Takamatsu

Takamatsu (高松) is the capital city of Kagawa Prefecture, located on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It has a population of approximately 420,000 people and is known for its beautiful gardens, historical landmarks, and delicious udon noodles.

One of the most famous attractions in Takamatsu is Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園), a traditional Japanese garden that dates back to the early 17th century. The garden is a designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty and is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, ponds, and walking paths lined with trees and plants.

Takamatsu is also home to the Takamatsu Castle Ruins (高松城跡), a popular tourist destination that features a history museum and a park. The castle was built in the 16th century and was one of the most important castles in Japan during the Edo period. The castle grounds offer stunning views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea.

Another popular attraction in Takamatsu is Yashima (屋島), a plateau mountain with the Yashima Temple, which is located on a hill and offers stunning views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea. The temple is known for its historical significance and its beautiful architecture.

In addition to its historical landmarks, Takamatsu is part of the Setonaikai National Park, showcasing the scenic beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. The Sunport Takamatsu area, with its modern architecture and attractions like the Symbol Tower and the red lighthouse, is also a popular spot for visitors.

Takamatsu is famous for its Sanuki udon noodles, which are thick wheat noodles served in a savory broth with various toppings. The city is known for having some of the best udon noodles in Japan, and many visitors come specifically to try them. Tourists can even experience a unique “Udon Taxi” service to explore local udon restaurants.

Attractions in Takamatsu

Ritsurin Garden Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園) is a Japanese landscape garden located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the largest and most famous historical...

Sanuki Udon Sanuki Udon (讃岐うどん) is a type of thick, chewy wheat flour noodle that is a specialty of Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is named after the former Sanuki Pr...

Takamatsu Castle Takamatsu Castle (高松城), also known as Tamamo Castle (玉藻城), is located in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, in the Shikoku region of Japan. Constructio...

Yashima Yashima (屋島) is a plateau mountain located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its historical and cultural significance, as well as its...

Shikoku Mura Shikoku Mura (四国村) is an open-air museum located on Yashima in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. The museum features a collection of traditional b...

Megijima Island Megijima (女木島), also known as Onigashima (鬼ヶ島) due to its association with the Japanese folk tale "Momotaro," is a small island located in the Seto Inl...

Ogijima Island Ogijima (男木島) is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, about 20 minutes by ferry from Takamatsu Port in Kagawa Prefecture. The island is...

Getting there

By Air

• About 1 hour 20 minutes from Tokyo (Haneda Airport) to Takamatsu Airport
• About 40 minutes from Takamatsu Airport to the city center by limousine bus

By Shinkansen and Limited Express Train

1. About 3 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Okayama Station via Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen
2. About 1 hour from Okayama Station to Takamatsu Station via JR Marine Liner

• Total travel time: About 5 hours
• Entire journey can be covered by JR Pass

By Ferry

• Ferries available from Kobe, Okayama, Naoshima, and other locations to Takamatsu Port

By Highway Bus

• About 9 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
• About 3 hours 15 minutes from Osaka (Namba/JR Osaka Station)