Kagawa, Japan’s smallest prefecture, punches far above its size — home of Sanuki udon, the pilgrimage shrine of Konpira-san, the celebrated Ritsurin Garden, and the “art islands” of the Seto Inland Sea. Its 2026 event calendar centres on a lively summer festival with fireworks over Takamatsu’s harbour, alongside year-round island art and one of Japan’s finest strolling gardens. This guide gathers the events worth planning a 2026 trip around, with a month-by-month calendar at the end.
A note on dates: Confirmed 2026 dates are given where announced. Festival and firework dates can shift for weather or organiser decisions, and ticketed events sell out — always confirm on the official website before building a day around one.
Sanuki Takamatsu Festival & Fireworks (さぬき高松まつり) — August 12–14, 2026 ⭐
Takamatsu City’s biggest summer festival, held over three days in mid-August. The centrepiece is the fireworks (Don-Don Takamatsu) over Takamatsu’s Sunport harbour: 2026 fireworks are on August 13, 20:15–20:45, with around 6,000 shells over 30 minutes reflecting off the Inland Sea. The 2026 festival is based around Sunport Takamatsu (Anabuki Arena and the plaza) while Central Park is under renovation. Alongside are the so-odori mass dance and food stalls. Paid seating is available for the fireworks; the harbourfront fills early.
Konpira-san Grand Festival (金刀比羅宮 例大祭) — October 2026
Kotohira-gu (“Konpira-san”), the great shrine of seafarers reached by a famous 785-step climb, holds its grand annual festival in mid-October (traditionally October 9–11). The highlight is the O-tabisho procession, when the deity is carried down and back up the long stone stairway in a stately parade. A refined, historic festival at one of Shikoku’s most revered shrines. Confirm 2026 dates.
Setouchi Triennale (瀬戸内国際芸術祭) — art-cycle note
The Setouchi Triennale, the acclaimed contemporary-art festival spread across Naoshima, Teshima, Shodoshima and other Inland Sea islands, is held once every three years (most recently in 2025, next in 2028) — so 2026 is an off-year. However, the islands' permanent art — the Chichu Art Museum, the Benesse House and outdoor works on Naoshima, the Teshima Art Museum, and more — is open year-round, and remains one of Japan’s great art experiences regardless of the festival year.
Cherry Blossom Season (Spring 2026)
Kagawa’s blossoms peak in late March to early April.
- Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu) — one of Japan’s finest strolling gardens, exquisite in blossom
- Marugame Castle — cherries around one of Japan’s twelve original keeps
- Shodoshima and the Mt. Shiude cape, where cherries frame the Inland Sea
Autumn Leaves (Nov 2026)
- Kankakei Gorge (Shodoshima) — one of Japan’s three great gorges, spectacular by ropeway in mid-to-late November
- Ritsurin Garden — maples and evening autumn illumination
- Konpira-san approach and the Mino area
Winter & New Year
- Hatsumode at Konpira-san and Tamura Shrine
- Shodoshima olive groves and the mild island winter
- Ritsurin Garden and Marugame Castle under crisp winter skies
Month-by-Month Calendar (2026)
| Month | Key events |
|---|---|
| January | Hatsumode at Konpira-san; winter island calm |
| February | Plum blossoms; udon and olive season |
| March | Cherry blossoms begin; Ritsurin spring |
| April | Cherry blossom peak (Ritsurin, Marugame Castle) |
| May | Fresh-green season; island cycling |
| June | Rainy season; hydrangeas |
| July | Summer festivals; Inland Sea beach season |
| August | Sanuki Takamatsu Festival Aug 12–14; fireworks Aug 13 |
| September | Early autumn; harvest |
| October | Konpira-san Grand Festival (mid-Oct) |
| November | Autumn leaves (Kankakei Gorge, Ritsurin) |
| December | Winter gardens; year-end; New Year prep |
Practical Tips
- Book ahead for the Takamatsu fireworks. Mid-August fills Takamatsu accommodation; reserve seating for the August 13 display and plan transport.
- Confirm every date on the official site. The festival and firework dates and the Konpira grand-festival weekend should be checked each year.
- The art islands are year-round. You don’t need a Triennale year to enjoy Naoshima and Teshima — book Chichu Art Museum tickets and the island ferries ahead.
- Kagawa is compact and connected. Takamatsu links easily to the islands by ferry and to Okayama and the rest of Shikoku by train.
- Summer heat. August events are hot and humid; water, a hat, and a fan are essentials.
