Takamatsu is a bustling port town in northern Shikoku and the capital of Kagawa Prefecture. Often known as the ‘Gateway of Shikoku’, Takamatsu’s location offers easy access to many beautiful islands within the Seto Inland sea. This scenic town is sprawling with majestic parks, museums and iconic tourist attractions that are unique to the region. Go on a culinary adventure with over 800 udon joints all over the city. Dubbed as the ‘Udon Kingdom’, enjoy slurping on bowls of piping hot chewy noodles that will make your trip to Takamatsu so memorable. On days when you wish to venture out of Takamatsu, head over to neighboring islands of Naoshima or Ogijima Island to wander through quaint villages and mingle with locals. Be sure to check out this list of the best things to do in Takamatsu.
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1. Enjoy stunning views at Mt. Yashima and the cape.
If you’re someone who loves adventures and thrills, we have the perfect things for you to do. Join this mountain hiking and cycling trip to the top of Mt. Yashima and the cape hosted by Yutaka. It’s a four-hour trip filled with fun and scenic views. You can even bring three friends with you; the tour is for a reasonable price. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring your food and drinks. The mountain’s location in Takamatsu City will allow you scenic views. Don’t forget to take pictures as keepsakes.
2. Browse through amazing exhibits at Shikoku Village
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the most beautiful places in the city lies in Shikoku Village. Located at the base of Yashima, Shikoku Village is an open-air museum that showcases hillside park preserves and traditional buildings that will truly captivate you with their outstanding beauty. Some of the exhibits include farmhouses, storehouses, scenic bridges, a lighthouse, and a theater venue. If you want to experience Takamatsu in all its glory, you can always start by visiting Shikoku Village.
Shikoku Village
Address: Japan, 〒761-0112 Kagawa, Takamatsu, Yashima Nakamachi, 91
Website: Shikoku Village
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
3. Uncover the mysteries of Onigashima Cave
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Featured in the country’s famous fairytale, Momotaro, Onigashima Cave is another must-see landmark in Takamatsu. Nestled in the quaint island of Megijima, Onigashima Cave is one of the most loved destinations in the city. To reach this place, you have to take a short ferry ride. Upon arriving on the island, lush forestry and breathtaking nature scenes will welcome you. Inside the cave is a large display of cartoon ogre statues portraying scenes from the Momotaro story. There’s also an observation deck beside the cave, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the island.
Onigashima Cave
Address: 235 Megicho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0092, Japan
Website: Onigashima Cave
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
4. Marvel at the beauty of Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum
Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum is another lovely place to experience when in the city of Takamatsu. Known as the workshop of the late famous Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi, this destination contains unique artworks. It also features some of the most significant works of Noguchi, including the garden at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, bridges at Hiroshima Peace Park, and contemporary furnishing designs. If you plan on joining a tour, you can start with its yard where you can find hundreds of sculptures. To see more of his works, you can head to the warehouse.
Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum
Address: 3519 Murecho Mure, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0121, Japan
Website: Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum
Opening hours: Tue: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun)
5. Ride a cable car to Temple Number 85 - Yakuriji
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Yakuri-ji Temple was established by Kobo Daishi Kukai during the sixth year of the Tencho period. If you’re into adventure, you can never go wrong with Temple 85: Yakuri-Ji. Most tourists visit the temple to experience the iconic cable car ride. Since the temple is under the high cliffs of Goken-san, visitors can expect to be surrounded by breathtaking views here.
Temple Number 85 - Yakuriji
Address: 3416 Murecho Mure, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0121, Japan
Website: Temple Number 85 - Yakuriji
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
6. Explore the beautiful Ritsurin Garden
Set against the enchanting Mount Shuin is one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, Ritsurin Garden. This historic garden was opened to the public in 1875, and it features an impressive six ponds. Watch the most brilliant cherry blossoms bloom in spring and in fall, or observe the maple leaves adorn the garden grounds. On your outing to Ritsurin Garden, arrive early to watch the mists hang eerily over the ponds. As the day breaks, take a stroll with an audio guide in hand. Be sure to experience a guided traditional wasen boat ride, famously taken by feudal lords. Don’t forego drinking green tea in the Kikugetsutei teahouse overlooking the main pond.
Ritsurin Garden
Address: 20-16 Ritsurincho 1-chome, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0073, Japan
Website: Ritsurin Garden
Opening hours: Dec - Jan: 7am - 5pm; Feb: 7am - 5:30pm; Mar: 6:30am - 6pm; Apr - May & Sep: 5:30am - 6:30pm; Jun - Aug: 5:30am - 7pm; Oct: 6am - 5:30pm; Nov: 6:30am - 5pm
Price: 3.81 USD per adult, 1.58 USD per child
7. Be mesmerised at Shikoku Mura
Perched on the hillside at the base of Yashima is an open-air museum, Shikoku Mura. This museum consists of relocated buildings from all over Shikoku Island, including traditional houses and an art gallery. As you explore the area, you’ll notice that the buildings date back to the Edo and Meiji era. A visitor favorite is Kabuki Theatre, which showcases performances regularly, and the magnificent vine suspension bridge. A trip to Shikoku Mura is will certainly transport you back in time.
Shikoku Mura
Address: Japan, 〒761-0112 Kagawa, Takamatsu, Yashima Nakamachi, ９１
Website: Shikoku Mura
Opening hours: 8.30am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 9.30 USD
8. Admire world class art at Kagawa Museum
To understand Takamatsu a little better, one should visit the Kagawa Museum. With the Seto Inland Sea in the north and Mount Yashima in the east, this beautiful scenic museum houses a collection of exhibits that are unique to the art and history of Kagawa Prefecture. On the outskirts of the Kagawa Museum lies the Kagawa Prefectural Cultural Hall, which hosts various cultural events, and the Seto Inland Sea Folk History Museum, which provides insight into the folk culture in the region.
Kagawa Museum
Address: 5-5 Tamamocho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0030, Japan
Website: Kagawa Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 3.81 USD
9. Feel at peace at Nanme 84 Zan Yashimaji
Part of the pilgrimage of the 88 temples of Shikoku, is this stop at Nanme 84 Zan Yashimaji or the 84th temple. This temple commands scenic mountain views overlooking Takamatsu. Two tanuki stone statues grace the temple and they are slated to bring good fortune to families that visit. This holy site is worth a visit to Takamatsu.
Nanme 84 Zan Yashimaji
Address: 1808 Yashima Higashimachi, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0111
Website: Nanme 84 Zan Yashimaji
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Visit the dolphins at New Yashima Aquarium
Spend a day with marine life at the New Yashima Aquarium. Perched at the top of Yashima Island, this quaint aquarium features 130 different species of marine life, including West Indian manatees and bottlenose dolphins. New Yashima Aquarium’s dolphin show is something worth the watch. Be sure to interact with the dolphins as you paddle on transparent boats. Get close to the marine life during your visit.
New Yashima Aquarium
Address: 1785-1 屋島東町 Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0111, Japan
Website: New Yashima Aquarium
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 11.16 USD for adults, 6.51 USD for children
11. Explore Japan's first local public art museum
Located in downtown Takamatsu, Takamatsu Art Museum was the first local public art museum in Japan. Having opened its doors in 1949, the museum houses the widest collection of contemporary art in Japan. With over 1600 artworks on display, you’ll easily spend the whole day wandering around the museum. Embrace the old with the new with a trip to Takamatsu Art Museum.
Takamatsu Art Museum
Address: 10-4 Konyamachi,Takamatsu,Kagawa,Japan 760-0027
Website: Takamatsu Art Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9.30am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free admission
12. Go shopping along Minami-Shinmachi Shopping Street
A trip to Takamatsu would be incomplete without dropping by Minami-Shinmachi Shopping Street. This shopping paradise offers a plethora of shopping options for every kind of shopper. Pamper yourself with luxury brands or wander through the streets in search of unique local crafts. Be sure to purchase some souvenirs for your loved ones back home while you’re at it!
Minami-Shinmachi Shopping Street
Address: 10 Minamishinmachi, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0051
Website: Minami-Shinmachi Shopping Street
Opening hours: 9.30am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free admission
13. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Busshozan Park
If you’re looking for a park where both adults and children can have a good time, Busshozan Park is your answer. This may be one of the coolest parks in Takamatsu, with expansive green spaces for a nice family picnic, an impressive playground with a sandpit, and a beautiful pond that’s perfect for some fishing. It’s the perfect venue to simply relax and rejuvenate under the sun with your loved ones. cap your trip with a stop at the Buzzhozan Onsen hot spring bath for a well-deserved and very relaxing soak.
Busshozan Park
Address: Ko-2654-1 Busshozancho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-8078, Japan
Website: Busshozan Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free admission
14. Roam the grounds of Takamatsu Castle
Japan is no stranger to castles. Yet, this specific Japanese castle is rare, simply because it is built along a waterfront and features saltwater moats that are drawn directly from the sea. Erected in 1590, Takamatsu Castle is dubbed as one of Japan’s best castles. The well-preserved bones of the castle transport you back to Edo Period when the Matsudaira Clan remained the main occupants. Explore the castle grounds and have your breath taken away by the beautiful Japanese-style garden that is situated at its epicenter.
Takamatsu Castle
Address: 2-1 玉藻町 Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0030, Japan
Website: Takamatsu Castle
Opening hours: 8.30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 1.86 USD
15. Get a great view from Takamatsu Symbol Tower
Takamatsu Symbol Tower stands tall at 30 stories and at a height of 151.3 meters (496.4 ft). This skyscraper houses both commercial office spaces and the Kagawa International Convention Centre. Located on the 30th floor of the tower is an observation deck that commands spectacular panoramic views of Takamatsu and the Seto Inland Sea. This is the best vantage point to see Takamatsu in its entirety, and a must-visit during your trip here.
Takamatsu Symbol Tower
Address: 2-1 Sunport, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0019, Japan
Website: Takamatsu Symbol Tower
Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)
Explore Takamatsu
A trip to the ever so vibrant and bustling port town of Takamatsu will leave you returning sooner than you think. Apart from the fantastic udon joints all over the city, Takamatsu is also home to some of Japan’s most beautiful gardens and castles. If you’re an art lover, the thriving art community in Takamatsu is worth exploring. This is the perfect destination for those looking for a relaxing trip up north.
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