A Night of Food-Hopping in Kawaramachi: 5 Must-Try Spots in Takamatsu's Entertainment District

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A Night of Food-Hopping in Kawaramachi: 5 Must-Try Spots in Takamatsu's Entertainment District

A Night of Food-Hopping Through Kawaramachi, Kagawa’s Largest Entertainment District

End of the night at Kawaramachi Station

Located in the heart of Takamatsu City, Kawaramachi is known as the largest entertainment district in Kagawa Prefecture. Centered around Kotoden Kawaramachi Station, the area is packed with restaurants and bars of all kinds.

From traditional izakayas to modern bars, creative bistros, and iconic Kagawa specialties like Honetsukidori (bone-in chicken) and Sanuki udon—there’s something for everyone. Many places stay open late into the night, attracting both locals and travelers in their 20s to 50s.

This article presents a model course of five food stops to enjoy in a single evening in Kawaramachi.

Even first-time visitors can follow this route with confidence—perfect for those who want to experience Kagawa’s nightlife in a short amount of time.

Make the Most of Your Evening: 5 Food Stops in Kawaramachi

Nighttime scene in Kawaramachi. Crowded with izakayas and passersby

To make the most of your night in Kawaramachi, it helps to mix up the types of venues you visit.

In this route, we chose five very different spots: a classic izakaya, a creative bistro, a Honetsukidori restaurant, a themed bar, and a final stop for udon.

Let’s walk through each stop in the order they were visited.

Yakitori Daikichi Tokiwa-Shinmachi | Kick Off the Night at a Welcoming Izakaya

Exterior of Yakitori Daikichi Tokiwa-Shinmachi

First stop: the relaxed and approachable “Yakitori Daikichi Tokiwa-Shinmachi.”

The restaurant offers counter seating, making it easy to visit solo. The clean and comfortable interior is welcoming to travelers.

Counter seats

Yakitori skewers are priced affordably at around 120–180 yen each.

This evening, we ordered a draft beer and three skewers—negima (chicken with green onion), deep-fried chicken, and bonjiri (tail). All were satisfying and well-balanced for a first stop.

Three yakitori skewers: negima, deep-fried chicken, and bonjiri
  • Stay time: approx. 23 minutes
  • Bill: 1,000 yen (PayPay accepted)
Payment screen showing PayPay transaction

akari | Creative Bistro with Seasonal Dishes and Wine in a Chic Setting

Exterior of akari

The second stop, “akari,” is a creative bistro located about 5 minutes on foot from Kawaramachi Station.

Just a short walk from the busy street corner, you’ll find a cozy space with wooden tables and soft ambient lighting.

The seating layout includes both counters and tables, making it suitable for solo diners and groups alike.

The menu features an Italian-French fusion with appetizers, tapas, and mains crafted from seasonal ingredients.

A white wine paired with a trio of carpaccio, stir-fried vegetables, and fries

Daily specials are handwritten on a chalkboard and highlight local, seasonal items—offering a unique experience for travelers.

Wine is available by the glass or bottle, and the well-balanced, flavorful dishes pair perfectly with white wine.

  • Stay time: approx. 1 hour
  • Budget: 3,000–4,000 yen

Read more about akari

Goya | Local Izakaya Serving Honetsukidori and Regional Delicacies Near the Station

Exterior of Goya izakaya in Kawaramachi lit by warm night lights

Our third stop is “Goya,” a local-favorite izakaya just a 2-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station.

It’s beloved by both locals and visitors, and offers easy access to Kagawa specialties like Honetsukidori and other regional dishes.

Plate with Honetsukidori and cabbage, served with scissors for easy cutting

The juicy bone-in chicken is deeply seasoned, with flavor that intensifies as you chew. Sides and small local dishes round out the meal with regional flair.

Crispy roasted Honetsukidori served on a silver plate with cabbage
  • Stay time: approx. 40–60 minutes
  • Budget: 2,500–3,500 yen

Read more about Goya

SUPER CAFÉ Kagawa | Chill at a Neon-Lit Shisha Bar with a Surreal Atmosphere

Exterior of SUPER CAFÉ

Our fourth stop is the unique bar “SUPER CAFÉ,” recognizable by its vivid neon lighting.

The interior glows purple, creating an immersive and surreal ambiance. Sports broadcasts play casually in the background, making it approachable even for first-timers.

Interior counter lit in purple

Shisha (hookah) is also available, with a variety of flavors to choose from. While we didn’t use the shisha this time, the drinks and relaxing mood made for a nice wind-down.

Displayed shisha equipment and cocktails
  • Stay time: approx. 50 minutes
  • Drink: Gin and tonic (from 600 yen)

Sanuki Mennosuke | Late-Night Sanuki Udon Hand-Cut by a Skilled Artisan

Exterior of Sanuki Mennosuke udon restaurant

The fifth and final stop is “Sanuki Mennosuke,” just two minutes from Kawaramachi Station.

This renowned udon shop features handmade noodles freshly cut and boiled by experienced artisans—giving diners an authentic taste of Kagawa’s udon culture.

On this night, we chose bukkake udon with tempura. It was the perfect closing dish—gentle in flavor and pleasing in texture.

Overhead view of bukkake udon with shrimp and vegetable tempura, garnished with grated daikon

Read more about Sanuki Mennosuke

Strolling Kawaramachi by Night: A Flavorful Evening of Local Eats

Night scene of Kawaramachi with a row of izakayas

This five-stop route highlights some of the most approachable dining options in Kawaramachi. By choosing a range of genres and atmospheres, you can enjoy a varied and vibrant evening—even in a short amount of time.

From izakaya to creative bistro, bone-in chicken, shisha bar, and udon to finish, this “food-hopping night” offers a fun alternative when you’re not sure how to spend your evening in Takamatsu.

One of Kawaramachi’s biggest charms is how easy it is to explore. Even a single-night stay can introduce you to the flavors—and faces—of the local scene.

Final scene heading back to Takamatsu Station
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