🕓 2025/7/20
#Hotels
Table of Contents
About Kagawa Prefecture
Occupying a corner of Shikoku, Kagawa Prefecture is known as a land blessed with the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea and a mild climate. However, its charm extends far beyond its picturesque scenery. At the intersection of art, tradition, and modern luxury, this region is home to outstanding accommodations that have the power to define the very essence of a traveler’s journey.
A contemporary hideaway nestled on an island of art, a traditional yet innovative hot spring inn reigning over a historic onsen town, and an all-inclusive hilltop retreat promising serene moments for adults. Each of these three establishments embodies a refined form of modern Japanese travel. The accommodation a traveler chooses will shape an entirely different Kagawa experience.
- Top 3 Japanese-Style Ryokan in Kagawa Prefecture
- Naoshima Ryokan Roka – Immersed in Art and Nature
- Yumoto Konpira Onsen Hana-no-Yu Koubaitei – A Hot Spring Inn of Konpira
- ■ The Appeal of Yumoto Konpira Onsen Hana-no-Yu Koubaitei
- ■ Access Information for Yumoto Konpira Onsen Hana-no-Yu Koubaitei
Top 3 Japanese-Style Ryokan in Kagawa Prefecture
Naoshima Ryokan Roka – Immersed in Art and Nature
Source: Naoshima Ryokan Roka Official Website
■The Appeal of Naoshima Ryokan Roka
Opened in April 2022 on Naoshima, the sacred island of art, “Naoshima Ryokan Roka” has garnered attention as the island’s first full-fledged luxury ryokan. All 11 rooms are suite rooms with private open-air baths, emphasizing exclusiveness. The stay itself feels like an extension of Naoshima’s art experience, offering an immersive time that meets the expectations of discerning art enthusiasts from around the world.
1. The Fusion of Architecture and Design
Roka is a Japanese-modern ryokan designed by nottuo Inc. + ARCHIF. Its refined design earned it the “DFA Design for Asia Awards 2022.” The deliberate absence of televisions is meant to disconnect guests from the noise of daily life and encourage immersion in art and silence. The entire facility is designed as a “meditative art retreat,” allowing guests to unwind both mind and body during their stay.
However, since the design prioritizes experience over practicality, some guests have noted that “the sofa faces away from the vanity, which might feel a bit odd.” It may be an ideal haven for design enthusiasts, while those who prioritize functionality may have varying opinions.
2. Resonance with Emerging Artists
Roka declares itself a “hub for showcasing emerging artists.” Rather than simply displaying artworks, art permeates every moment of the stay. Its location in the heart of the Honmura district, home to the Art House Project, puts it just a five-minute walk from the Ando Museum and Go’o Shrine – right at the center of Naoshima’s art ecosystem.
Unlike museums that showcase masterpieces by established artists like Yayoi Kusama, Roka’s niche is spotlighting the next generation of talent. The experience here is closer and more full of discovery than museum viewing – it is, so to speak, a stay that “invests in the future of art.”
3. All-Suite Rooms with Private Open-Air Baths
What makes Roka truly distinctive is that all 11 rooms are “open-air bath suites.” There are three room types – Deluxe, Premium, and the top-tier Roka Suite – each featuring a spacious stone bath with excellent heat retention. The ryokan intentionally forgoes a communal bath, making each guest room its own private sanctuary.
After a stimulating day of art-hopping, guests can cool down away from prying eyes – this privacy-first design guarantees the entire stay functions as a personal “art retreat.”
4. A Culinary Exploration – Innovative Seto Inland Sea Gastronomy
The dining experience at Roka centers on innovative Japanese cuisine starring fresh fish from the Seto Inland Sea. Creative approaches such as “a new style of sushi” that surprise guests have earned acclaim from certain food connoisseurs.
For guests seeking a groundbreaking culinary experience, this can become the highlight of their stay. This adventurous gastronomy is an essential component of the Roka experience and a key element in measuring its appeal.
■Access Information for Naoshima Ryokan Roka
- Official Website: https://roka.voyage/
- Access: Approximately 5-minute walk from Art House Project “Go’o Shrine” and Ando Museum
- Address: 1234 Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa Prefecture 761-3110
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/W1Zs6nKSyG5GpXPj6
Yumoto Konpira Onsen Hana-no-Yu Koubaitei – A Hot Spring Inn of Konpira
Source: Yumoto Konpira Onsen Hana-no-Yu Koubaitei Official Website
■ The Appeal of Yumoto Konpira Onsen Hana-no-Yu Koubaitei
Standing proudly in the historic temple town gateway to Kotohira-gu Shrine, “Yumoto Konpira Onsen Hana-no-Yu Koubaitei” is an inn that embodies the true essence of traditional Japanese hot spring ryokan. Its name is known nationwide for its extensive and diverse hot spring facilities, exceptional cuisine, and unwavering hospitality. Its consistent selection for “5-Star Inn” and “Top 100 Japanese Hotels and Ryokan Chosen by Professionals” truly makes it the gold standard of the traditional ryokan experience.
1. An Extraordinary Bath-Hopping Experience – 2 Hot Spring Sources and 15 Baths
The greatest appeal of Koubaitei lies in its unparalleled hot spring facilities. The inn features three distinctively designed bathing areas – “Hana Sumika,” “Hana Terrace,” and the private-use “Hana Club” – offering a total of 15 different baths to explore. What makes this particularly noteworthy is that the main baths draw from the sodium chloride “Yumoto Konpira Onsen Hana-no-Yu” source, while the outdoor baths use a different water quality from the “Kotohira-cho Chikoin Onsen” source.
Particularly popular among female guests is the “Hana Rotenburo” (flower open-air bath), where roses and orchids float on the water at certain times of day, creating an elegant and luxurious atmosphere.
2. A World of Culinary Excellence by the Head Chef
The cuisine at Koubaitei is a crucial pillar supporting its reputation. What makes it particularly remarkable is the ability to deliver two distinct dining styles: high-quality kaiseki (multi-course) cuisine and a premium buffet with an extensive selection of dishes.
The kaiseki meals served at the kappo dining room “Maruchu” feature generous use of premium local ingredients such as Sanuki Olive Beef and fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, delighting food connoisseurs. Meanwhile, the award-winning breakfast buffet (recognized by Jalan Awards) features approximately 60 Japanese and Western dishes, with its quality and live kitchen service where dishes are prepared fresh on the spot drawing enthusiastic praise.
3. Hospitality That Meets Diverse Needs
Koubaitei leverages the scale advantages of a traditional large ryokan to cater to an impressively diverse range of guest needs. Room types range from standard Japanese-style rooms to luxurious suites with private open-air baths. A symbolic initiative responding to contemporary demands is “Toraune,” a premium pet-friendly annex that opened in June 2024.
Rather than simply designating pet-friendly rooms, this thorough approach of constructing a dedicated high-quality facility has earned overwhelming support from pet owners.
4. A Historic Location at the Gateway to Kotohira-gu Shrine
The highly convenient location just a 5-minute walk from JR Kotohira Station further enhances Koubaitei’s value. As a base for visiting Kotohira-gu Shrine, affectionately known as “Konpira-san,” it offers ideal conditions. Many guests look forward to enjoying the inn’s hot springs and cuisine after climbing the famous 785 stone steps to the shrine.
This sequence of “the effort of the pilgrimage” followed by “the healing at the inn” elevates the stay beyond mere accommodation into a memorable cultural journey.
■ Access Information for Yumoto Konpira Onsen Hana-no-Yu Koubaitei
- Official Website: http://www.koubaitei.jp/
- Access: Approximately 5-minute walk from Kotohira Station on the JR Dosan Line
- Address: 556-1 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture 766-0001
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6d8cwgUnMh8xCVhu8
THE CHELSEA BREATH – An All-Inclusive Hilltop Retreat
Source: THE CHELSEA BREATH Official Website
■ The Appeal of THE CHELSEA BREATH
Perched quietly atop a hill on the outskirts of Takamatsu City, “THE CHELSEA BREATH” is a refined retreat hotel designed for sophisticated adults. Its distinctive character is shaped by three clear concepts: a “tranquil hilltop location,” an “adults-only space that restricts guests under elementary school age,” and an “all-inclusive system where you never have to worry about costs during your stay.”
1. The True Value of All-Inclusive
At the core of THE CHELSEA BREATH experience is the all-inclusive concept. This extends beyond drinks including alcohol and snacks and ice cream served in two dedicated lounges. Drinks during dinner and breakfast at the restaurant, as well as “Sanuki Curry Udon” served as a late-night meal, are all included in the room rate.
The true value of this system goes beyond simply being “free” – it removes the very thought process of “worrying about payment.” Throughout their stay, guests are completely freed from the small decisions and financial calculations that arise every time they order something.
2. French Kaiseki with a “Shikoku Culinary Journey” Theme
The hotel’s culinary signature is an original course called “French Kaiseki.” Under the theme of “Shikoku Culinary Journey,” it uses carefully selected ingredients from all four Shikoku prefectures, fusing French culinary techniques with the spirit of Japanese kaiseki cuisine. This cuisine harmonizes beautifully with the hotel’s “Japanese-modern” architectural design and overall concept, serving not merely as a meal but as a vital element expressing the hotel’s brand identity.
The visual beauty, creativity, and depth of flavor have earned overwhelming support from guests, with many saying that this cuisine alone makes the stay worthwhile.
3. A “Deep Breath for Adults” Space Enveloped in Serenity
THE CHELSEA BREATH maintains an “adults-only” policy, restricting access for children of elementary school age and younger. Combined with its hilltop location, away from the bustle of the city center, this creates an exceptionally quiet and peaceful environment found nowhere else. While some guests have noted the inconvenience of transportation, this is an intentional trade-off the hotel has chosen in order to deliver on its promise of “serenity.”
This hotel is designed not as a sightseeing base but as a “sanctuary” that is a destination in itself. For adults who wish to leave their daily routine behind and reset their mind and body, this secluded environment represents the ultimate luxury.
4. Heartfelt Anniversary Stay Support
The expertise and hospitality for orchestrating the perfect special day is deeply embedded in the hotel’s operations. As such, their support for “anniversary stays” – whether for birthdays or wedding anniversaries – has earned an outstanding reputation.
While many hotels offer anniversary plans, for THE CHELSEA BREATH it is part of their corporate culture and their area of greatest expertise.
■ Access Information for THE CHELSEA BREATH
- Official Website: https://www.the-chelseabreath.jp/
- Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Takamatsu Station, approximately 10 minutes by car from Takamatsu Airport.
- Address: 1878 Kawahigashi-shimo, Kagawa-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture 761-1705
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KgTV7EA7DPqwBGnh6