Takamatsu is a coastal city that is simultaneously historic, vibrant, and naturally beautiful. Situated on the island of Shikoku, it presents itself as a window onto the soul of Japan. Its location along the Seto Inland Sea offers an idyllic natural setting. This city places emphasis on its exceptional cuisine. Takamatsu Castle, a stone sentinel overlooking the sea; Ritsurin-kōen Garden, a haven of peace with sublime landscapes; and the Takamatsu Matsuri festival, an explosion of colors and traditions, are all worth lingering over. Here is an overview.

Its History and Evolution

Takamatsu was born during the Kamakura period. It takes its name from the castle built by Chikamasa Ikoma, a vassal of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, in 1588 at Tamonoura. The city was initially ruled by the Ikoma for 54 years, then by the Matsudaira for 220 years. Its industrial development was encouraged by initiatives promoting the art of lacquerware, Botaori weaving, bonsai cultivation, and papier-mâché. Some products became gifts for the shogunate, a tradition maintained from generation to generation. After the end of the feudal system and the establishment of prefectures during the Meiji Restoration, Takamatsu became the capital of Kagawa Prefecture.

Takamatsu officially came into being on February 15, 1890. However, it was already a political and economic center during the Edo period (1603–1868), when the Matsudaira clan made it the capital of their han (feudal domain). Once called Yashima, the city was the site of the famous naval Battle of Yashima during the Gempei War in 1185. On July 3, 1945, Takamatsu was targeted by a nighttime aerial bombardment by USAF B-29s. In 1999, it received the status of core city.

A Stay in Takamatsu

Takamatsu is a charming city located in the northern part of Shikoku Island and bordered by the Seto Inland Sea. It is the capital of Kagawa Prefecture. Its territory spans 375 km² and is home to 420,000 residents. This city offers a dynamic setting for visitors and often serves as a base for exploring the region. It extends approximately 23 km from east to west and 36 km from south to north.

Once peaceful, this port city now attracts Henrô pilgrims who traverse the 88 temples and art enthusiasts during the Setouchi Triennale. This artistic event takes place every three years on the neighboring islands.

During your stay, be sure to explore the city and its surroundings, from JR Takamatsu Station to the port, which connects the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, passing through its lively neighborhoods and hidden treasures.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Takamatsu, with its gentle waves lapping the shores of the Seto Inland Sea, its picturesque islands to the north, and the Sanuki Mountains to the south.

Ritsurin Koen, the Number One Local Attraction

It is one of the most magnificent gardens in Japan. You will be amazed by its lush vegetation, its ponds ideal for a boat ride, as well as its ancient tea houses which invite you to an authentic tea ceremony. It is also the perfect place to contemplate Japan's magnificent autumn foliage.

Takamatsu Castle

Imagine yourself traveling back in time, discovering the remnants of an ancient Japanese castle called "Tamamo Castle." Having withstood the test of time, you will still have the opportunity to discover the great ramparts, enigmatic moats, the entrance gate, and three turrets. But what will surely captivate your imagination is the Tsukimi Yagura turret. You will feel transported to another world while contemplating the breathtaking view it offers of the Seto Inland Sea. Imagine yourself up there, observing the moon, as this structure, known as Tsukimi Yagura, was specifically designed for this purpose.

Kagawa Museum

You will find numerous galleries and interactive exhibitions to explore the history of the prefecture where Takamatsu is located. If you explore the region, organize an excursion to Yashima, a short train ride from Takamatsu. There, you will discover Shikoku Mura, an open-air museum featuring several traditional houses from Shikoku, as well as a small art museum displaying works by Pablo Picasso.

What to Do in Takamatsu?

Savor Udon

It is impossible to overlook the restaurants specializing in udon in Takamatsu. It would be almost unforgivable to leave the city without having savored one of these iconic noodle dishes. Among the most popular options, try Kake Udon, a noodle soup accompanied by thin slices of fish, and Tempura Udon, served with fried shrimp.

Shop

Browse its shopping arcades brimming with many stores.

Have Fun at the Sanuki Takamatsu Festival

If you visit the city in August, do not miss this lively summer festival, known for its traditional dances and spectacular fireworks.

Visit Tamamo Park

This is the park where you will find the ruins of Takamatsu Castle. It is also one of the most popular sites in the city for contemplating the splendor of cherry blossoms in spring.

Wonders to Discover in the Surrounding Area

Shikoku Mura

Shikoku Mura is dedicated to a remarkable collection of more than twenty traditional buildings, brought from throughout the Shikoku region and neighboring islands. Among these structures, you will discover a kabuki theater with a thatched roof from Shodoshima, a replica of a suspension bridge from the Oboke area, an old customs house from the Edo period, and many other renovated structures.

In an enchanting setting embellished with water gardens and designed by Tadao Ando, this gallery also exhibits modern artworks by Picasso and Chagall and hosts temporary exhibitions of Asian art.

Yashima

This is an area famous for the Battle of Yashima, a precursory event to the historic Battle of Dannoura in the Shimonoseki Strait in 1185. During your visit, you can enjoy superb views from a plateau 293 meters high.

Zentsuji Temple

Zentsuji is known as temple number 75 on the circuit of the 88 sacred temples of Shikoku. It is considered the birthplace of Kobo Daishi (Kukai). Kukai is the founder of the famous Koyasan temple complex in Wakayama and is among the most respected figures in Buddhism in Japan.

Kotohira

Known for its ancient mountain shrine, Kotohira pays homage to the deity protecting sailors and travelers. After a challenging ascent, marked by countless steps, visitors are rewarded with magnificent panoramic views.

Practical Information

What is the Weather Like in Takamatsu?

Takamatsu enjoys a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and cool winters. Rainfall is frequent throughout the year, but it is particularly abundant from May to September.

When Should You Visit?

Climatic conditions are favorable for visiting Takamatsu from March to November, but the months of April to June, August, October, and November offer particularly pleasant weather. To enjoy swimming, the ideal period, with comfortable water temperatures, extends from July to September.

By Train

To travel from Tokyo to Takamatsu by train with a JR Pass, take the Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama, then switch to the Marine Liner express service to Takamatsu. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and is fully covered by the JR Pass if you choose Hikari and Sakura services. You can also use the JR Pass to travel from Takamatsu to Matsuyama on the Express train of the Yosan Line.

For an overnight option, the Sunrise Seto train departs from Tokyo for Takamatsu daily. It offers free open-plan spaces called "nobi nobi," but private cabins require a supplementary fee. Just make sure to book in advance for these services.

By Plane

You also have the option to fly to travel between Tokyo and Takamatsu. The flight takes approximately 80 minutes. Several daily flights are available from Haneda Airport, with an average price for a one-way ticket of around 34,000 yen.

To save money, take a flight from Narita Airport to Takamatsu. A one-way ticket costs only 4,000 yen. Once at Takamatsu Airport, buses are available to reach the city center in approximately 40 minutes.

By Ferry

Ferries operate from Takamatsu port to Kobe and Okayama, as well as to the islands of Naoshima, Oshima, Shodoshima, Megijima, and Ogijima located in the Seto Inland Sea.

By Overnight Bus

You can also opt for an overnight bus journey from Tokyo or Shinjuku stations to Takamatsu. The journey takes approximately 10 hours, with fares ranging from 6,000 to 14,000 yen depending on the dates chosen.

By Bicycle

To get around Takamatsu, walking is often preferred in the city center, but exploring the city by bicycle is another adventure.

Takamatsu offers one of the best bicycle rental systems in Japan. You can rent a bicycle for an entire day at a very affordable price, typically around 100 JPY, with the option to keep the bicycle overnight.

Several stations are distributed throughout the city, including one in the basement of the bicycle parking lot across from Takamatsu Station.

To rent a bicycle, simply fill out a short form and present a photo ID when renting for the first time. You will then receive a rental card for future rentals.

By Bus

The bus is another convenient way to get around, with main stops at JR Station and Kotoden Kawaramachi Station. Some buses have a flat fare, but most are priced based on distance traveled, which can be costly. Make sure to check the price displayed at the stop before boarding to avoid surprises.

As in many Japanese cities, you board the bus at the rear by taking a ticket, then exit at the front after paying the driver.

By Train

The Kotoden, known as the Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad, is also a convenient way to travel between different parts of the city center, particularly to destinations such as Ritsurin Park, Kawaramachi, and the area around Takamatsu Station and the castle.

While JR lines are better suited for intercity travel, they can also be used to get around Takamatsu. However, they are not as frequent as the Kotoden for city travel.