Boasting one of the only original wooden castle towers left in Japan, Marugame is a historic town on the north coast of Shikoku. It’s famed for its production of uchiwa fans and home to an impressive contemporary art gallery inspired by the abstract painter, Genichiro Inokuma.
Things to do in Marugame
Visit the Marugame Castle, which was originally established in the late-16th century and retains its original wooden tenshu tower. Explore the small museum detailing the history of the castle and the fire that swept through in the 19th century, then stroll beneath the beautifully reconstructed Ote Ichino and Ote Nino gates.
Marugame is backed by the conical peak of Iinoyama, often referred to as “Sanuki-Fuji" due to its resemblance to Mount Fuji. Follow one of the trails up this sacred mountain to a temple dedicated to the Buddha of Medicine or just soak up the mountain views from the walls of Marugame Castle.
Explore the city’s uchiwa industry at the Uchiwanominato Museum. Discover the cultural heritage of uchiwa (round paper fans) and see live demonstrations of them being created, before visiting the on-site gift shop to buy your own.
Art enthusiasts should visit the Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art, which houses an extensive collection of pieces by Genichiro Inokuma. After browsing his abstract works, explore the touring modern art exhibitions.
Getting around Marugame
Marugame is around three hours by train from Kansai International Airport and just over one hour from Okayama. Buses travel throughout Marugame.