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Takamatsu, the gateway city to the Seto Inland Sea of Shikoku.

Takamatsu, located in the northern part of Kagawa Prefecture, is a port city facing the famous Seto Inland Sea and backed by the sprawling Sanuki Mountains. Due to its advantageous geographical location, it has long served as an important base for exploring Shikoku and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. In addition to being a busy transportation hub, Takamatsu's natural scenery and the atmosphere of its historic castle town continue to attract visitors from all over. Famous tourist destinations within the city include the Shionoe Hot Spring Village and the renowned Kotohira Shrine.

Exploring Takamatsu

Everyone might not be familiar with Takamatsu, but when mentioning Sanuki Udon, it's instantly recognizable. Takamatsu is the birthplace of Sanuki Udon, the capital of Kagawa Prefecture, formerly known as the province of Sanuki.

Yashima Mountain can be reached by train and bus, located not far from Takamatsu downtown. Before the Edo period, this area was an independent island, but due to the development of salt fields and rice paddies, it gradually connected with the mainland. Today, it has become a famous viewpoint in Takamatsu, offering not only a view of the city's skyline but also a distant panorama of the beautiful islands in the Seto Inland Sea. At the base of Yashima Mountain lies "Shikoku Mura," an open-air museum featuring 33 traditional buildings relocated from the four prefectures of Kagawa, Ehime, Kochi, and Tokushima. These structures showcase the lifestyles of the Shikoku region from the Edo period to the Taisho period. In the Shikoku Mura park, visitors can enjoy authentic Sanuki Udon at a restaurant housed in a renovated traditional house, visit a cafe relocated from Kobe’s Ijinkan, and experience afternoon tea in a colonial-style setting. Additionally, you can explore the Shikoku Mura Gallery, designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, and immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere.

Located about a 50-minute drive from downtown, Kotohira Shrine (Kotohiragu) is the head shrine of all Kotohira Shrines across Japan. That leaves the deepest impression on visitors is the main approach, which features a staggering 785 stone steps. While it requires some physical effort, there's no need to feel intimidated, as the path is lined with numerous cafes, souvenir shops, and restaurants. One must-try dessert is the local specialty soft-serve ice cream, available in chocolate or vanilla flavor, topped with colorful rice cracker balls. Not only is it adorable, but it also adds a delightful crunchy texture. As you stroll along, snacking and shopping for souvenirs, time flies by, and before you know it, the main shrine appears right before your eyes.

The Setouchi Triennale, held once every three years, is one of the largest art events in Japan. It combines contemporary art, local culture, and natural landscapes, attracting millions of visitors from around the world during the event, and showcasing the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea islands. Whether during the festival or not, visitors can take a ferry from Takamatsu Port to explore the artworks scattered across Megijima, Shodoshima, and Naoshima. Megijima, known as the island of demons from the story of Momotaro, is home to legendary demons. The lighthouse at the port is a statue of a demon holding a golden club, and the island offers various demon-related attractions. Shodoshima features the "Angel Road," a sandbar that only appears during low tide, offering just two chances each day to walk across it. It's said that couples who walk hand in hand along the path will enjoy lasting love, earning it the nickname "Lovers' Sanctuary." Naoshima has been rated one of the most worthwhile cultural destinations to visit in the world. The island boasts several buildings designed by Tadao Ando, including the Benesse House Museum, which combines an art museum with accommodation and displays works by renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama. The Chichu Art Museum, which houses Monet’s iconic "Water Lilies," and the ANDO MUSEUM, built with exposed concrete, make the island a paradise for architecture and art lovers.

The best travel season

Located in Shikoku, Takamatsu enjoys a warm and humid climate with little rainfall, and many sunny days throughout the year, making it a great destination for sightseeing in all seasons. In spring, a popular cherry blossom viewing spot is "Higashi San Fuji", also known as Mount Shirayama, one of the "Seven Fuji of Sanuki," along with Shirayama Shrine, located at the foot of the mountain. During summer, visitors can explore the lush forests of Yashima Mountain and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze from the Seto Inland Sea. In autumn, the most popular attraction is the stunning display of autumn foliage at Kotohira Shrine (Konpira Shrine). Although Takamatsu experiences occasional snowfall in winter, the rare sight of Ritsurin Garden covered in snow offers a breathtaking view of Japanese garden beauty.

City transportation

Takamatsu City's rail transportation is served by two systems: JR and Kotoden (Kotohira Electric Railway). Among these, Kotoden is the most frequently used by travelers, with routes covering popular attractions such as Kotohira Shrine, Ritsurin Garden, Shikoku Mura, and Yashima Temple. Additionally, there is a city loop bus that connects to the port, as well as dedicated buses that travel to the suburbs, offering convenient options for visitors.

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