basic information

Takamatsu is the capital of Kagawa, Japan's smallest prefecture. The city's harbor used to be the main entry point to Shikoku Island until the Seto Ohashi Bridge opened in 1988, providing a land connection to Honshu Island.

The Matsudaira Clan, relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun, controlled Takamatsu's former castle town and surrounding area, then known as the Sanuki Province, during most of the Edo Period.

Today, Takamatsu's attractions include Ritsurin Koen, arguably one of Japan's most beautiful gardens; Shikoku Mura, an open air museum; and Yashima, a mountain battle site during the Gempei War. Nearby Kotohira can also be visited in an easy side trip from Takamatsu.

Attractions

Central Takamatsu

Ritsurin Koen (1) Outstanding Japanese style landscape garden. Shikoku Mura (5) Open air museum about Shikoku architecture. Yashima (6) Flat topped mountain with various sights. Sunport Takamatsu (7) Redeveloped district around Takamatsu Station. Takamatsu Castle (2) Ruins of one of Japan's few seaside castles. Shopping Arcades (3) Claimed to be Japan's longest shopping arcades.

Local Specialties

Sanuki Udon (4) Most famous dish of Takamatsu.

Side Trips from Takamatsu

Kotohira Site of Shikoku's most popular shrine. Naoshima Small island with a lot of modern art.

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Orientation

Orientation How to get to and around Takamatsu. About transportation in Japan

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travel community

Users who have been to Takamatsu: 108
Most visited: Ranked 40th out of 106 destinations

Rating by users:		recommended (76/100, 57 votes)
Rating by staff:		recommended
Overall Rating:		outstanding

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