Takamatsu (高松市)

Mike

Jul 8, 2023 • 3 min read

Ao Oni-kun ("Blue Demon") is a symbol representing the kind sprit of Kagawa

As the capital city of Kagawa, Takamatsu is a gourmet paradise and a strategic springboard to the magnificent Seto Inland Sea region. Stroll through the serene Ritsurin Koen Park, heralded as one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, or savor the simple yet delicious udon noodles, a celebrated local delicacy. Takamatsu's mild climate makes it an inviting destination no matter the season, offering a pleasant backdrop to your explorations.

Quick Facts

Official website: https://takamatsu.or.jp/
Location: Kagawa Prefecture, on the North side of Shikoku
How to get to Takamatsu:
- Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama, Seto-Ohashi Line from Okayama to Takamatsu (about 4.5 hours)
- By plane from either Haneda or Narita (about 1 hour 15 minutes)

History

Takamatsu was part of ancient Sanuki Province and served as the closest port to Honshu from Shikoku. During the Meiji Restoration city was formally establishment under the modern municipalities system on February 15, 1890. After its establishment, Takamatsu expanded by including nearby villages and towns under its control.

Location and Transportation

Takamatsu airport has domestic flights to and from Tokyo Narita, Hanada, and Okinawa. It also has international flights to Seol and Taipei.
The JR Shikoku Yosan Line connects Takamatsu to Matsuyama to the West, and the Seto-Ohashi line connects to Okayama, Shinkansen, and the rest of Japan.
Meoshima Shipping Co. provides ferry service to Ogijima and Megijima islands in the Seto inland sea
Jumbo Ferry Co provides ferry service to Shodoshima island and Kobe.
L Shikoku Ferry Co provides ferry service to Shodoshima island and Okayama (from Shadoshima island).
Local train and bus service is provided by Kotoden.

Things to do in Takamatsu

Ritsurin Garden

Ritsurin Garden is known for its lush greenery, koi ponds, and teahouses.

Entrance to Ritsuin Garden — Entrance to Ritsurin Garden

Koi in Ritsuin Garden — Koi in Ritsurin Garden

Takamatsu Castle

The ruins of this castle offer stunning views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea. There is also a museum on the grounds that tells the history of the castle. It is surrounded by moats on three sides and used to be open to the sea on it's fourth side. The castle no longer faces the sea due to land reclaimation and urbanization.

Megijima Island

Located in the Seto Inland Sea, a short ferry ride from Takamatsu, Megajima Island offers a mix of natural landscapes and cultural history.

Sanuki Udon

The city of Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, is famous for its traditional Sanuki udon, a type of thick, chewy noodle that boasts an array of delectable preparations. The noodles get their name from the Kagawa's old name, Sanuki. These noodles are a cornerstone of the local culinary scene, served up in over 700 Sanuki Udon eateries strewn across the prefecture. Over 700 Sanuki Udon restaurants are sprinkled across the prefecture.