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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Takamatsu sharing quite a few of those!
The charming city of Takamatsu is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from ancient temples and traditional gardens to bustling markets and avant-garde art galleries.
Its vibrant cultural scene and scenic vistas make it a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an authentic Japanese experience.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Takamatsu:
1. Ritsurin Garden
Ritsurin Garden is a historic Japanese garden located in the city of Takamatsu. The garden dates back to the 17th century and covers an area of 75 hectares.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll around the garden’s multiple ponds, teahouses, and picturesque bridges while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The garden also features various seasonal flowers and trees, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom and autumn leaf viewing.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to ride a traditional Japanese boat, or a gondola, across the garden’s main pond. The boat ride provides a unique and serene perspective of the garden that is not to be missed.
Insider travel tips: – Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and smaller crowds.
2. Yashima
A scenic mountain and historical site in Takamatsu, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands from the summit of Yashima, visit the Yashima-ji Temple and learn about its historical significance as a location of an ancient battle, take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain or hike up the scenic trails.
Don’t miss: The sunset view from the mountain top is breathtaking and not to be missed.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the fall to catch the stunning autumn foliage. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
The temple can be crowded, so try to arrive early to beat the crowds.
3. Goshoji Temple
A stunning Buddhist temple in Takamatsu, Japan.
What to see or do: Admire the intricate architecture and detailed decorations of the temple buildings. Take a stroll through the peaceful gardens and reflect on the serene atmosphere.
Witness the ritualistic prayers conducted by the monks at the temple.
Don’t miss: The famous Kiku-zuka, or “chrysanthemum mound,” which is adorned with over 90,000 chrysanthemums during the autumn months.
Insider travel tips: Remember to take off your shoes before entering the temple buildings. Additionally, try to visit during the autumn season to fully appreciate the beauty of the Kiku-zuka.
Finally, be respectful of the monks and their practices during your visit.
4. Takamatsu Castle Ruins
Takamatsu Castle Ruins are the remains of a traditional Japanese castle located in the heart of Takamatsu city, Kagawa Prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors are treated to a sweeping view of Takamatsu city and its port from the top of the castle ruins.
Furthermore, you can take a peaceful stroll through the surrounding park and explore the castle’s intricate stone walls, tower foundations, and moats.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to take photos of the beautiful scenery around the castle, including the Seto Inland Sea, Mount Yashima, and Ritsurin Park.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Takamatsu Castle Ruins is in the morning or evening when there are fewer tourists and cooler temperatures.
5. Shikoku Mura Village
Shikoku Mura Village is an open-air museum in Takamatsu, Japan that showcases the traditional architecture, culture, and lifestyle of the Shikoku region.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore over 30 reconstructed buildings, including the homes of samurai, merchants, and farmers. The village also has exhibits on traditional crafts, such as indigo dyeing and papermaking.
Don’t miss the performances of traditional music and dance, as well as the demonstrations of ancient agricultural techniques.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the spring or fall to avoid the crowds and experience the beautiful seasonal foliage.
6. Museum of Art Kagawa
Museum of Art Kagawa is a contemporary art museum located in Takamatsu, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum features modern and contemporary artworks from both Japanese and international artists. Visitors can admire a range of art forms including painting, sculpture, photography, and video installations.
The museum also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing unique and sometimes avant-garde pieces.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the iconic pieces by famous artists such as Yves Klein, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Monet. The museum’s outdoor garden is also worth a stroll, featuring sculptures and installations amidst a calming natural landscape.
Insider travel tips: The museum is easily accessible by bus or taxi from the Takamatsu station. Time your visit by checking the museum’s website for upcoming exhibitions or events.
Admission fees vary depending on the exhibition, but the permanent collection is free. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir or two from the museum gift shop, offering quirky art-inspired goods.
7. Kagawa Prefectural Cultural Hall
Kagawa Prefectural Cultural Hall is a concert hall located in the heart of Takamatsu, Japan. It serves as a venue for various cultural performances, including concerts, plays, and lectures.
What to see or do: Visitors can attend a variety of cultural events at Kagawa Prefectural Cultural Hall. From classical music concerts to traditional Japanese theatre performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check the schedule of performances in advance and buy tickets early to secure your seat at the concerts, as they tend to sell out quickly.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to explore the surrounding area, which has plenty of shops and restaurants to indulge in before or after the show.
Additionally, consider taking public transportation or walking to the venue to avoid traffic, as parking is limited.
8. Megijima Island
Megijima is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea, just off the coast of Takamatsu city in Japan.
What to see or do: Megijima Island is famous for its beautiful landscapes, historic sites and art installations.
Visitors can explore the island’s picturesque fishing villages, hike along scenic trails, and visit the Megijima Stone Garden, a collection of stunning rock formations.
For art lovers, the island is home to the Megijima Art House Project, which features several unique art installations housed in restored traditional Japanese houses.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the Onigashima Cave, a large cavern located beneath the island’s cliffs.
The cave is said to have inspired the Japanese folktale of Momotaro, a heroic boy who sets out to defeat a band of demons.
Visitors can explore the cave’s many chambers and tunnels, and even spot a few demon statues along the way.
Insider travel tips: To get to Megijima Island, take a ferry from Takamatsu Port. The island is small enough to explore on foot, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes for hiking.
Megijima is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season in early spring, when the island’s trees burst into pink and white blooms.
9. Sanuki Museum of Japanese Art
Sanuki Museum of Japanese Art is a museum located in the city of Takamatsu, in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. It houses a vast collection of traditional Japanese art, including ceramics, calligraphy, lacquerware, and paintings.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various galleries of the museum and admire the beautiful displays of Japanese art from different periods of history.
The museum showcases works by famous artists such as Ogata Korin, Kitaoji Rosanjin, and Hamada Shoji.
The garden surrounding the museum is also worth a visit, as it features a pond with a charming bridge, as well as a tea house.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the famous “Rokusai Nenju” painting, an important cultural property of Japan that depicts the daily life of a woman in the Edo period.
Also, don’t miss the impressive collection of Bizen pottery, which is one of the oldest kiln sites in Japan and has a distinctive unglazed texture.
Insider travel tips: – The museum offers an English audio guide which is very informative and helpful for non-Japanese speakers.
10. Tsuda Matsudai Noh Theater
Tsuda Matsudai Noh Theater is a traditional Japanese theater located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture.
It is a small theater venue that showcases Japan’s traditional performing art, Noh theater which has a history of over 650 years.
What to see or do: Visitors can attend Noh performances held in the theater and witness the elegant and captivating art form that has been preserved for centuries.
The performances are a beautiful mix of movements, music, and chanting in archaic Japanese language, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Don’t miss: In addition to attending the Noh performance, visitors must take a stroll around the area. The theater is located in a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden, with a small lake that adds to its scenic beauty.
Insider travel tips: To understand Noh better, visitors can attend workshops organized by the theater to learn about the performing arts’ intricacies and get hands-on experience.
It’s also recommended to book the performance in advance as the theater has limited seating capacity and the tickets get booked out pretty quickly.
Finally, visitors can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs at the theater’s gift shop.
11. Kinashi Bonsai Village
Kinashi Bonsai Village is a small village located in Takamatsu, Japan, famous for producing some of the finest bonsai trees in the world.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the village and admire the beautiful bonsai trees, which are artfully displayed in front of traditional Japanese houses.
There are also many bonsai nurseries and shops where you can purchase bonsai trees and supplies.
Don’t miss: The Kinashi Bonsai Museum is a must-see attraction, which showcases the history and techniques of bonsai cultivation. Visitors can also participate in bonsai workshops and demonstrations.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to check the seasonal events calendar, as the village hosts many festivals and exhibitions throughout the year.
You can also hire a guide to take you through the village and provide you with detailed information and insights into the world of bonsai.
Lastly, don’t forget to try the local cuisine, which includes delicious Sanuki udon noodles.
12. New Yashima Aquarium
New Yashima Aquarium is a must-visit destination for marine life enthusiasts and families traveling with children.
What to see or do: The aquarium features a wide range of marine species from the Seto Inland Sea and the tropical oceans around Japan. Visitors can observe various types of fish, jellyfish, sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles up close in the aquarium tanks.
Don’t miss: The aquarium’s main attraction is the massive 15-meter-long tank housing whale sharks, the largest fish species in the world. Visitors can also watch feeding sessions and touch pools containing starfish and other marine creatures.
Insider travel tips: – Check the official website for the latest schedules and information around animal feeding and special events.
13. Sunport Takamatsu
Sunport Takamatsu is an airport located in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: As an airport, Sunport Takamatsu serves as a gateway to the charming city of Takamatsu and the surrounding Kagawa Prefecture.
From here, you can take a quick flight to other destinations in Japan or explore Takamatsu itself, known for its picturesque Ritsurin Garden, Takamatsu Castle, and art museums.
Don’t miss: If you have some spare time before your flight, be sure to check out the selection of local souvenirs and specialty products available at the airport shops.
You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the various restaurants and cafes.
Insider travel tips: To save time and hassle, consider using the airport’s baggage delivery service, which allows you to have your luggage sent directly from the airport to your hotel or other destination in Kagawa Prefecture.
Additionally, if you plan to spend some time in Takamatsu, it’s a good idea to pick up a Kagawa Marugame Udon Pass at the airport, which provides unlimited travel on local trains and buses as well as discounts on udon noodle dishes at participating restaurants.
14. Ogijima Island
A small island in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, known for its quaint fishing village and modern art installations.
What to see or do: Explore the island’s narrow streets and traditional houses, visit the famous lighthouse for panoramic views, and admire the modern art installations scattered throughout the island.
Don’t miss: The Ogijima Warped House, a museum with an optical illusion exhibit, the “Haiku Stairs,” which feature poems inscribed on the steps, and the Ogijima Onsen hot spring for a relaxing soak.
Insider travel tips: Take the ferry from Takamatsu Port to Ogijima Island, which runs several times a day. Check the ferry schedule in advance to avoid missing the last one.
Don’t forget to bring cash, as there are limited ATMs on the island.
Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the island, but consider staying overnight at a traditional guesthouse to fully experience island life.
15. Udon House Ritsumeikan
Udon House Ritsumeikan is a unique museum in Takamatsu that showcases the history, culture, and culinary art of udon noodles, a popular Japanese dish.
What to see or do: Visitors can learn about the origins of udon noodles and how they are made through interactive displays and exhibits. There are also cooking classes and workshops for those who want to try making their own udon noodles.
Don’t miss: Be sure to sample some of the delicious udon dishes at the museum’s restaurant, which uses only locally-sourced ingredients for their dishes.
Insider travel tips: – Udon House Ritsumeikan is closed on Tuesdays.