Welcome to Takamatsu!
Takamatsu City is the capital of Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku Island. You can easily come to Takamatsu by air, as there is an international airport, or by train from Okayama City. There are also connecting highways across the sea so those who drive can easily come to Takamatsu through Osaka and Kobe too.
Takamatsu is the central hub of what happens in Shikoku. Shipping lanes come direct to Kagawa, and ferries take passengers from here to the main islands, as well as the beautiful islands that are part of Kagawa: Naoshima, Shodoshima, Megijima, Ogijima, and Teshima.
Takamatsu is famous for its beautiful Risturin Garden, Takamatsu Castle, Shikoku Village, the 88 Buddhist Temple Pilgrimage, the Konpira Shrine, and historical battle grounds such as Yashima. Besides having culturally important places to experience, and because of Kagawa’s very vibrant cultural heritage, visitors can enjoy tea ceremony, kimono-wearing, bonsai gardening, martial arts such as Shorinji-Kenpo, Kabuki, Noh, and the shamisen. All are very much alive and thriving in Kagawa-ken.
Kagawa is often referred to as “Udon prefecture”, and while it is true that the udon of Kagawa is particularly delicious, there is a rich abundance of Japanese food that locals enjoy. The Seto Inland Sea is a wonderful source for fish and shellfish, and sushi and oysters are particularly excellent here. In addition to noodles, visitors can also easily find and access traditional Japanese foods such as sashimi, tempura, okonomiyaki, wagyu beef, and other delicacies.
Kagawa is also host to the Setouchi Triennial Art Festival, which occurs every three years. During the year of the festival, people from all over the world and Japan can visit the islands of the Seto Inland Sea which are easily accessible by ferry. The modern art mixed and contrasted with ancient traditions and culture breathe a unique aesthetic to the islands, and has remarkably been a tremendous source of artistic inspiration for both new and traditional art.
Takamatsu is easily accessible by land, air, and water. The climate is excellent and there is little rainfall during most of the year. The people are kind and welcoming. It would be very difficult to have a bad time in Kagawa while exploring and experiencing this unique landscape of people, art, and culture.
