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Enjoy breathtaking views, pristine beaches in Mitoyo, Kagawa Prefecture

Enjoy breathtaking views, pristine beaches in Mitoyo, Kagawa Prefecture

Date published: 28 February 2020

Mitoyo is a seaside town in Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku island, extending from the Seto Inland Sea to Tokushima Prefecture's mountainous border. The area is rich in natural beauty, including sprawling beaches and lush forests. Make your way to the top of Mt. Shiude to enjoy a stunning view of Mitoyo and the scattered islands that make up Setonaikai National Park. If you visit in spring, you'll find the mountainside covered in cherry blossoms. Mitoyo is a peaceful town where it's easy to relax. Savor fresh seafood and sake while getting to know the friendly locals, explore the area by bicycle, or take to the sea for a sail around the islands.

Mitoyo City stretches out toward the Seto Inland Sea (Photo: Mitoyo Office of Tourism)
Mitoyo City stretches out toward the Seto Inland Sea (Photo: Mitoyo Office of Tourism)

Stay in an elegant, wood-built guesthouse overlooking the ocean

Hiuchi guesthouse offers great views of the ocean
Hiuchi guesthouse offers great views of the ocean

For a stylish and comfortable break, book a stay at the Hiuchi guesthouse. This modern facility is designed to emphasize open space and adaptability. The main space comprises a kitchen, living room, and bedroom, while the windows offer a spectacular 180-degree view of the sea. The panorama and design concept make Hiuchi a unique stop-off point.

The living room, dining room, and kitchen share a large open space
The living room, dining room, and kitchen share a large open space

Prices for an overnight stay at the guesthouse start from around 20,000 yen. Hiuchi can accommodate up to four people, so it's an excellent option for a small group. Or, why not treat yourself if you're traveling alone? Due to the guesthouse's isolated location, peace and quiet are a given, and the garden in front of the facility allows you to relax in an alfresco setting, too. Hiuchi's motto is “Time Flies Here,” and, as you'd expect, you can quickly lose track of the outside world at this quiet, private getaway.

The sea seems to stretch out from beneath the guesthouse
The sea seems to stretch out from beneath the guesthouse

Hiuchi is fully stocked with everyday goods, and the kitchen has an ample supply of utensils. If you're keen to sample the local cuisine, however, private catering is available from 5,000 yen per person. The homemade spread features local ingredients and is served in the kitchen, family-style.

Hiuchi has a peaceful outdoor garden
Hiuchi has a peaceful outdoor garden

Your hosts can communicate in English and are happy to help book tours or offer advice about navigating the area.

Hiuchi features a unique, elevated design
Hiuchi features a unique, elevated design
  • Hiuchi guesthouse
    燧 -Hiuchi-
    • Address 2144-4 Ohama-ko, Takuma-cho, Mitoyo, Kagawa
    • Phone Number 050-3557-2144
    • Check-in:4 p.m.–8 p.m.
      Check-out:10 a.m.
      Prices:Facility rental fee is 18,000-21,000 yen per night, plus accommodation fee of 3,000 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for high school students and younger, and free for infants. Catering service costs 5,000 yen per person for groups of 4 or more; inquire regarding smaller groups.(Tax excluded)
      Languages available:English/Japanese
      Email:info@hiuchi-rc.com

Sample authentic, local cuisine and learn about rice fermentation

A variety of meals are offered on Draworth's island tours
A variety of meals are offered on Draworth's island tours

Draworth offers private tours and specially catered meals for travelers. Local residents founded the company to introduce Mitoyo's unique charms, but with a more personal touch. The tours are a great way to explore off-the-beaten-path Mitoyo without worrying about small organizational details.

Book a private dawn hiking tour to enjoy unique forest scenery or learn about traditional food production during a visit to a koji (fermented rice) factory. The company also offers private catering at Hiuchi and other guesthouses in the area. Meals are available in Japanese or Western styles, so you can choose your food to suit your mood - and your appetite.

Learning about the fermentation process at a local koji factory
Learning about the fermentation process at a local koji factory

Draworth also arranges private BBQs and sightseeing parties on a chartered boat, or full-day tours around the islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Draworth's guides are seasoned experts with years of experience in such professions as environmental protection, university teaching and tourism. Staff are happy to communicate in English and answer any questions you may have about the area.

  • Draworth
    Draworth
    • Address 5092 Minocho Omi, Mitoyo, Kagawa
    • Program:Island-hopping in the Seto Inland Sea, etc.
      Meeting point:Varies depending on the program
      Dates/times:Vary depending on the program
      Fees:Fermentation tour with lunch box starts from 6,800 yen; sunrise hiking tour costs 5,800 yen (3,800 yen per person for two or more); island-hopping in the Seto Inland Sea costs 65,000 yen for the basic plan, plus 6,000 yen (or more) per person depending on the route and meal.(Tax excluded)
      Languages available:English/Japanese (English by mail only)
      Email:contact@draworth.co.jp

Watch the sea melt into the sky at Chichibugahama beach

The calm seawater on Chichibugahama reflects the sky like an oil painting (Photo: Mitoyo Office of Tourism)
The calm seawater on Chichibugahama reflects the sky like an oil painting (Photo: Mitoyo Office of Tourism)

Chichibugahama beach is known for a postcard-perfect phenomenon, in which the sky and setting sun are reflected in the calm seawater at low tide. Indeed, the beach is sometimes referred to as the “Salar de Uyuni of Japan” due to its resemblance to the world's largest salt flat in Bolivia. Drop by the beach in the early evening (when the wind dies down and the waves settle) for great photo opportunities.

A sunset view of Chichibugahama beach (Photo: Mitoyo Office of Tourism)
A sunset view of Chichibugahama beach (Photo: Mitoyo Office of Tourism)

The beach is maintained by Mitoyo citizens who carry out regular clean-ups so locals and travelers alike can appreciate its beauty. As part of these ongoing efforts, Chichibugahama Port Office launched a program in 2019 to promote the beach as a part of Miyoto's sustainable tourism efforts.

Chichibugahama Port staff are happy to answer inquiries via email, but phone support is not available. Once you're at the beach, you can spend a leisurely day watching the sea, snacking at wnearby cafes and kakigori shaved-ice shops, or just soaking up the scenery and peaceful atmosphere. After enjoying the beach, wander into town and explore Mitoyo's myriad other charms.

  • Chichibugahama Beach
    父母ヶ浜
    • Address 203-3 Niootsu, Nio, Mitoyo, Kagawa
    • Languages available:English/Japanese
      Email:info@chichibugahama-port.com

Access information

Getting to Mitoyo, Kagawa Prefecture:
It takes about 70 minutes from Haneda International Airport to Takamatsu Airport, then about one hour by car. From Kansai International Airport, it takes about 2 hours 30 minutes by train.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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