Sanuki Manno National Government Park

Sanuki Manno National Government Park is the only national government park on the island of Shikoku, a sprawling landscape of flower fields, lawns, forests and family attractions laid out beside Mannoike, the largest irrigation pond in Japan. Set in the hills of southern Kagawa near the shrine town of Kotohira, it is one of the region's premier destinations for a relaxed day in nature, changing character with every season.

The park's setting is significant in its own right. Mannoike is an ancient reservoir, first constructed over a thousand years ago and famously repaired under the direction of Kobo Daishi (Kukai) in the 9th century, and it remains vital to the irrigation of Kagawa's notoriously dry farmland. The park spreads across the hills above and around the pond, blending this water heritage with beautifully designed recreational grounds.

Flowers are the park's signature. Across its huge grounds, seasonal displays unfold in waves: tulips, poppies, nemophila and cherry blossom in spring; sunflowers, cosmos and colourful summer blooms; and vivid autumn foliage as the year turns. Broad flower fields, themed gardens and manicured lawns make for a constantly shifting palette, and the scale means there is always space to spread out. In winter the park is transformed by the Winter Fantasy, a large-scale illumination event that drapes the grounds in millions of lights, drawing evening visitors from across the region.

Beyond the flowers, Sanuki Manno is built for families and active visitors. There are vast open lawns for picnics and play, adventure and nature-play areas for children, walking and cycling paths (bicycle rental is available) that wind through woodland and along the water, streams and ponds, campgrounds and barbecue facilities, and a visitor centre with a cafe. The park is designed to encourage people of all ages to connect with nature, and it is easy to spend half a day here without running out of things to do.

The combination of formal flower displays, natural woodland, water features and the backdrop of the great historic pond gives the park a variety that keeps it interesting whatever the season. Spring and the winter illumination are the headline times, but summer sunflowers and autumn colour are lovely too, and quieter weekdays offer the grounds in relative peace.

Getting there is straightforward as part of a southern Kagawa itinerary. The park lies near Kotohira, easily reached by JR or Kotoden train, from where a short taxi or bus ride completes the journey; drivers will find ample parking. Allow around two hours for a relaxed visit, or longer with children or for the winter illumination. Sanuki Manno pairs perfectly with a visit to the famous Kotohira-gu shrine (Konpira-san) nearby, combining a vast natural park with one of Shikoku's greatest sacred sites in a single rewarding day out from Takamatsu. Check the seasonal calendar before you go so you can catch the park's flowers or illuminations at their peak.