Takamatsu City: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture is a charming urban center that flourishes as the gateway to Shikoku, facing the Seto Inland Sea. Once developed as a castle town of the Matsudaira family, it is known as a place where the beautiful Seto Inland Sea landscape harmonizes with rich cultural heritage.

Takamatsu Castle ruins (Tamamo Park), located in the center of the city, is a historical spot characterized by its seawater moats. With cherry blossoms blooming magnificently in spring, it attracts many tourists who come to enjoy the scenery changing through the four seasons.

Ritsurin Garden, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the national government, is a feudal lord’s garden from the Edo period and Takamatsu’s premier tourist attraction, earning three stars in the Michelin Green Guide. This strolling-style garden, with its exquisitely placed artificial hills, ponds, and pavilions, captivates visitors from both Japan and abroad as a masterpiece representing the beauty of Japanese gardens.

Takamatsu City, also notable as a venue for the Setouchi Triennale Art Festival, serves as an access point to art islands such as Naoshima and Teshima. With its unique cultural experiences that blend contemporary art with island scenery, it enjoys strong support from art enthusiasts.

When it comes to Takamatsu cuisine, “Sanuki Udon” is a must-try. Famous nationwide for its firm texture and smooth feel in the throat, there are numerous renowned Sanuki udon restaurants throughout Takamatsu City. Many noodle shops open early in the morning, and enjoying morning udon just like the locals is one of the highlights of the trip.

Another specialty representing Takamatsu is “Hone-Tsuki-Tori” (bone-in chicken). This local dish, where chicken thighs are marinated in a special sauce and grilled to a fragrant finish, captivates many with its juicy meat and distinctive seasoning. From long-established shops loved by locals to new establishments, each restaurant competes with its unique flavor, making it popular among tourists as one of Takamatsu’s two culinary stars alongside udon.

Access to tourist spots within the city is convenient from JR Takamatsu Station or Takamatsu Port, and you can efficiently tour the city by using rental bicycles. Blessed with a mild climate, Takamatsu City welcomes many visitors as a year-round travel destination where you can enjoy history, culture, and cuisine.