If you’re after some amazing photos of the beach and sky, look no further than Chichibugahama Beach. This picturesque beach in western Kagawa Prefecture can be found off the coast of Mitoyo City. With sandy tide pools, low tide brings in mirror-like reflections where locals and tourists alike have been flocking to for that perfect shot.
This 1-kilometer long stretch of beach is reminiscent of salt flats and when the conditions are right—low tide and minimal wind, just after sunset—the effect can be otherworldly. Often called the Heavenly Mirror of the Seto Inland Sea, visitors to the beach can enjoy more than the tide pools. Local cuisine is a treat with fresh fruits and vegetables and local seafood. Kayaking is also a popular activity offshore and can be enjoyed by couples and families.
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A 15-minute taxi ride from Takuma Station.
This beach was just a rustic place where local people used to enjoy visiting until a few years ago, but the reputation spread on social media has made it into a popular travel destination with many people buzzing about. The transformation is staggering.
Kagawa's Kotohiki Park is one of the destinations on Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom viewing sites list, and it's filled with springtime beauty. Around 200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees can be found on the grounds here, and they're illuminated after dark during blooming season.
A two day festival held every year. The local train station is also only open during the festival, Tsushima no Miya Station. The festival centers around a shrine on a tiny island connected to the mainland by a 250m bridge that is also opened only for the festival (the boards of the bridge are actually removed for most of the year).