What Is Gold Tower? Utazu's Landmark Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea
Gold Tower, located in Utazu Town, Kagawa Prefecture, is a 158-meter-tall observation tower known for its sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea and the Great Seto Bridge.
It stands at 8-1 Hamaichibancho, Utazu-cho, Ayauta-gun, Kagawa Prefecture, right at the heart of a seaside sightseeing area near the Shikoku Aquarium and Utazu Rinkai Park.
Beyond the observation deck, the tower houses the sky aquarium SORAKIN, an indoor attraction where you can enjoy fish, lights, and video projections.
Less affected by the weather, it is an easy place to visit for photography lovers and families traveling with children.
Top Highlight: SORAKIN Sky Aquarium
One of Gold Tower's biggest draws is SORAKIN, the sky aquarium that opened in 2020.
At SORAKIN, around 3,000 goldfish and other fish are displayed, creating a dreamlike space combined with mirror balls, lighting, and video projections.
Unlike a typical aquarium, the appeal here is not just observing the fish but walking through a space wrapped in light.
Since the atmosphere changes from floor to floor, you can enjoy distinctly different scenery even during a short visit.
5th Floor "KIRAMEKI": A Dazzling Space of Light and Goldfish
On the 5th floor, "KIRAMEKI" combines the shimmer of mirror balls with goldfish tanks for a glamorous atmosphere.
Mirrored surfaces and lighting add depth to the space, and the view shifts depending on where you stand.
For photos, rather than getting too close to the tanks, making use of the light reflections helps capture the mood.
4th Floor "URUOI": A Calm Waterside Setting
The 4th floor, "URUOI," is a quieter floor combining the aquarium with soft, calming lighting.
Unlike the dazzle of the 5th floor, it suits those who want to watch the shimmer of the water and the movement of the fish at a relaxed pace.
You can enjoy the interplay of light and water as if taking a break during your trip.
Video Projections in the Elevator Hall
At SORAKIN, the projections are not limited to the exhibition floors; the elevator hall also features CG mapping and other displays.
Since there are things to see along the route from the entrance to the observation floor, keeping an eye on your surroundings as you move through the building adds to the fun.
Views of the Seto Inland Sea and Great Seto Bridge from the Observation Floor
Gold Tower's observation floor lets you look out toward the Seto Inland Sea and the Great Seto Bridge from around 119 meters above the ground.
On clear days, you can see islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea and the bridge spanning the water, capturing the seaside scenery that Kagawa is known for.
Daytime brings the bright colors of sea and sky, while evening offers shifting light, so the impression changes depending on when you visit.
Since visibility varies with the weather, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the sky if the view is your priority.
Enjoy the Views and SORAKIN Together
The charm of Gold Tower is that you can enjoy not only the views but also the artistic space of SORAKIN.
Taking in the outdoor scenery and then enjoying the tank projections inside links the images of sea and water, making for a stay that feels distinctly Utazu.
Because you can enjoy it indoors even on rainy or hot days, it is an easy spot to work into your travel plans.
Gold Tower Photo Tips: Observation Views and SORAKIN
Both the observation floor and SORAKIN at Gold Tower are highly photogenic.
However, because there are many dark areas and reflective tanks, it is important to refrain from using flash and to avoid disturbing other visitors' viewing while you shoot.
When shooting through the tanks, bringing your smartphone close to the glass helps reduce reflections.
On the observation floor, changing your angle slightly to avoid light reflecting off the windows makes the scenery come out more clearly.
How to Enjoy It by Weather
| Weather | How to Enjoy |
|---|---|
| Sunny | Easy to enjoy views toward the Seto Inland Sea and Great Seto Bridge |
| Cloudy | Easy to focus on SORAKIN's light displays |
| Evening | Easy to feel the changing colors of sky and sea |
| Rainy | Comfortable to spend time focusing on indoor exhibits |
How to Get There and What to Check Before Visiting
Gold Tower is within walking distance of JR Utazu Station and is also easy to reach by car.
According to the facility's guide, it is about a 12-minute walk or a 4-minute taxi ride from JR Utazu Station.
By car, it is about 5 km from the Sakaide IC and about 4.5 km from the Sakaide-kita IC on the Seto-Chuo Expressway.
There is a paid parking lot shared with the Shikoku Aquarium, which can get crowded during the tourist season and events.
Since opening hours and fees vary between weekdays, weekends/holidays, and admission categories, it is reassuring to check before your visit.
Points to Check Before Visiting
| Item to Check | Reason |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | May differ between weekdays and weekends/holidays |
| Admission fees | There are categories such as adult and child |
| Parking | Shared with nearby facilities and can get crowded |
| Weather | Affects how the view appears |
Etiquette When Visiting Gold Tower
Inside, avoid touching the exhibits and tanks, and be careful not to disturb other visitors' viewing.
When taking photos, being mindful of where you stop and how long you spend shooting helps everyone around you enjoy their time.
If you are with children, take care that they do not run in front of the tanks or near the observation windows.
Since people tend to gather by the windows on the observation floor, it is reassuring not to occupy the same spot for too long.
Things to Keep in Mind Inside
| Situation | What to Be Mindful Of |
|---|---|
| In front of tanks | Do not tap on the glass |
| Observation windows | Share the space and take turns enjoying the view |
| While photographing | Be considerate so others are not caught in your shots |
| Conversation | Keep your voice down in quiet exhibition spaces |
Who Should Visit Gold Tower in Utazu?
Gold Tower is well suited to those who want to see views of the Seto Inland Sea or who are looking for an indoor spot to enjoy even on rainy days.
It is also recommended for those who want to take artistic photos, who love goldfish and tank displays, or who want to enjoy memorable sightseeing in a short amount of time.
Even if you are traveling from the Takamatsu or Marugame area, it is an easy place to stop by as part of sightseeing around Utazu.
| Traveler Type | How to Enjoy |
|---|---|
| First-time visitors to Kagawa | Can enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea and Great Seto Bridge |
| Photography lovers | Can photograph SORAKIN's light displays |
| Families | Can enjoy fish and views indoors |
| Rainy-day travelers | Can enjoy sightseeing without worrying too much about the weather |
Gold Tower is a spot in Utazu where you can enjoy both views of the Seto Inland Sea and Great Seto Bridge and SORAKIN's displays of light, fish, and tanks.
If you want to enjoy both seaside scenery and indoor sightseeing on a trip to Kagawa, check the latest facility information and on-site notices before visiting.
