The town of Manno was formed on March 20, 2006, as a result of a municipal merger between the towns of Manno, Chunan, and Kotonami. The written name of Manno was designated as まんのう町 at this time.
Tourism
To see
:ja:満濃池|Manno Lake:
Nestled in the mountains, this lake reservoir is one of the largest in Japan, with a volume of 15,400,000 m3. Kagawa has low rainfall, so rain dances and water reservoirs have been important throughout history, particularly for rice production. The original dam was built here about 1,300 years ago, from 701 to 704 by Michimori Ason. In 821 the dam lay in disrepair and a larger version was built by the infamous Kobo Daishi on the Emperor’s request. Since then the dam has fallen into disrepair and been rebuilt 3 times to reach its current size. The water is used for rice paddy irrigation, and every year in June there is a ceremony to start the yearly flow. Four tonnes of water gush out every second to reach rice paddies as far away as Marugame City. There is also a shrine and a temple near the lakefront. Recommended cycling course : Rent a bicycle in Kotohira～～まんのう池Manno Lake～かりん亭Karin Tei Home Made Udon～～まんのう公園Sanuki Manno National Park～～Arrive back at琴平駅Kotohira Station.
:ja:国営讃岐まんのう公園|Sanuki Manno National Park:
There are flower gardens for all four seasons, forest walks, large-scale events, rent a cycles and other fun activities. Boasts the largest camping car, sports and recreation area in Shikoku. Recommended cycling course :Rent a bicycle in Kotohira ～～Pick up some bread and sweets at Currents Bakery ～～まんのう公園Sanuki Manno National Park～～まんのう池Manno Lake～～琴平駅Kotohira Station. In winter the “Winter Fantasy” illumination, one of the largest in Japan, is held. Some nights have a fireworks display. There is also an illumination on Valentine’s Day. Access：Take the free shuttle bus from Kotohira Station
Sunflower fields and the Sunflower Festival:
250,000 sunflowers are grown every year over 5 hectares, a summer tradition in the Chunan area of Manno Town. The Sunflower Festival is held in July every year. A photo contest, sketching and live Jazz feature and there are sunflower seed ice-cream, croquettes and salad dressing stalls. There is also sunflower seed fed beef and other food for sale. Recommended cycling course :Rent a bicycle in Kotohira～～まんのう池Manno Lake～かりん亭Karin Tei Home Made Udon～～ひまわり祭りSunflower Festival～～金刀比羅宮Konpirasan ～琴平駅Kotohira Station.
Ayako Rain Dance:
This rain dance festival is famous for men dancing in women’s Furisode Kimono. Kagawa has low rainfall so rain dances and water reservoirs have been important throughout history, particularly for rice production. More than 1,000 years ago the infamous Kukai felt sorry for the local people facing drought and taught the rain dance to a woman named Aya. She danced, it rained and so began the Ayako Dance Festival. The dance is performed biannually on even numbered years, usually on the last Sunday in August or the first in September. It is performed at 佐文加茂神社 in the 仲南 area. In 1976 it was registered as one of Japan’s important cultural assets. Recommended cycling course : Rent a bicycle in Kotohira～～綾子踊～～金刀比羅宮Konpirasan ～琴平駅Kotohira Station
Daisen Buddhist Rain Dance:
This rain dance takes place on the top of the second highest mountain in the Sanuki Mountain Range, Daisenzan. During prayers to end a drought in 734, it is said that a white snake came out of a pond, turned into a dragon, flew up to heaven and called the rainclouds in to make it rain. It is registered as a cultural asset in Kagawa. It is held on the closest Sunday to June 14 ON THE LUNAR CALENDAR. Recommended driving course : 琴平駅Kotohira Station～～大川念仏踊り～～美霞洞渓谷～～エピアみかどEpia Mikado～～琴平駅Kotohira Station.
Onsen(Japanese Style Hot Spring)
Epia Mikado:
A rest area facility near the border of Tokushima Prefecture. 美霞洞温泉 was endorsed by the great 18th-century inventor Hiraga Gennai. The white cloudy water has an interesting texture and boasts to be one of the best quality springs in Kagawa. There is also a restaurant, shop with local goods and a small produce market. Recommended Driving Course : 琴平駅Kotohira Station～～まんのう公園Sanuki Manno National Park～～美霞洞渓谷～～エピアみかどEpia Mikado～～琴平駅Kotohira Station
Shioiri Onsen:
These springs have alkaline medicinal waters. Restaurant, Shop, Local Produce. Shippoku Udon is great but only available in the cold season. The set lunch is also good and sometimes sells out early. There are 5 lodges that can be rented out, with an outdoor barbeque area for good times. Recommended Driving Course : 琴平駅 Kotohira Station～金刀比羅宮 Konpirasan ～～満濃池 Manno Lake～～塩入温泉 Shioiri Onsen・Shippoku Udon～～琴平駅 Kotohira
