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Just a 3-minute walk from JR Takamatsu Station, Takamatsu Castle sits in the heart of the city, surrounded by the seawater of the Seto Inland Sea. Renowned as one of Japan’s top three seaside castles, it captivates visitors with its unique, ocean-connected moats.
This article presents a photo-rich travelogue of Tamamo Park and Takamatsu Castle from an actual visit. We hope the atmosphere and character of the site come through in the images.
For a deeper look at Takamatsu Castle’s highlights, check out the article below:
Read more about Highlights of Takamatsu Castle
There are two main entrances to Takamatsu Castle: the West Gate and the East Gate. The West Gate is more convenient, located just 3 minutes on foot from JR Takamatsu Station and 1 minute from Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikkō Station.
The massive stone walls of the West Gate raise anticipation for the historical experience to come.
Admission is currently 200 yen (scheduled to increase to 400 yen from April 1, 2026), making it an affordable attraction.
The ticket features a beautiful photo of the Ushitorayagura turret, building excitement for the walk ahead. This ticket allows one-time entry on the day of visit.
The route to the tenshudai leads through the former Ninomaru (second bailey), now landscaped as a park with benches and a smoking area—perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Sayabashi, a roofed wooden bridge connecting the Ninomaru and Honmaru (main bailey), has stood in the same location since the castle’s construction. It was originally known as Rankanbashi and acquired its roof during the Edo period.
As the only route into the Honmaru, Sayabashi served as the final line of defense. In the event of an invasion, the bridge could be destroyed to isolate the main compound.
To the left of the bridge, the clear moat—fed directly by seawater—shimmers with ever-changing expressions depending on the time of day.
From Sayabashi, you can see the Kotoden station platform across the moat—a unique sight blending history and the modern city.
The contrast between the sky reflected on the water and the rugged stone walls creates a breathtaking view—a hallmark of Japan’s water castles.
Crossing the bridge takes you to the Honmaru and the base of the former castle tower.
At the end of the bridge stands a massive stone wall—an impressive sight that sparks the imagination of the five-story tenshu that once rose here.
A beautiful, shaded path leads to the top. The harmony between the solemn stone walls and green pines creates a peaceful walking experience.
Though the original tower no longer exists, the tenshudai has been developed into a viewing deck where you can admire the castle’s best scenic view.
Climbing the stone steps, you can almost feel the presence of the once-grand keep.
Inside the tenshudai, the original stone base of the keep’s basement remains intact—a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of 400 years ago.
Informational panels help you understand the structure and history of the former keep.
The view from the top is spectacular—Seto’s blue sky and seawater unite to create a dramatic landscape. This is the highlight of your visit.
The inner moat is where Takamatsu Castle’s character as a sea castle becomes most evident.
The Tamamo-maru, a traditional Japanese-style boat, offers inner moat cruises—an experience unique to this site.
You’ll find sea bream and other marine fish swimming leisurely in the water. Feeding them is part of the fun, and it’s quite rare in Japan to see seawater fish in a castle moat.
During the Edo period, this area was also used for swimming training—a fascinating bit of history.
Beyond the inner moat stand three original structures, all designated Important Cultural Properties.
One of the remaining Edo-period buildings at Takamatsu Castle, Watariyagura features elegant white plaster walls and black tiled roofing—an impressive architectural silhouette.
The stone wall below Watariyagura reveals the castle’s history: its right side was built during the Ikoma clan era, and the left during the Matsudaira clan era, showcasing two distinct masonry styles.
Suitedomon is a rare castle gate that opens directly toward the sea, allowing boats to enter the castle grounds. A unique structure symbolic of a maritime castle.
This three-tiered turret, built about 350 years ago, still stands today. It’s a designated cultural property admired from every angle.
The turret offers scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea—scenery once cherished by feudal lords and still soothing to behold.
Adjacent to the Tsukimiyagura and the inner moat lies the Sannomaru area, home to a serene Japanese garden and the historic Hiunkaku residence.
Built in 1917 as the Takamatsu retreat of the Matsudaira clan, Hiunkaku is a beautifully preserved wooden structure that embodies Taisho-era Japanese architecture. It is now designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Inside, exposed wooden beams and spacious tatami rooms convey the elegance and refinement of early 20th-century Japan.
The largest space within Hiunkaku is the 142-mat Daishoin, an expansive hall known for its geometric interplay of pillars and shoji screens—a masterclass in Japanese aesthetics.
The garden of Hiunkaku features a monumental Ginkakuji-style stone washbasin, modeled after the one at Kyoto’s Silver Pavilion.
Measuring about 1.5 meters wide and 2 meters tall and weighing approximately 11 tons, it commands attention—yet still conveys wabi-sabi, blending harmoniously with the garden.
The Sannomaru of Takamatsu Castle also features the Nai-en Goten, a beautifully maintained Japanese garden where serenity reigns.
The layout is pristine, with black pines as a focal point. Walking along the stepping stones lets you appreciate the refined beauty of the garden from every angle.
The Daishoin-side garden is particularly open and airy, with brilliant contrast between the sky and surrounding green.
With its harmony of stone paths, mossy lawns, hedges, and lanterns, the garden exemplifies the artistry of Japanese landscape design.
Rebuilt in June 2022, Sakura Gate was restored after 77 years, having been destroyed during the air raids of 1945. It now once again stands as Takamatsu Castle’s grand main entrance.
With its two-story turret, the gate is both commanding and elegant. Its white plaster walls and black roof tiles contrast strikingly with the blue sky.
Each iron stud on the massive wooden doors has been faithfully recreated using traditional Edo-period techniques.
This gate is a masterful modern reconstruction that revives the original craftsmanship of the Edo era using contemporary techniques.
A castle uniquely surrounded by seawater and filled with over 400 years of history. Though Takamatsu Castle no longer has its main keep, Tamamo Park as a whole offers rich historical and scenic appeal.
From the breathtaking views atop the tenshudai, to the preserved cultural buildings, to the beautifully reconstructed Sakura Gate, and the tranquility of Hiunkaku’s garden—few urban castles offer this much variety and quality in one place.
Easily accessible—just a 3-minute walk from JR Takamatsu Station—Takamatsu Castle is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the beauty and uniqueness of a true seaside fortress.
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