Takamatsu高松

A castle town with Kokubundai and Yashima overlooking the islands out at sea. Daimyo gardens and Ritsurin-koen attract many visitors.

Takamatsu, facing the Seto Inland Sea, is situated in northern Kagawa. It is the main gateway to Shikoku Island and a hub for traffic, with railways from Takamatsu Station stretching out all over Shikoku. Takamatsu also has a ferry port for transportation to the islands in the Seto Inland Sea. It is the center of the administration, economy and culture of Shikoku.

Local government offices, public agencies and shops line Chuo-dori, the modern central street that stretches to the south from Takamatsu Harbor. It is a modern city that once thrived as a castle town of the Matsudaira Family during the Edo Period in the 17th century. There are many historic sites to be found in Takamatsu, such as Tamamo-koen Park, built at the site where Takamatsu Castle once stood, Ritsurin-koen Park, where 6 ponds and 13 artificial hills guide you into the world of the Japanese paintings, and Honen-ji Temple, which was once the family temple of the lord of Takamatsu. At the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, the exhibition storehouse and residence of Isamu Noguchi, a noted 20th century sculptor, are open to public along with the sculpture garden designed by the artist himself. The museum surrounds you with an atmosphere that remains unchanged since his death in 1988.

Another attraction is Yashima, a 293-meter high lava plateau that juts out into the Seto Inland Sea. It is situated at the Bisan-Seto area, famous for its beautiful scenic view of the islands, and commands the best view of the Seto Inland Sea. There is a 3-kilometer-long circular promenade nearby. The view from the top is magnificent and attracts many visitors who come to enjoy the sunset or the night view of Takamatsu. Yashima-ji Temple is located at the top. It is said to have been built by the great Chinese priest Ganjin in 754, and its display of pictures from the 12th century is open to public.

A 15-minute ride by car from Takamatsu Airport will take you to the Shionoe-onsen-kyo Hot Spring Village, which has a history dating back some 1,300 years and features traditional inns with a tranquil atmosphere.