Introduction
Takamatsu, the capital of Kagawa Prefecture, is the gateway to Shikoku.
It is a compact city by the sea, surrounded by mountains and famous for Sanuki udon noodles.
Takamatsu also has a beautiful Japanese garden, a historic water castle, stylish cafes, and is the main port for visiting the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
This guide will show you how to enjoy Takamatsu with history, food, and culture.
How to Get There
By Air
- Takamatsu Airport has direct flights from Tokyo (Haneda and Narita), Okinawa, Seoul, and Shanghai.
- An airport bus takes about 40 minutes to the city center.
By Train
- From Okayama Station, take the JR Marine Liner across the Seto Ohashi Bridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach Takamatsu Station.
- The view of the Seto Inland Sea from the train is beautiful.
By Ferry
- Ferries connect Takamatsu with Kobe, Osaka, Shodoshima Island, and Naoshima.
- Perfect if you want to enjoy a slow boat trip.
Must-See Places
🌳 Ritsurin Garden
- A large daimyo garden from the Edo period, listed as a “Special Place of Scenic Beauty.”
- Six ponds, thirteen hills, and seasonal flowers make it beautiful all year round.
- You can also enjoy matcha tea and sweets in a tea house inside the garden.
🏯 Takamatsu Castle (Tamamo Park)
- One of Japan’s three great water castles.
- The moat was once filled with seawater, and even today red sea bream swim inside.
- Visitors can try feeding the fish for good luck.
☕ Kitahama Alley
- Old warehouses turned into stylish cafes, shops, and galleries.
- From the seaside cafes, you can watch ferries come and go.
- A trendy area popular with couples and young travelers.
⛰️ Yashima
- A historic battlefield from the Genpei War.
- From the Yashima Observatory, you can see the city of Takamatsu and the Seto Inland Sea.
- Famous for its sunset views.
🏝️ Gateway to the Islands
- Ferries from Takamatsu Port go to Naoshima, Shodoshima, Megijima (Ogre Island), and Ogijima (Cat Island).
- Choose your favorite: art on Naoshima, nature on Shodoshima, or legends and cats on Megijima and Ogijima.
Local Food
🍜 Sanuki Udon
- Takamatsu is called the “Udon Prefecture.”
- Many shops open early in the morning, and udon is often eaten for breakfast.
- Popular dishes are kake udon (hot broth) and bukkake udon (cold with sauce).
🐟 Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea
- Fresh sea bream, yellowtail, and especially the local brand “Olive Yellowtail.”
- Best enjoyed at izakaya or fish markets.
🥢 Other Local Tastes
- Bone-in Chicken: grilled with spices, very juicy and goes well with beer.
- Shoyu Mame: roasted beans marinated in sweet soy sauce, a local snack.
Model Courses
1-Day Trip
- Morning: Walk in Ritsurin Garden → Tea break
- Lunch: Sanuki udon
- Afternoon: Visit Takamatsu Castle → Coffee at Kitahama Alley
- Evening: Sunset at Yashima
2-Day Trip
- Day 1: Ritsurin Garden → Udon shop tour → Kitahama Alley → Takamatsu Castle
- Evening: Local izakaya dinner with bone-in chicken and sake
- Day 2: Drive up Yashima → Ferry to Naoshima or Shodoshima
Conclusion
Takamatsu is not only the home of udon noodles.
It is a city where you can explore traditional gardens, a historic castle, stylish cafes, and island adventures—all in one trip.
Compact but full of charm, Takamatsu is a perfect starting point for your Shikoku journey.