Takamatsu often gets overlooked by travelers rushing to Naoshima or doing the temple pilgrimage, but this port city deserves at least a full day of exploration. As Shikoku’s gateway and Kagawa’s capital, it offers a perfect blend of historic gardens, island-hopping adventures, and some of Japan’s best udon noodles.
Ritsurin Garden should be your first stop—this sprawling landscape garden took over a century to complete and is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful, even though it somehow missed the “official” top three designation. Spend a few hours wandering the meticulously pruned pine trees, crossing arched bridges, and stopping at the traditional teahouse overlooking the ponds.
Just a short ferry ride from Takamatsu Port, Megijima and Ogijima islands offer a quieter alternative to crowded Naoshima, with contemporary art installations scattered among fishing villages and cave complexes. The Yashima plateau provides stunning panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and houses an important temple (#84 on the pilgrimage route) plus the site of a famous 12th-century battle.
For the ultimate Takamatsu experience, join the locals at any of the countless udon shops—Kagawa produces more udon per capita than anywhere in Japan, and you haven’t lived until you’ve slurped fresh Sanuki udon in its birthplace. Tamamo Park, with its seaside castle ruins and seawater moat, offers a peaceful sunset spot before you explore the covered shopping arcades of Marugamemachi, where modern boutiques mix with traditional craft shops.
Whether you’re using Takamatsu as a base for island-hopping or discovering that this underrated city has plenty to offer on its own, you’ll find it captures the relaxed, authentic side of Shikoku that many visitors miss.