Takamatsu - Travel Guide
last update: April 12, 2026
Takamatsu is a lively coastal city of about 400,000 inhabitants located in the northeastern part of Shikoku Island, and it is the capital of Kagawa Prefecture. Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, Takamatsu is renowned for the Ritsurin Garden, one of the most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, and for its long culinary tradition centered on udon noodles, for which Kagawa is considered the homeland.
Things to See and Do in Takamatsu
Central City Area
The central area of Takamatsu is where most shops, restaurants, cafés, and shopping malls are concentrated. It roughly extends between Takamatsu Station, Kawaramachi Station, and Ritsurin Kōen. Here you’ll find the city’s main covered shopping arcades (shotengai), which stretch for several kilometers and are among the longest in Japan. The main shotengai include Tamachi, running north to south and connecting the area around Takamatsu Castle with Ritsurin Kōen, and the parallel Lion Dōri. Other notable arcades are Katahara-machi, which runs east–west, and Tokiwa-gai. All these shopping streets are easily walkable and represent the best place in the city to eat, shop, or simply stroll around.
Tamamo Park / Takamatsu Castle
(admission 200¥, open from sunrise to sunset)
Tamamo Park is the historical park occupying the grounds where Takamatsu Castle once stood. Located just a few minutes on foot from JR Takamatsu Station and right in front of the port, the castle was built in 1590 and is one of only three “mizujiro” (seaside castles) in Japan, along with those in Imabari and Nakatsu. Much of the original structure has been lost, and the five-story main keep was demolished in 1884. Today, a project is underway to reconstruct the tenshu (main keep), although the lack of reliable historical records makes the work complex. The site nevertheless retains great historical and scenic interest. Within the castle walls, some well-preserved remains can still be seen, including the Ushitora Yagura and Tsukimi Yagura turrets, as well as an inner moat navigable by small traditional boats. All moats are filled with seawater directly drawn from the sea, with the level controlled by a sluice gate to prevent fluctuations caused by the tides. Inside the park, you can also see the Saya-bashi, a reconstructed covered wooden bridge that once served as the only access to the castle’s main keep. Designed for defensive purposes, the bridge could be dismantled in case of attack, isolating the central part of the castle and making it harder to capture. In the heart of the park stands the elegant Hiunkaku, a refined residence built in 1917, now used for cultural events and exhibitions. Even without the main keep, Tamamo Park remains a must-visit spot for those who wish to explore Takamatsu’s feudal history in a quiet and well-preserved environment.
Tamamo Park and the remains of Takamatsu Castle
Ritsurin Koen
(admission 410¥, open from sunrise to sunset)
Ritsurin Kōen is one of Japan’s most beautiful and famous traditional gardens, and one of the main attractions in Takamatsu. Covering an area of about 750,000 m², it lies about 2.5 km south of JR Takamatsu Station and the port, at the foot of the picturesque Mount Shiun, which elegantly frames many of the garden’s designed landscapes. Construction of the garden began around 1620, during the Edo period, and was completed in 1745. It follows the principles of the stroll garden (kaiyū-shiki), a style that invites visitors to walk along paths revealing ever-changing views—ponds, islets, bridges, hills, and plant compositions designed to be admired from multiple perspectives. Inside the garden there are also several places to eat or relax. The two traditional teahouses, Kikugetsu-tei (the main one) and Higurashi-tei (smaller and open only on weekends), offer the chance to enjoy matcha tea (700¥) or sencha (500¥) with wagashi (Japanese sweets) in a refined and quiet setting overlooking the surrounding scenery. For a light meal, there is also Fukiage-tei, a small restaurant serving light Japanese dishes, and the modern Café Ritsurin, which offers drinks, sweets, and snacks. Within the garden, you can also visit the Sanuki Folk Craft Museum, displaying items related to local crafts, everyday life, and regional culture. Ritsurin Kōen can be enjoyed in every season, but it is at its best in spring with cherry blossoms, in summer with lush greenery, and in autumn when the maple trees turn vivid shades of red and orange.
Magnificent scenery inside Ritsurin Koen (credits)
The Kikugetsu-tei teahouse (credits)
Sunport Takamatsu
Sunport Takamatsu is a modern commercial and business complex located between JR Takamatsu Station and the city port, developed as part of a project to redevelop the harbor area. Once a strategic hub for maritime connections between Shikoku and Honshu, the port lost some of its importance after the opening of the Great Seto Bridge in 1988, which made land transportation faster and more convenient. Today, Sunport hosts offices, shops, restaurants, public spaces, and a large hotel, the JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu. The most iconic building in the complex is the Symbol Tower, a sleek modern skyscraper and the tallest building in the city. On the upper floors (29th and 30th), you’ll find a panoramic café and the French restaurant Alice in Takamatsu, both offering splendid views of the port, the Seto Inland Sea, and the city. Access to the 29th floor is free, and some observation windows allow visitors to enjoy the scenery even without ordering anything. Another good viewpoint is the rooftop of the low-rise building adjacent to the tower, which is open to the public.
Free view from the 29th floor of the Symbol Tower
The café and bar on the 29th floor of the Symbol Tower
Mount Yashima
Mount Yashima is a striking flat-topped promontory located a few kilometers east of central Takamatsu. It is easily visible from the city’s waterfront and can be reached in about 15 minutes by train from the main stations. This place is also known for its important historical significance: on March 22, 1185, it was the site of the famous Battle of Yashima, a decisive naval clash between the Taira and Minamoto clans during the Genpei War, which shaped the course of feudal Japan.
The summit can be reached in about 10 minutes by car or bus from JR Yashima and Kotoden Yashima stations, located at the foot of the mountain. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the city of Takamatsu, the Seto Inland Sea, and the many small islands scattered across the horizon. In addition to several viewpoints, the top of Mount Yashima also features a number of interesting attractions. Among them are the Yashima-ji Temple, which is the 84th stop of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a small aquarium, and—in stark contrast with the surrounding beauty—the abandoned remains of a tourist resort that went bankrupt several years ago. At the foot of the mountain, you can also visit Shikoku Mura, an open-air museum showcasing traditional houses and historical architecture from the region.
View of Takamatsu from Mount Yashima
Yashima Temple
(free admission)
Yashima-ji Temple, located on the summit of Mount Yashima, is a Buddhist temple that marks the 84th stop of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Although modest in size and similar to many other temples scattered throughout Japan, its panoramic setting and connection to the Battle of Yashima give it notable historical interest. Entrance to the temple grounds is free, but there is also a small museum (admission 500¥) displaying temple relics, artifacts related to the 1185 battle, and other religious and cultural items. A short but pleasant visit, especially if you are already on the mountain to enjoy the views.
Abandoned Yashima Resort
In the 1970s, this area was chosen by a group of entrepreneurs as the site for a new tourist resort. A series of hotels were built on the mountain, which at the time was also accessible by a funicular (Yashima Cable Car), but most of them closed just a few years later. Because of this, Yashima is often mentioned on websites dedicated to ghost towns in Japan. Today, little remains of that period, as many abandoned buildings have been demolished, but on the mountaintop you can still find a few deserted hotel structures and, most notably, the funicular line itself—closed permanently in 2005—with both stations (at the base and on the summit) still standing in a state of abandonment.
New Yashima Aquarium
(admission 1500¥, open 9:00–17:00)
The New Yashima Aquarium is located on the summit of Mount Yashima, just a few minutes’ walk from Yashima-ji Temple. Founded in 1969 as part of a now-defunct tourist resort, it is the only surviving facility of that complex, having undergone major renovation in 2006. It houses about 1,000 animals belonging to roughly 130 species, including fish, aquatic mammals, and amphibians, displayed in around 80 tanks of various sizes. Among its most remarkable residents are Caribbean manatees, making it one of the few aquariums in Japan to host this species. Daily shows featuring dolphins and sea lions are also held. However, despite the 2006 renovation, the structure still feels rather dated and shows signs of aging. Some visitors have expressed concerns about the animals’ conditions and overall maintenance, which may disappoint those used to more modern aquariums.
Shikoku Mura Village
(admission 1600¥, open 9:30–17:30, closed on Tuesdays)
Shikoku Mura is a large open-air museum located at the foot of Mount Yashima, within walking distance from JR Yashima and Kotoden Yashima stations. The park features a collection of traditional buildings and structures from across the Shikoku region, carefully reconstructed or relocated to the site to preserve their authenticity. The architecture spans different historical periods, from the Edo to the Taishō era, offering a unique glimpse into everyday Japanese life in centuries past. Highlights include old sugarcane and soy sauce production facilities, a wooden suspension bridge, a lighthouse, and the historic residences of lighthouse keepers. In 2002, an exhibition space designed by architect Tadao Andō was also opened within the park, hosting temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
Islands
Facing the city of Takamatsu, in the scenic
Seto Inland Sea that separates the island of Shikoku from Japan’s main island, Honshu, lie numerous smaller islands, many of which are fascinating tourist destinations. Some are easily accessible by ferry from Takamatsu Port and are only a few minutes away by boat. The most popular and closest ones include
Megijima,
Ogijima, and
Oshima, each offering unique features that make them ideal for day trips.
The sea in front of Takamatsu city
Where to Stay in Takamatsu
Hostel JAQ Takamatsu is a modern, stylish accommodation ideal for young travelers, backpackers, and anyone looking for a budget-friendly yet comfortable stay in the heart of the city. It is located just a few minutes’ walk from Kawaramachi Station and close to the main shopping arcades. The hostel offers mixed and female-only dormitories with capsule-style beds equipped with curtains for added privacy, as well as a few private rooms. Guests can also enjoy a shared kitchen, a cozy lounge area, and self-service laundry facilities. A complimentary udon breakfast is always included in the rate.
Price range: dorm bed 3,500–4,000¥, private room 8,000–10,000¥.
The Hyper-Inn Takamatsu Ekimae is literally just a few steps from the main exit of Takamatsu Station. Perfect for those arriving or departing by train, the hotel combines convenience, cleanliness, and competitive rates, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want easy access to transportation, the port, and the Sunport Takamatsu area. The rooms, although compact, are modern and well-equipped with all essential amenities. The property also serves a simple breakfast for 900¥. For its location and value for money, it’s hard to beat in the station area.
Price range: single room 6,500–7,600¥, double room 10,000–11,000¥.
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu is the perfect choice for those seeking a more comfortable and upscale stay. Located right next to JR Takamatsu Station and overlooking the port, this elegant four-star hotel offers spacious rooms, many with panoramic views of the sea or the city. The hotel features several in-house restaurants and a high-quality buffet breakfast. Its location is ideal for visiting the islands of the Seto Inland Sea or for convenient train travel. Perfect for demanding travelers, couples, or anyone looking to relax after a busy day.
Price range: single room 9,000–13,000¥, double room 13,000–18,000¥.
Where to Eat in Takamatsu
Typical Dishes of Takamatsu
Takamatsu is known throughout Japan as the capital of udon, and no visit to the city is complete without trying a bowl of Sanuki udon, the local specialty. The name “Sanuki” comes from the ancient name of Kagawa Prefecture and refers to a thick, chewy type of udon noodle so popular that many Japanese consider it the standard version of udon. The city is full of udon-ya, casual and much-loved udon restaurants where you order at the counter and enjoy a cheap, quick, and filling meal. In Takamatsu’s udon-ya, it’s common to customize your bowl with a variety of toppings. After choosing the style of udon (hot or cold, with or without broth), customers can add fresh green onions, grated ginger, seaweed, and select shrimp, vegetable, or fish tempura from a self-service counter. Each shop has its own specialties and unique combinations.
A self-service tempura counter where you can choose toppings for your udon
Recommended Restaurants
Takamatsu has hundreds of udon-ya, and most of them serve excellent noodles at very affordable prices. For those looking for the most famous spots, one name not to miss is Udon Baka Ichidai, famous for its “kama butter udon,” very popular among locals and tourists alike. The kama butter udon is a modern twist on the traditional Sanuki udon: freshly boiled udon noodles are served hot and topped with a bit of butter, a raw egg (which slightly cooks from the heat), and mentsuyu sauce. The result is a creamy, carbonara-style Japanese udon. Another well-known restaurant is Udon Bō. For those seeking a convenient option, Udon Okajima is located near Takamatsu Castle and makes a great lunch stop during sightseeing, while Kineya, next to JR Takamatsu Station, is perfect for a quick meal upon arrival or before departure. In any case, it’s also worth trying some lesser-known udon-ya — they’re everywhere in the city, and many are excellent despite being off the tourist radar.
Nakano Udon School
The Nakano Udon School in Takamatsu offers an interesting hands-on experience for those who want to go beyond tasting and actually learn to make udon themselves. In a fun and relaxed atmosphere, instructors guide participants step by step through the entire process, from kneading the dough to rolling, cutting, and cooking it. The class naturally ends with tasting your freshly made udon. The lesson lasts about an hour and a half, including eating time, and costs 1860¥. For more information and reservations, visit the official website of the Nakano Udon School.
How to Get to Takamatsu
By Train
The island of Shikoku is not served by the high-speed shinkansen lines. To reach Takamatsu by train from Japan’s major cities, you first need to travel to Okayama, the nearest city with a station on the Sanyo Shinkansen line. From Okayama, you can take the JR Marine Liner, a fast and efficient train that connects Okayama to Takamatsu in about 55 minutes at a cost of 1660¥. The trip is especially scenic: the train crosses the magnificent Seto Ōhashi Bridge, a series of suspension bridges spanning the Seto Inland Sea, offering stunning views of small islands and sparkling waters as you travel from Honshu to Shikoku.
Night Trains
Takamatsu is one of the few cities in Japan still served by a night train—an increasingly rare but charming way to travel. The Sunrise Seto connects Tokyo and Takamatsu in about 9.5 hours, offering a comfortable and nostalgic alternative to flying or taking the shinkansen. The train departs Tokyo Station around 22:00 and arrives at Takamatsu Station around 7:30 the next morning. Onboard, you can choose between private sleeper cabins (starting at about 21,500¥ per person per way) and “nobi nobi” areas—tatami-carpeted open spaces where passengers sleep lying down—starting at about 15,500¥. Japan Rail Pass holders can use the nobi nobi spaces at no extra charge, while private cabins require a supplement of about 10,000¥.
By Bus
Several bus companies connect Takamatsu with major Japanese cities, including Osaka (about 3.5 hours) and Tokyo (about 10 hours). For more information, visit the websites of Willer Express and Japan Bus Online.
By Ferry
A ferry called the Jumbo Ferry connects the port of Kobe (not far from Osaka and Kyoto) with the port of Takamatsu. It’s one of the best options to reach Takamatsu and Shikoku from the Kansai region, although it is rarely used by foreign tourists.
Jumbo Ferry
This ferry connects the port of Kobe with the port of Takamatsu, making an intermediate stop at the port of Shodoshima Island. The total sailing time between Kobe and Takamatsu is about 4.5 hours, with four daily departures, including one at 1:00 a.m., which is very convenient as it allows you to save one night of accommodation. The ticket price, if you board as a foot passenger without bringing a vehicle, is 1990¥ one way and 3790¥ round trip. If you take the overnight ferry, you can also reserve different types of accommodations, including reclining seats (1500¥) and private cabins of various types and prices. Full details are available on the
official Jumbo Ferry website.
By Plane
The city of Takamatsu is served by a small but convenient airport, particularly useful for those arriving from Tokyo. There are daily direct flights from Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The main airlines operating this route are JAL, ANA, and the low-cost carrier Jetstar Japan. Once you land, Takamatsu Airport is about 30 minutes away by bus from the city center. Flying is an excellent option for those who want to save time, especially when traveling from Tokyo.
How to Get Around Takamatsu
The area around JR Takamatsu Station, where the Sunport Takamatsu complex is located, serves as the main gateway to the city and is also one of its liveliest and most interesting districts. This modern seaside neighborhood offers a pleasant atmosphere and is just a short walk from Tamamo Park and the remains of Takamatsu Castle. From this area, a network of covered shopping arcades extends south through the city center, eventually reaching the famous Ritsurin Garden. Exploring Takamatsu is easy thanks to its compact size: most of the city’s main attractions can be reached on foot or by using the convenient Kotoden and JR railway lines, while buses complement the network—though they can be slightly less intuitive for foreign visitors.
How to Get to Ritsurin Koen
Ritsurin Kōen, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, is easily accessible from central Takamatsu by several means of transport. The simplest way is to take the local Kotoden line and get off at Ritsurin-Kōen Station, just a few minutes’ walk from the garden’s north entrance. Alternatively, JR Ritsurin Station on the Yosan Line is also nearby and convenient for those traveling with the Japan Rail Pass. If you are already in the city center or near JR Takamatsu Station, you can also reach the garden in about 10 minutes by bus or a pleasant 20–25 minute walk through the shopping arcades and city streets.
How to Get to Yashima
To reach the scenic Yashima area, one of the most picturesque spots around Takamatsu, there are several options. The most convenient is to take the Kotoden Shido Line to Yashima Station, from where you can continue by local bus or taxi to the mountaintop. Alternatively, you can take the JR line to JR Yashima Station, though connections from there to the summit are less direct. For those who enjoy hiking, there is also an uphill walking trail, but be aware that it involves some elevation gain.
Map of Takamatsu
Guided tours, activities and other things to do
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You may also be interested in
Tamamo Park and the remains of Takamatsu Castle
Magnificent scenery inside Ritsurin Koen (credits)
The Kikugetsu-tei teahouse (credits)
Free view from the 29th floor of the Symbol Tower
The café and bar on the 29th floor of the Symbol Tower
View of Takamatsu from Mount Yashima
The sea in front of Takamatsu city
Hostel JAQ Takamatsu is a modern, stylish accommodation ideal for young travelers, backpackers, and anyone looking for a budget-friendly yet comfortable stay in the heart of the city. It is located just a few minutes’ walk from Kawaramachi Station and close to the main shopping arcades. The hostel offers mixed and female-only dormitories with capsule-style beds equipped with curtains for added privacy, as well as a few private rooms. Guests can also enjoy a shared kitchen, a cozy lounge area, and self-service laundry facilities. A complimentary udon breakfast is always included in the rate.
Price range: dorm bed 3,500–4,000¥, private room 8,000–10,000¥.
The Hyper-Inn Takamatsu Ekimae is literally just a few steps from the main exit of Takamatsu Station. Perfect for those arriving or departing by train, the hotel combines convenience, cleanliness, and competitive rates, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want easy access to transportation, the port, and the Sunport Takamatsu area. The rooms, although compact, are modern and well-equipped with all essential amenities. The property also serves a simple breakfast for 900¥. For its location and value for money, it’s hard to beat in the station area.
Price range: single room 6,500–7,600¥, double room 10,000–11,000¥.
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu is the perfect choice for those seeking a more comfortable and upscale stay. Located right next to JR Takamatsu Station and overlooking the port, this elegant four-star hotel offers spacious rooms, many with panoramic views of the sea or the city. The hotel features several in-house restaurants and a high-quality buffet breakfast. Its location is ideal for visiting the islands of the Seto Inland Sea or for convenient train travel. Perfect for demanding travelers, couples, or anyone looking to relax after a busy day.
Price range: single room 9,000–13,000¥, double room 13,000–18,000¥.
A self-service tempura counter where you can choose toppings for your udon
