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Takamatsu

Takamatsu, the capital of Kagawa Prefecture on Japan's Shikoku island, blends historic castle ruins and landscaped gardens with a lively arts scene and coastal views.

Country
Japan
Population
420,000
Area
376 km²
Time zone
JST (UTC+9)
Language
Japanese
Nearby airport
Takamatsu Airport

Passengers

Luggage

About Kagawa

Takamatsu is the capital of Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku island, facing the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Known as a gateway to the region's art islands, the city combines a compact, walkable centre with historic gardens, a working port and one of Japan's most distinctive food cultures.

The city's best-known landmark is Ritsurin Garden, a 16th and 17th century landscape garden of ponds, pine groves and teahouses that is counted among Japan's finest. Nearby, the stone walls and moats of Takamatsu Castle remain in Tamamo Park, while the Yashima plateau offers views over the islands and the Inland Sea.

Central Takamatsu is easy to explore around JR Takamatsu Station and the Sunport waterfront, while the covered Marugamemachi arcade and the Kotoden tram line connect shopping, dining and harbour areas. From Takamatsu Port, ferries link the city to Naoshima, Teshima and Shodoshima, islands known for contemporary art, olive groves and quiet coastal villages.

Takamatsu is a regional centre for commerce, conferences and transport on Shikoku, with a busy calendar that includes the Setouchi Triennale art festival. The local food scene revolves around Sanuki udon, fresh seafood and olive-related products, and ranges from simple standing noodle shops to lively izakayas.

For leisure travellers, Takamatsu offers gardens, island art trips and relaxed urban life, while business visitors benefit from direct flight and ferry connections, compact distances and a practical base for exploring Kagawa and the wider Seto Inland Sea.

Manicured pine trees and a stone bridge over a koi pond at Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan

Kagawa Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn offer mild weather and are ideal for Ritsurin Garden and island trips, while the Setouchi Triennale brings major art events in spring, summer and autumn editions. Summer is warm and good for the coastal islands, and winter is quieter with clear views over the Seto Inland Sea.

How to Get Around

Takamatsu is compact and walkable around JR Takamatsu Station, with the Kotoden line, JR trains, city buses and taxis covering most destinations. Ferries from Takamatsu Port connect to Naoshima, Shodoshima and other islands, and rental cars are useful for exploring wider Kagawa and Shikoku.

Where to Stay

Staying near JR Takamatsu Station or the Sunport waterfront is convenient for transport, shopping and ferry access. The Kawaramachi and Marugamemachi area suits travellers who want restaurants and nightlife nearby, while quieter options are available around Ritsurin Garden and coastal districts.

Food & Drink

Kagawa is famous for Sanuki udon, served in noodle shops across the city, and Takamatsu also offers fresh Seto Inland Sea seafood, olive products and regional sake. Local markets, cafés, bakeries and izakayas provide a wide range of places to eat and drink.

Ground Transportation Services in Kagawa

Airport Transfers

Travel between Takamatsu Airport and hotels, JR Takamatsu Station, Sunport and other locations across Takamatsu and Kagawa Prefecture.

Hourly Chauffeur

Book a private chauffeur by the hour for business meetings, sightseeing, ferry terminals and flexible travel around Takamatsu and nearby island gateways.

Car Rental

Rent a car in Takamatsu for independent travel around the city and convenient trips to Ritsurin Garden, Yashima and other parts of Kagawa and Shikoku.

Bus & Group Transfers

Arrange minibuses or charter buses for groups, corporate travel, events, airport transfers and tours across Takamatsu and the Seto Inland Sea region.

Frequently Asked Questions