Takamatsu Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Takamatsu, located in the Kagawa region of Japan, is a vibrant city that offers a rich blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Known as the gateway to the Seto Inland Sea, Takamatsu is a city that seamlessly combines urban development with serene island landscapes.

One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the beautiful Ritsurin Garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design. With its meticulously manicured gardens, tranquil ponds, and traditional tea houses, this garden is a haven of serenity and a perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

For those interested in history, Takamatsu Castle is a must-visit. Originally built in the 16th century, this castle offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding sea. Take a stroll through its elegant corridors and learn about the feudal history of the region.

Art enthusiasts will be delighted to discover the Kagawa Prefectural Cultural Hall, which houses a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional artworks. From paintings to sculptures, this cultural hub showcases the talent and creativity of local and international artists.

No visit to Takamatsu is complete without exploring the nearby islands of the Seto Inland Sea. One of the most popular destinations is Naoshima Island, renowned for its impressive contemporary art museums and installations. Experience the unique blend of art and nature as you wander through the island's open-air museums and admire the breathtaking views of the sea.

Food lovers will also find themselves in paradise in Takamatsu. The city is famous for its udon noodles, a type of thick wheat noodle that is a local specialty. Indulge in a piping hot bowl of udon and savor the rich flavors of the region.

Local name: 高松市 Population: 418.8 thous. (2019)Area: 144.95 mi²Elevation: 43 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°20'36"N, 134°3'4"E

Location

KagawaJapan

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Takamatsu Top Attractions

Takamatsu Attractions - What to See and Explore

Takamatsu offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ritsurin Garden, Shikoku Mura, Takamatsu Castle, Yashima-ji. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historic garden with ponds and a teahouse
Ritsurin Garden
Nestled in the bustling city of Takamatsu, Japan, Ritsurin Garden stands as a serene oasis of traditional Japanese landscape art. This sprawling daimyo garden, known for its exquisite scenic beauty, spans over 75 hectares and provides a tranquil retreat from the urban...
Open-air park for architectural displays
Shikoku Mura
Shikoku Mura is an open-air architectural park in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. It houses over twenty buildings from around Shikoku dating from the Edo period through to the Taishō period, four of which have been designated Important Cultural Properties.
Forts and castles
Takamatsu Castle
Takamatsu Castle is located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is also called Tamamo Castle, literally "seaweed castle," for its seawater moats. The castle was headquarters of the Takamatsu Domain in Sanuki Province from 1588 to 1869. It is now a park and historic site.

Sacred and religious sites • Temple
Yashima-ji
Yashima-ji is a Shingon temple in Yashima, a lava plateau to the northeast of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. A branch temple of Ninna-ji in Kyoto, it is the eighty-fourth temple on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage.
Buddhist temple with a grand pagoda
Sanuki Kokubun-ji
Sanuki Kokubun-ji is an Omuro Shingon temple in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. The provincial temple of former Sanuki Province and Temple 80 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, it is said to have been founded by Gyōki in 741.
Neighbourhood
Yashima
Yashima is a district of Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan. At the summit, an observation deck can be found overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and the city of Takamatsu. The mountain is also noted for Yashima-ji, the 84th temple of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage.
Island
Megijima
Megijima is an island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, north of the city of Takamatsu, and is part of Kagawa Prefecture. It has an area of 2.66 km², a coastline of 8.9 km, and a population of about 200. Megijima is a popular destination in summer on account of its public beach and close proximity to Takamatsu City.
Theater • Civic center • Concerts and shows
Sunport Takamatsu
Sunport Takamatsu is a redevelopment district located on the site of the former Takamatsu Freight Depot in Hamanochō, Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. The development includes a shopping mall, hotel, apartments, convenience stores and several restaurants.
Harbor
Port of Takamatsu
The Port of Takamatsu is a seaport in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. The port serves the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with car ferries and passenger only high-speed ferries. Major routes include those to Shodoshima and Naoshima.
34°20'45"N • 134°3'4"E
Wan gui tingrettsuhoru
Concerts and shows • Theater
34°20'15"N • 134°3'22"E
Shinwa-kai
The Shinwa-kai is a yakuza group based in Takamatsu, Kagawa on Shikoku, Japan. It has an estimated 30 active members.
Library
Ogijima Library
Ogijima Library is a library located in Ogi-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. It is operated by Ogijima Library, a non-profit organization, and opened on February 14, 2016.
Universities and schools
Kagawa University
Kagawa University is a national university in Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan. The university was established in 1949 as a national university after the consolidation and reorganization of the Kagawa Normal School, the Kagawa Normal School for Youth and the Takamatsu College of Economics.
Neighbourhood
Busshozan
Busshozan is an outlying suburb of Takamatsu, Kagawa in Japan. The main feature of Busshozan suburb is the old main street leading to Chikiri Shrine. The houses lining the street are of the traditional wooden variety, and some are officially listed as monuments.
Bridge
Chang pan qiao
Joban Bridge is a short bridge in 1-chome, Kuririn-cho, Takamatsu City, in the eastern part of Kagawa Prefecture. It spans the moat of Ritsurin Park, a special national scenic beauty spot, and serves as the east gate, the main entrance to the park.

Day trips

Takamatsu – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Takamatsu, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Higashiyama Kaii Seouchi Art Museum (Sakaide), Kōraku-en (Okayama), Okayama Castle (Okayama).

13 milesW
Art museum, Museum
Higashiyama Kaii Seouchi Art Museum, Sakaide
Nestled in the picturesque city of Sakaide, Japan, the Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum stands as a serene tribute to the celebrated Japanese painter, Higashiyama Kaii. Renowned for his landscape paintings that beautifully capture the essence of...
23 milesN
Edo period gardens dating from 1700
Kōraku-en, Okayama
Nestled in the heart of Okayama, Japan, Kōraku-en stands as a testament to the country's storied past and its appreciation for natural beauty. This traditional Japanese garden, established in 1700 by the ruling Ikeda family, is recognized as one of the Three Great...
23 milesN
Historic castle site framed by gardens
Okayama Castle, Okayama
Nestled in the heart of Okayama city, Okayama Castle stands as a proud testament to Japan's rich feudal history. Known as "Crow Castle" due to its striking black exterior, this magnificent structure was originally constructed in the 16th century, during the...
18 milesSW
Shinto shrine on the side of Mount Zōzu
Kotohira-gū, Kotohira
Nestled in the quaint town of Kotohira in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, Kotohira-gū, also known as Kompira-san, is a revered Shinto shrine that beckons pilgrims and tourists alike with its blend of spiritual heritage and natural beauty.
41 milesN
Sport venue, Sport
Okayama International Circuit, Mimasaka
Okayama International Circuit, formerly known as TI Circuit Aida before 2005, is a 3.703 km private motorsport race track in Mimasaka, Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

Show all

Best Time To Visit Takamatsu

Learn when is the best time to travel to Takamatsu weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

April, May and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in July and November.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in December. Most of it rains in June and September.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Takamatsu?

The top attractions to visit in Takamatsu are:

What is the best time to visit Takamatsu?

April, May and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in July and November. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.