Takamatsu is the gateway to Shikoku and the Inland Sea — a port city of feudal gardens, udon culture, and contemporary-art islands. The headline draws are the Edo-period stroll garden Ritsurin Garden, the seafront castle ruins of Tamamo Park, the sculpture-and-garden complex of the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, the historic plateau of Yashima, and ferry access to Megijima demon-cave island and Naoshima beyond. The city is also Sanuki udon's world capital — locals eat 3-4 bowls a week.
Top Attractions
Ritsurin Garden
Edo-period stroll garden with six ponds, 13 hills, and 1,400 carefully-pruned pines — Michelin's only 3-star Japanese garden
Top Edo stroll garden
- 6 ponds, 13 hills
- 1,400 pruned pines
- Michelin 3 stars
Tamamo Park
Seafront castle ruins of the Matsudaira clan — original moat, the Tsuki-mi Yagura watchtower, and a Japanese garden along the inland sea
Seafront castle ruins
- Tsuki-mi Yagura
- Seafront moat
- Castle ruins park
Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum
Hilltop sculpture-and-garden complex of the Japanese-American sculptor — granite sculptures and the original studio preserved
Sculpture garden museum
- 150+ Noguchi sculptures
- Original studio
- Reservation required
Yashima
Table-flat plateau north of Takamatsu — historic 1185 sea-battle site, Yashima-ji temple, and panoramic views over the Inland Sea
Historic table plateau
- 1185 battle site
- Yashima-ji temple
- Inland Sea panorama
Megijima
Small Inland Sea island with Onigashima caves of Momotaro folk-tale fame — short ferry from Takamatsu Port
Demon-cave island
- Onigashima caves
- 20-min ferry
- Momotaro folktale
Where to Eat
Takamatsu's distinctive cuisine — Sanuki udon (eaten 3-4× a week locally), olive-fed Olive beef, and bonito-fish dashi.
Where to Stay
How to Get There
Getting There
- 1Domestic flight to Takamatsu Airport
- 2Airport bus to city centre
- 1Take JR Limited Express Marine Liner → Takamatsu Station
- 1Direct highway bus → Takamatsu
Tips for Visiting
- Compact downtown — Tamamo Park, the ferry terminal, and central udon shops are walkable from Takamatsu Station.
- Local trains run to Yashima (15 min) and Ritsurin Garden (10 min).
- Ferries from Takamatsu Port serve Megijima, Ogijima, Shodoshima, and Naoshima — the Setouchi art-island circuit.
- April for cherry blossoms at Tamamo Park; October–November for autumn at Ritsurin (peak mid-November).
How long to stay
One full day for Ritsurin Garden, Tamamo Park, and udon. Two days adds a Naoshima art-island day or Yashima + Noguchi Museum. Three days lets you reach Megijima and explore the lesser-known Inland Sea islands.
FAQ
Why is Takamatsu's udon so famous?
Sanuki udon (Sanuki being the old name for Kagawa) is hand-cut from chewy wheat dough, and Kagawa eats more udon per capita than anywhere on earth. Locals have a multi-bowl-a-week habit; some shops only stay open until lunch when they sell out.
Can I do Naoshima as a day trip from Takamatsu?
Yes — 60-min ferry to Miyanoura. Day-trippers can see Benesse House Museum, Chichu Art Museum, and Yayoi Kusama's pumpkins. Staying overnight on Naoshima or Teshima opens up the Lee Ufan Museum and the Teshima Art Museum.
Is Ritsurin Garden better than Korakuen?
Different. Ritsurin is more naturalistic (six ponds, complex hill arrangements, garden-walking through borrowed mountain scenery). Korakuen (Okayama) is more architectural with the borrowed Castle view. Both are top-3 ranked; Ritsurin is the only 3-star Michelin garden.
What is Takamatsu best known for?
Sanuki udon, Ritsurin Garden, the gateway to Naoshima art islands, the Setouchi Triennale (every 3 years), the historic Yashima plateau, and the Inland Sea ferry hub.
How many days do I need in Takamatsu?
One full day covers Ritsurin Garden, Tamamo Park, central Takamatsu, and udon stops. A second day allows a Naoshima or Megijima art-island excursion. Three days lets you ride the Konpira pilgrim train to Kotohira.
What are Takamatsu's hidden gems?
The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum (reservation required) on a hilltop near Yashima, the Onigashima caves on Megijima, and the Spanish-style hilltop fishing village of Ogijima a short ferry away.
What surrounds the headline spots?
Beyond the obvious draws, Marugame-machi Shopping Arcade, Kitahama Alley, Udon Baka Ichidai, Tsurumaru Udon reward travelers willing to step off the main route — local pace, fewer crowds, and a closer feel for the everyday rhythms of the region.