Takamatsu Castle Travel Guide 2025: Explore Japan’s Majestic Seaside Fortress

Discover the Beauty of Japan’s Seaside Fortress: A Complete Guide to Takamatsu Castle

Takamatsu Castle, a stunning fortress surrounded by the sea, stands proudly in the heart of Takamatsu City. As one of Japan’s three great water castles, it offers unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

From panoramic views atop the tenshudai (castle keep foundation), feeding sea bream in the saltwater moat, to leisurely cruising through the inner moat in a traditional wooden boat — every moment at Takamatsu Castle feels extraordinary. Add to that the historic Tsukimi Yagura, which has stood for over 350 years, the beautifully reconstructed Sakura Gate, and the elegant Taisho-era guest house Hiunkaku, and you’ll see why this is one of Japan’s most enriching castles.

This guide introduces everything Takamatsu Castle has to offer — from its rare seaside location and scenic beauty to its architectural wonders and unique hands-on experiences.

Takamatsu Castle

Located in central Takamatsu City, Takamatsu Castle is renowned as one of Japan’s premier water castles. Also known as “Tamamo Castle,” it draws seawater from the Seto Inland Sea directly into its moats — a rare and beautiful example of castle architecture that attracts visitors from all over Japan. It’s a key sightseeing destination in Kagawa Prefecture and is listed among Japan’s Top 100 Castles.

One of Japan’s Top Three Water Castles: Breathtaking Views from the Tenshudai

The most iconic feature of Takamatsu Castle is the stunning panoramic view from the tenshudai (castle keep base). Although the original keep no longer remains, climbing the stone-built platform reveals a spectacular vista of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding water moats — a sight that perfectly embodies the image of a “castle floating on the sea.”

Takamatsu Castle is ranked alongside Imabari Castle (Ehime Prefecture) and Nakatsu Castle (Oita Prefecture) as one of the Three Great Water Castles of Japan. These castles are built adjacent to the sea or lakes and use water as a defensive feature. Takamatsu Castle is particularly renowned for drawing seawater from the Seto Inland Sea into all three of its moats, making it the largest of its kind. From the top of the tenshudai, visitors can fully grasp the impressive scale and design of this water-based stronghold.

The tenshudai underwent major restoration between 2006 and 2013 to reinforce the stone walls and make it safe for public access. Though the original three-story keep is gone, the imposing stone base still radiates power, and local hopes remain high for a future reconstruction.

Sakura Gate: Edo-Era Craftsmanship Reborn in Takamatsu Castle’s Majestic Main Gate

The Sakura Gate (Sakuragomon) is the main gate of Takamatsu Castle and was beautifully reconstructed in 2013 after more than 130 years. Originally demolished due to the Meiji-era castle abolishment policies, it was restored based on excavation findings, historical photographs, and Edo-period documents.

The restoration employed traditional Japanese timber joinery and authentic materials, reviving Edo-period craftsmanship techniques. Built entirely without nails using joints and interlocking woodwork, the gate exudes the dignified presence worthy of a castle’s main entrance.

This beautifully rebuilt gate transports visitors back to the Edo period. Its grandeur and authenticity create a powerful first impression — a symbolic entrance to a world of historic elegance.

Tsukimi Yagura: 350 Years of Elegance in Takamatsu Castle’s Historic Watchtower

The Tsukimi Yagura (Moon-Viewing Turret) of Takamatsu Castle is a valuable three-tiered structure built in 1676. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it has survived for over 350 years and now serves as the symbolic heart of the castle in the absence of the main keep.

Originally built at the northern edge of the castle’s northern bailey, the turret was used both for moon viewing and as a strategic lookout to monitor ships approaching from the Seto Inland Sea. Its graceful design and defensive utility together showcase the best of Edo-era architectural ingenuity.

Today, the interior of the turret is open to the public every Sunday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, offering a rare chance to see traditional wooden construction techniques up close.

Mizute Gate: A Grand Entrance to the Sea, Once Used by Feudal Lords

Mizute Gate is located just south of Tsukimi Yagura and is one of the rarest structures in Japan. Its most distinctive feature is its direct orientation toward the sea — functioning as a maritime gate (mizunote) that served as a primary access point to and from the Seto Inland Sea. It is the only remaining large-scale sea gate of its kind in Japan.

During the Edo period, this gate served as a private dock for the lords of the Takamatsu Domain. When departing for the mandatory sankin-kotai journeys to Edo (present-day Tokyo), or upon returning, the daimyo would board a small boat here to reach the larger ship anchored offshore. This gate truly functioned as a “formal sea entrance” — a status symbol unique to a seaside castle.

Even today, the gate is opened to the public every Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Passing through the gate and facing the open sea offers visitors a moving experience — allowing one to imagine the exact view seen by feudal lords centuries ago. It remains one of the most emotionally resonant spots within Takamatsu Castle.

Hiunkaku: A Refined Taisho-Era Retreat and Traditional Japanese Garden

Hiunkaku is a stately building constructed in 1917 as a villa for the Matsudaira family, the former lords of the Takamatsu Domain. Today, it functions as a guest house. Built in a single-story wooden Japanese style, Hiunkaku also incorporates subtle modern elements of the Taisho period, making it a rare example of early modern Japanese architecture. It is highly regarded among architecture enthusiasts.

Surrounding Hiunkaku is a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden centered around black pine trees and seasonal blooms. During spring, the garden becomes particularly vibrant with blooming azaleas and other flowering shrubs. It also features dry riverbeds and stone bridges crafted from Aji stone, designed in a stroll-style layout that reveals new scenery with each step.

Hiunkaku remains an active venue for weddings, tea ceremonies, and other cultural events. While the building is typically closed to the public, it opens on New Year’s Day and on May 5 to commemorate the founding of Tamamo Park. Visitors during these times can admire the exquisite fusuma sliding door paintings and traditional joinery crafted without nails — offering a striking contrast to the more robust stone architecture of the main castle grounds.

Sea Bream Feeding Experience: A Unique Activity You’ll Only Find at Takamatsu Castle

One of the most unique attractions at Takamatsu Castle is the sea bream feeding experience known as Taigan Jōju. The moats, filled with seawater from the Seto Inland Sea, are home to sea bream and other marine fish. This rare opportunity to feed sea fish in a castle moat offers a memorable and interactive experience that’s hard to find anywhere else in Japan.

For just ¥100 per session, visitors can purchase fish food from a vending machine and toss it into the moat. As soon as the pellets hit the water, sea bream of all sizes swarm to the surface — a dynamic spectacle that delights both children and adults. It’s especially popular with families, offering a fun and educational opportunity to interact with live marine life.

This experience showcases the essence of Takamatsu Castle as a seaside fortress. For international visitors, the chance to feed sea fish at a historic Japanese castle is both surprising and memorable. It’s frequently shared on social media and stands out as one of Takamatsu Castle’s signature attractions.

Castle Boat Ride: Cruise Through the Moat in a Traditional Wooden Boat

Visitors to Takamatsu Castle can enjoy a special boat cruise through the inner moat aboard a traditional wooden vessel called the Tamamo-maru. This experience offers a perspective of the castle that can’t be seen from land — a one-of-a-kind water castle cruise you won’t find elsewhere.

The boats operate from March to November (suspended during December through February). The ride includes commemorative gifts, costume rentals, and even fish food for feeding the moat’s sea bream. No advance reservation is required — simply register on-site the day of your visit.

From the boat, you’ll gain a unique perspective of Takamatsu Castle’s stone walls rising from the water and the ingenious layout of this seaside fortress. Guided commentary provided by the boatmen adds cultural depth to the ride, making it an enriching experience for history lovers and casual tourists alike.

Sakura no Baba: A Springtime Hanami Spot Inside the Castle Grounds

Sakura no Baba is the most scenic cherry blossom viewing spot within Takamatsu Castle. About 76 cherry trees, mostly Somei Yoshino, are planted around the castle, reaching full bloom from late March to early April. The view of these blossoms against the backdrop of the tenshudai creates one of the most iconic springtime scenes in Takamatsu.

During peak bloom season (typically March 28 to April 6), the castle grounds host a special night-time event with free admission to Sakura no Baba. From 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, around 150 paper lanterns softly illuminate the cherry-lined paths, transforming the area into a dreamlike nightscape. It’s a magical experience that allows for a peaceful spring evening under glowing blossoms.

As its name implies, Sakura no Baba was originally used as a horseback riding area. Today, the wide open space is perfect for spreading out picnic mats and enjoying hanami with friends and family. Despite being in the center of the city, the castle’s tranquil and refined atmosphere makes for a truly special flower-viewing experience.

Virtual Castle Keep Light Show: A Spectacular Projection Mapping Event at Takamatsu Castle Festival

Each May, the highlight of the Takamatsu Castle Festival is the virtual castle keep light show, which uses state-of-the-art projection mapping technology. The original tenshu (main keep), which was dismantled in 1884, is recreated in brilliant light against the night sky, bringing history back to life.

Using specialized equipment placed on the tenshudai, the projected image reconstructs the three-tiered keep in striking detail, making it appear as if the structure has truly returned. Food stalls and local delicacies are also available during the event, making it an enjoyable night for visitors of all ages.

This initiative, which revives lost cultural heritage through modern technology, is garnering widespread attention. The emotional experience of seeing the grandeur of Edo-era Takamatsu Castle brought to life — blending historical romance and cutting-edge visuals — makes for a truly unforgettable night.

The History of Takamatsu Castle: 400 Years from the Ikoma to the Matsudaira Clans

Takamatsu Castle’s history began in 1588 when Ikoma Chikamasa, a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, commenced its construction. Designed as a revolutionary seaside fortress with seawater-filled moats drawn directly from the Seto Inland Sea, it was an advanced example of Japanese castle engineering for its time. The Ikoma clan resided here for four generations (54 years), until the clan was deposed in 1640 due to an internal conflict known as the Ikoma Disturbance. They were transferred to Yashima in Dewa Province (now Akita Prefecture).

In 1642, Matsudaira Yorishige — the elder brother of Tokugawa Mitsukuni (known as Mito Kōmon) — became the new lord of Takamatsu Castle, ruling over 120,000 koku of land in eastern Sanuki. He oversaw a major reconstruction of the castle, completing a new five-story tenshu modeled after Kokura Castle in 1670. The Matsudaira clan went on to govern for 11 generations over 228 years, during which many surviving cultural properties were constructed, including Tsukimi Yagura and Mizute Gate.

Remarkably, Takamatsu Castle never experienced warfare from its founding through the Meiji Restoration. Even during the 1868 Battle of Toba–Fushimi, the Matsudaira family peacefully surrendered to the new Meiji government without a fight. Though many buildings were dismantled afterward, the surviving stone walls and designated cultural properties still tell the story of Takamatsu Castle’s 400-year legacy.

A Premier Seaside Castle Where History and Hands-On Experiences Await

As one of Japan’s Three Great Water Castles, Takamatsu Castle beautifully blends historical significance with immersive experiences, surrounded by the seawater moats of the Seto Inland Sea.

Visitors can explore diverse attractions — from the dignified elegance of the 350-year-old Tsukimi Yagura to the faithfully reconstructed Sakura Gate and Mizute Gate, Japan’s only surviving large sea gate. From the tenshudai, you can imagine the scale and majesty of the former five-story keep and appreciate the innovative water-based design of the fortress.

Whether feeding sea bream in the moat (Taigan Jōju), cruising the moat in a traditional boat, or witnessing a reconstructed keep through projection mapping, the interactive, multi-sensory experiences at Takamatsu Castle go beyond a typical historical site — making it a rare “participatory castle experience.”

Just a 3-minute walk from Takamatsu Station, the castle’s convenient location makes it easy to access this living piece of history and culture. The tranquil scenery of the water castle and its one-of-a-kind seaside features await — Takamatsu Castle truly is a “majestic fortress on the water.”

Come and explore one of Japan’s most distinctive and rewarding castles, where history and hands-on experiences meet.

If you’d like a more detailed look into the atmosphere of Takamatsu Castle, we recommend the article below.

Walk Through Takamatsu Castle: Experience Japan’s Great Seaside Fortress

Just a 3-minute walk from JR Takamatsu Station, this photo-rich guide takes you through Takamatsu Castle—one of Japan’s great seaside fortresses, known for its historical charm and scenic moats.