Takamatsu Highlights Tour

General Information

Tour Code:
Duration: 7 hours
Start/End: Takamatsu port/ Takamatsu port
Highlights: Ritsurin Garden, Yashima, Yakuriji Temple, Art Sites of Setouchi Triennale, Takamatsu Castle
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Full Itinerary

Meet your local guide and driver at the port, then head straight to Ritsurin Garden as the first destination of the day tour. It is the largest Cultural Property Garden in all of Japan and is an important cultural asset that has been maintained for nearly 400 years. Seasonal flowers and thousands of pine trees create gorgeous scenery that changes throughout the seasons. You will stroll through the garden, and each step offers a new perspective on the beauty of the garden.

Next, make your way to Yashima, a peninsula of lava located in the east of Takamatsu that protrudes out into the Seto Inland Sea. It is considered the best scenic spot for viewing the Seto Inland Sea as you can soak up the eye-bird view of the island from observation decks on the mountain top. Moreover, you can even take on the challenge of the famous clay plate throwing event. On this game, participants throw a small, unglazed clay plate as far as they can, which is also said to ward off evil.

Your trip continues to Yakuriji Temple one of 9 constructions of "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" designated as a World Heritage Site. There are many features to the temple but the West and the East Tower are especially must-sees. In addition to the temple’s main grounds with the main hall and pagodas, there is a small area to the north. Here, you can find an Octagonal Hall which is dedicated to a Chinese monk that was once an important figure for Buddhism. There is also an art collection based on the monk’s journey in a separate building next to the said hall. Walk around the temple and explore little by little.

Then, you will have a chance to witness the most popular Japan Art Festival - Setouchi Triennale. The event happens every three years in the eastern part of the Seto Inland Sea in Western Japan, especially it is centered around Takamatsu city. While a contemporary art festival, the Triennale deals with art in the widest possible meaning, also including architecture, traditional crafts, food, performing arts and more. The unique setting really gives you an essential experience of “real Japan”.

Your trip to Takamatsu would not be completed without a visit to the ruins of Takamatsu Castle. Once castle grounds, it is now a beautiful park for tourists to see some of the remnants from the past. It is famous around the country for being one of the only three castles having a moat that is directly connected to the sea. Enter the park, a beautiful Japanese style garden is waiting for you to take a stroll. Also, can see traditional Japanese interior with tatami mats and the world famous paper doors, called “Fusuma”. Before completing the shore trip, don’t forget to taste Sanuki Udon Noodles - the local specialty, one of the best udon noodles on the globe. Trip ends at a leisure time and you are ready for the departure at the port.