Takamatsu Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Days
This route spirals outward from Takamatsu's harbour core—castle moats and sculpted gardens first, then the lava plateau and art islands that dot the Inland Sea, finally the inland shrines where pilgrims have climbed stone steps for a thousand years. Each day returns you to the city by evening, the port and udon shops a constant thread.
Castle Moats and Garden Masterworks
Begin at Takamatsu Castle, where the morning light catches the rare tidal moats—watch the Inland Sea fill the stone foundations as you walk the waterside turrets. Cross the city centre to Ritsurin Garden by late morning, allowing two hours to follow the seventy-five hectares of ponds and borrowed scenery that the Matsudaira lords spent a century perfecting. Break for a proper Sanuki udon lunch at a neighbourhood shop nearby, savouring the springy texture Kagawa is famous for. Spend the afternoon wandering Ritsurin's teahouses and composed views, then return to the port district as evening settles over the harbour.
Lava Heights and Island Echoes
Take the morning bus to Yashima's flat-topped plateau, where the Genji and Heike once clashed and the summit now offers sweeping views across the scattered islands. Descend to Shikoku Mura at the foot of the plateau, exploring the open-air collection of thatched farmhouses and vine bridges that preserve old island rhythms. Catch the afternoon ferry from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima, where Tadao Ando's galleries and Yayoi Kusama's yellow pumpkin wait by the water—art and architecture woven into the quiet pulse of island life. Return by evening boat, the Inland Sea glowing in the fading light.
Pilgrims' Steps and Sacred Paths
Ride the Kotoden line west to Kotohira and begin the seven-hundred-and-eighty-five-step ascent to Konpira-san's main hall, following the path sailors have climbed for centuries seeking safe passage. Those with stamina can continue to the inner shrine at one thousand three hundred and sixty-eight steps. Descend and take the JR line to Zentsūji, birthplace of Kūkai and temple seventy-five on the pilgrimage circuit, where the five-storey pagoda marks ground walked by white-clad pilgrims for over a millennium. Return to Takamatsu by late afternoon, the day's stone steps a reminder of devotion measured in altitude.
Stay near Takamatsu Station or the port district—ferries to the art islands depart steps away, and both Ritsurin Garden and the castle are within easy reach by foot or short train ride.
Takamatsu Station anchors everything: walk to the castle and port, take JR one stop to Ritsurin Garden's north gate, catch buses to Yashima summit, and use the Kotoden private line for Kotohira. Ferries to Naoshima and Shōdoshima leave from the nearby port terminal.
Autumn brings the finest light to Ritsurin Garden's maples, though the Inland Sea's blue clarity and Yashima's sunset views reward visits year-round. Check tide schedules if adding Shōdoshima's Angel Road sandbar.
Frequently asked questions
Crafts of this region
Authentic pieces made near here — learn the story, then bring one home.
Awa Indigo
阿波藍 · Tokushima
Tobe Ware
砥部焼 · Tobe, Ehime
Tosa Washi
土佐和紙 · Ino, Kōchi
Marugame Round Fans
丸亀うちわ · Marugame, Kagawa
Tosa Blades
土佐打刃物 · Kami, Kochi