Skip to main content
Top Takamatsu activities
Beyond Takamatsu
Takamatsu trip ideas
Takamatsu waterfront and port during the day, Japan.

Things to do in  Takamatsu

Oodles of noodles

Takamatsu—the capital of Japan’s smallest prefecture, Kagawa, and located on the country’s smallest main island, Shikoku—is proof that good things do come in small packages. A port city facing the Seto Inland Sea, Takamatsu is an excellent jumping-off point for island-hopping adventures, but it also has plenty to keep you occupied on dry land. From exploring an enchanting Edo-era garden to slurping the region’s famed udon noodles, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Takamatsu.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

Top 1 attractions in Takamatsu

Explore Takamatsu by interest

Top activities in Takamatsu

See all Takamatsu tours

All about Takamatsu

Local Currency
Japanese Yen (¥)
When to visit

For optimal weather conditions, visit Takamatsu in the spring (March–May) or early summer (June). July and August are the warmest months but can get uncomfortably humid. However, it is worth braving the August heat to attend the annual Sanuki Takamatsu Festival, which features traditional dancing and fireworks. Alternatively, plan a trip between the end of November and early December to enjoy Ritsurin Garden’s vibrant fall foliage.

Getting around

Central Takamatsu is compact enough to get around on foot, but getting to places outside the city center is a breeze using Takamatsu’s public transportation network. A network of trains on the Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad and local Kotoden buses stop at major attractions, including Ritsurin Garden. Private guided tours of the city are also available for ease of navigation. A limousine bus service connects the train station and major hotels with Takamatsu Airport.

Traveler tips

Like many Japanese cities, Takamatsu has a rechargeable contactless smart card (known as an IC card). Here it is called IruCa (a play on iruka, the Japanese word for "dolphin"), and it can be used in several stores as well as on trains and buses in the Kotoden public transportation network. Buy a card at a Kotoden station, pay a deposit, and return it when you no longer need it.

en
e5617b52-2c6c-4777-8833-89bab8b71ca1
attraction_list
People Also Ask
Q:What are the must-visit attractions in Takamatsu?
A:

The top attractions in Takamatsu include Ritsurin Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden that is rated one of the best in Japan; Takamatsu Castle, one of the country’s three “castles on the sea” (mizujiro); and Yashima, a flat-topped mountain that offers excellent views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Q:How do I get to Takamatsu from Tokyo?
A:

To get to Takamatsu, you can fly from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport or Narita International Airport; flights take around 80 minutes. By train, take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama and transfer to the Marine Liner—the journey takes roughly 4.5 hours. Alternatively, the Sunrise Seto sleeper train connects the cities in about 9.5 hours.

Q:Is there much to do in Vaduz?
A:

No, but that’s all part of the charm! Vaduz is Liechtenstein’s capital, but it’s more like a small town in terms of size and attractions. However, there’s still plenty to do on a day or weekend trip, including visiting the castle, browsing the museums, and hiking in the surrounding mountains.

Q:Are there any local dishes I should try in Takamatsu?
A:

Yes, there are local dishes you should try in Takamatsu. The best known is sanuki udon, a local noodle dish that is known for its firm texture and flavorful broth. Other local favorites include honetsuki-dori—a spicy, grilled bone-in chicken—and olive beef steak, premium meat from cattle fed with olive products.

Q:How can I explore the nearby art islands, such as Naoshima and Teshima, from Takamatsu?
A:

Ferries from Takamatsu Port run regularly to both Naoshima (around 50 minutes) and Teshima (around 35 minutes). Guided tours from Takamatsu make exploring Naoshima and Teshima a breeze, but bike rentals and bus services are available on both islands should you prefer to get around on your own.

Q:Is English widely spoken in Takamatsu, and are there resources for non-Japanese speakers?
A:

No, English is not widely spoken among the general population in Takamatsu. However, you are likely to find English speakers at key tourist attractions and major hotels in the city. Additionally, the Takamatsu Tourist Information Center (which has locations in the train station and airport) offers services in English.

More Tours in Takamatsu

Things to do near Takamatsu

Popular on Viator