Takamatsu is the largest city in Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, known as the 'Gateway to Shikoku' and the 'Udon Kingdom'. The city boasts one of Japan's most impressive landscape gardens and serves as the main hub for exploring Shikoku. It is renowned throughout Japan for its thick, chewy Sanuki udon noodles, drawing food lovers from across the country.

Best time to visit Takamatsu

marchaprilmayoctobernovember

Spring offers cherry blossoms at Tamamo Park and pleasant temperatures, while autumn provides mild weather and beautiful foliage. Summer months of July and August can be quite warm, and January and February are the coldest months.

What to see in Takamatsu

01garden

Ritsurin Park

A magnificent Japanese landscape garden built for feudal lords, designated a Japanese National Treasure. Features the iconic Engetsu-kyo Bridge, waterfalls, lotus ponds, and hundreds of sculpted pine trees. Contains three tea houses, a restaurant, and a folk craft museum.

Paid entryAbout 120 minculturehistorynature & outdoors

Address1-chome-20-16 Ritsurincho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0073, Japan

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Saturday6:30 am–6 pm
Sunday6:30 am–6 pm
Monday6:30 am–6 pm
Tuesday6:30 am–6 pm
Wednesday6:30 am–6 pm
Thursday6:30 am–6 pm
Friday6:30 am–6 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

02park

Tamamo Park

A picturesque park built on the former site of Takamatsu Castle, which played an important role in the city's history. The main tower is being rebuilt and the park is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in early April.

Paid entryAbout 60 minculturehistorynature & outdoors

Address2-1 Tamamocho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0030, Japan

4/5 on Google

Official website Open in Google Maps

03museum

Shikokumura

An open-air museum featuring old traditional houses collected from across Shikoku. Includes a small art museum with works by Pablo Picasso and other Western artists, housed in a building designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando.

Paid entryAbout 90 minculturehistory

Address91 Yashima Nakamachi, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0112, Japan

4.2/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Saturday9:30 am–5 pm
Sunday9:30 am–5 pm
Monday9:30 am–5 pm
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday9:30 am–5 pm
Thursday9:30 am–5 pm
Friday9:30 am–5 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

04temple

Yashima Temple

A historic Buddhist temple located on the Yashima plateau, famous as the site of the Battle of Yashima in 1185 during the Genpei War. One of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage route.

FreeAbout 45 minculturehistoryreligion

Address1808 Yashima Higashimachi, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0111, Japan

4.1/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Saturday8 am–5 pm
Sunday8 am–5 pm
Monday8 am–5 pm
Tuesday8 am–5 pm
Wednesday8 am–5 pm
Thursday8 am–5 pm
Friday8 am–5 pm

Official website Open in Google Maps

05museum

Kagawa Museum

A museum dedicated to the history, traditions, and people of Kagawa Prefecture, formerly known as Sanuki Province. A free English audio guide is available for the permanent history exhibit.

Paid entryAbout 60 minculturehistory

Address5-5 Tamamocho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0030, Japan

4.1/5 on Google

Official website Open in Google Maps

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Takamatsu Art Museum

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Takamatsu Symbol Tower

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Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum

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Yashima Shrine

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New Yashima Aquarium

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Where to eat in Takamatsu

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01Japanese udon

Tsurumaru

One of the most noteworthy udon shops in Takamatsu, specializing in curry udon. Open for both lunch and late-night dining, with an English menu available.

Price $Must try — Curry udon

Address9-34 Furubabacho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0045, Japan

4.2/5 on Google

Opening hours+

Saturday8 pm–2 am
SundayClosed
Monday8 pm–2 am
Tuesday8 pm–2 am
Wednesday8 pm–2 am
Thursday8 pm–2 am
Friday8 pm–2 am

Official website Open in Google Maps

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02Japanese udon

Kawafuku

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Sakaeda

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04Japanese udon

Waraya

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Udon Bakaichidai

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Ikkaku Takamatsu

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Things to do in Takamatsu

Sanuki Takamatsu Festival

showFreeAbout 180 min

A major mid-August festival held in front of Takamatsu Station and near the sea, featuring a fireworks festival on the second day and a dance festival on the final day. Visitors can enjoy the central park, shopping arcades, and the Sunport district.

Ritsurin Park Tea Ceremony

workshopPaid entryAbout 30 min

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at one of the three tea houses within Ritsurin Park, offering an authentic cultural experience for a small additional fee.

Jumbo Ferry Kobe-Takamatsu

ferryPaid entryAbout 240 min

A scenic ferry ride between Kobe and Takamatsu sailing under the Akashi Straits Bridge across the Seto Inland Sea. Udon is available on board, making it a uniquely local experience.

Where to go near Takamatsu

Naoshima

Ferry 1h

A small island in the Seto Inland Sea renowned for its world-class contemporary art museums and installations, making it a must-visit for art lovers.

Kotohira

Train 1h

Home to the famous Kompira Shrine, one of Japan's most celebrated Shinto shrines, perched high on Mount Zozu.

Tokushima →

Train 1h

Capital of Tokushima Prefecture, most famous for the spectacular Awa Odori Festival, one of Japan's largest dance festivals.

Okayama →

Train 55min

Home to Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's official top three gardens, and the starting point of the scenic Kibiji District cycling trail.

Kurashiki →

Famous for the Bikan Historic District, one of Japan's largest and best-preserved historic neighborhoods with traditional white-walled storehouses along canals.

Shodoshima

The second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, known for its soy sauce factories, olive groves, and scenic landscapes. Enough sights to fill a day or two.

Iya Valley

Car 2h

A remote and dramatic valley about two hours south, famous for its daring vine bridges, thatched-roof houses, mountain scenery, hot springs, and excellent hiking.

Kochi

Home to the beautiful Kochi Castle, one of Japan's few remaining original castles, and a vibrant city known for its food culture and the Yosakoi Festival.

Mount Ishizuchi

Car 2h

The tallest peak in Shikoku, offering challenging hiking trails and spectacular mountain scenery for outdoor enthusiasts.

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