tadashi.
What to see
- Building with glass pyramids on the roof.
- Facade with high concrete columns.
- Four exhibition rooms on bridge history and structure.
- Displays include dioramas, videos, and visual aids.
- Scenic lookout on the roof.
- Close-up views of the bridge from the roof.
- Address
- 香川県坂出市番の州緑町6番地13 Map
- Official site
- www.setoohhashi.com
16
Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 香川県立東山魁夷せとうち美術館
A modern art museum dedicated to Kaii Higashiyama, known for its architecture and Seto Inland Sea views.
What it is
- A private museum dedicated to painter Kaii Higashiyama.
- Opened in April 2005.
- Building designed by Yoshio Taniguchi.
- Received the 12th Public Architecture Award for Excellence.
What to see
- Works by Japanese painter Kaii Higashiyama.
- Building exterior unified in green.
- Approach modeled after Higashiyama's work 'The Road'.
- Two-story building.
- Cafe view selected as Shikoku 88景 No. 74.
- Address
- 〒762-0066 香川県坂出市沙弥島字南通224番地13 Map
- Official site
- www.pref.kagawa.lg.jp
Read more about Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum
17
Tsuboi Sakae Memorial Museum
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 壺井栄文学館
A literary museum honoring novelist Tsuboi Sakae, worth visiting for insights into her life and work.
What it is
- A literary museum honoring novelist Tsuboi Sakae.
- It is inside the Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village.
What to see
- Recreated parts of Tsuboi Sakae's former residence.
- Original manuscripts of "Twenty-Four Eyes."
- Tsuboi Sakae's personal belongings.
- Letters from Kuroshima Denji and Tsuboi Shigeji.
When to go
- Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
- No closing days.
- Official site
- www.24hitomi.or.jp
18
Teshima Art Museum
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 豊島美術館
Teshima Art Museum offers a unique architectural and art experience overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
What it is
- A museum conceived by Rei Naito and Ryue Nishizawa.
- Opened on October 17, 2010.
- Part of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima.
- Located in Teshima, Kagawa Prefecture.
What to see
- A concrete shell structure with no interior columns.
- Two large ceiling openings for wind, sound, and light.
- The permanent installation "Matrix" by Rei Naito.
- Views of the Seto Inland Sea from a hilltop.
- Address
- 〒761-4662 香川県小豆郡土庄町豊島唐櫃607 Map
- Official site
- benesse-artsite.jp
19
Takamatsu Art Museum
KAGAWA · MUSEUM 高松市美術館
Takamatsu Art Museum: a municipal museum showcasing art, conveniently located for visitors.
What it is
- A municipal museum in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture.
- Opened in August 1988.
- Operated by Takamatsu City.
What to see
- Building designed by Sato Sogo Planning.
- Five floors above ground, two basement floors.
When to go
- Closed on Mondays.
- Closed during New Year holidays.
Getting there
- Adjacent to the arcade shopping street.
- Address
- 〒760-0027 香川県高松市紺屋町10番地4 Map
- Official site
- www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp
20
Uchiwa no Minato Museum
KAGAWA · MUSEUM うちわの港ミュージアム
Learn about the history and craft of Japanese fans at this free museum.
What it is
- A general museum about uchiwa (Japanese fans).
- Established by Marugame City, opened in 1995.
- Managed by Kagawa Prefecture Uchiwa Cooperative Federation.
- Reopened on March 25, 2023.
What to see
- Various Marugame uchiwa from early modern to modern times.
- Models of the uchiwa manufacturing process.
- Exhibits of related literature.
- Demonstration corner for making uchiwa.
- Address
- 香川県丸亀市港町307-15 Map