Takamatsu

Takamatsu is not only a transportation hub for island-hopping in the Seto Inland Sea, but also a hidden-gem city full of laid-back charm, great food, and an artistic atmosphere. Life moves slowly here, the sea breeze is gentle, and it is perfect for a slow 3–4 day trip.

Classic 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

• ​​Day 1: Arrive in Takamatsu, First Taste of the City​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Arrive at Takamatsu Airport and take the airport bus to your hotel in the city center (about 40 minutes).
  • ​​Afternoon​​: Stroll through Tamamo Park (the ruins of Takamatsu Castle), watch the sunset from the seaside boardwalk, and feel the relaxed pace of this port city.

• ​​Evening​​: Hunt for food along Marugamemachi Shopping Street and try authentic Sanuki udon.

• ​​Day 2: Naoshima, the Art Island​​
  • ​​All Day​​: Take a ferry from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima. Check in at Yayoi Kusama’s Red Pumpkin, visit the Chichu Art Museum and Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: Time Corridors, cycle along the coastal road, and experience the perfect fusion of architecture and nature.

• ​​Evening​​: Return to downtown Takamatsu and try the local specialty honetsukidori (bone-in grilled chicken).

• ​​Day 3: Teshima, Where Nature and Art Meet​​
  • ​​All Day​​: Take a ferry to Teshima. Visit the <em>Teshima Art Museum</em> (photography is not allowed inside, and it is deeply soothing), check in at the seaside basketball hoop and the beautiful downhill curve, and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.

• ​​Evening​​: Return to Takamatsu, have a drink at an izakaya, and experience the local nightlife.

• ​​Day 4: The Pinnacle of Japanese Gardens, Return Trip​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Visit Ritsurin Garden, a Michelin three-star attraction, try a hand-rowed boat, and sip tea while zoning out at Kikugetsu-tei.

• ​​Afternoon​​: Head to Takamatsu Station to buy souvenirs, then take the airport bus for your return trip.

Must-Visit Attractions

• ​​Ritsurin Garden​​: One of Japan’s finest Japanese gardens, rated three stars by the Michelin Green Guide. It is recommended to enter in the morning, take a hand-rowed boat to admire the garden from the water, and have tea at Kikugetsu-tei in the afternoon to experience the ultimate beauty of wabi-sabi.

• ​​Naoshima​​: A paradise for art lovers. Beyond the famous pumpkins, the Chichu Art Museum and the Art House Project series are absolutely worth a dedicated trip. It is recommended to reserve museum tickets two months in advance.

• ​​Teshima​​: More natural and tranquil than Naoshima, Teshima Art Museum is a space where time and nature coexist. The coastal roads and photo spots are excellent for taking pictures.

• ​​Shikoku Aquarium​​: Located in Utazu, it is highly photogenic, has a rich variety of marine life, and also offers a shell-opening experience, making it suitable for families with children.

• ​​Kotohira-gu Shrine​​: A filming/location spot associated with Conan and Chibi Maruko-chan. You need to climb more than 700 steps, and the scenery along the way is pleasant, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy hiking and shrine culture.

Must-Try Food Recommendations

• ​​Sanuki Udon​​: The soul food of Takamatsu. Recommended spots include Tsurumaru (opens at 8 p.m.; the curry udon is outstanding), Matsushita Seimenjo (featured in Solitary Gourmet, with self-service noodle blanching), and Moriya (firm, handmade noodles).

• ​​Honetsukidori​​: Takamatsu’s specialty bone-in grilled chicken. There are young chicken and mature chicken versions: young chicken is crispy on the outside and tender inside, while mature chicken is chewier. Recommended places include Ranmaru or long-established restaurants in the city center.

• ​​Seafood Dishes​​: Recommended spots include Kaisen Umaimonya Hamakaido (excellent-value sashimi platters) and Oyster Standing Bar (near the pier, fresh and delicious).

• ​​Japanese Yakiniku​​: Koshitsu Yakiniku Ito-Roin (private rooms available, with good-quality A5 wagyu).

Accommodation Suggestions

• ​​JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu​​: An excellent location, right by the station and close to Takamatsu Port, making it suitable for island-hopping. It has a large public bath, secure rooms, and self-service facilities on the floors.

• ​​KOKO HOTEL Takamatsu​​: Close to a Kotoden station, with shopping streets nearby and convenient access to the port, making it suitable for city strolls.

• ​​Travel Book Hotel​​: A top choice among hostels. Located in Kawaramachi, it is convenient for dining, accommodation, and transport. The women-only rooms have private washing facilities, and there is a bar and dining area on the first floor.

Transportation and Practical Information

• ​​Major Transportation​​: There are direct flights from Shanghai to Takamatsu Airport; you can also take a direct JR train from Osaka.
• ​​Local Transportation​​: Take the bus from the airport to the city center; use Kotoden trains and buses within the city; for island-hopping, take ferries from Takamatsu Port, and ferry tickets are cash-only.
• ​​Island-Hopping Tips​​: Be sure to reserve tickets for museums on Naoshima and Teshima in advance through their official websites; renting an electric-assist bicycle on the islands gives you more flexibility; prepare cash and some dry snacks.
• ​​Best Time to Visit​​: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) have the most pleasant weather. During the Setouchi Triennale (usually held once every three years), you need to plan far in advance.