Takamatsu
A relaxed port city on Shikoku, known for a landscaped Edo-era garden, Sanuki udon and ferries to art islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
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Takamatsu is the capital and largest city of Kagawa Prefecture, on the northern coast of Shikoku, Japan's smallest main island. It sits on the Seto Inland Sea, and its port is the departure point for ferries to a string of islands known for contemporary art. The city is best known for Ritsurin Garden, a strolling garden laid out in the Edo period, and for Sanuki udon, the region's thick wheat noodles, served in many small shops.
Takamatsu suits a short city break of one to two days, with more time if you add a ferry trip to Naoshima, the best-known of the art islands. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking the garden and the old castle grounds in Tamamo Park. Summers are hot and humid, so plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning. Two full days cover the city and one island day trip at an easy pace.
Takamatsu in five
- Carry yen for udon countersMany small udon shops take only cash, and 7-Eleven ATMs accept many foreign cards. Keep small yen notes and coins for shops without a card reader.Money and costs
- Take the Marine Liner from OkayamaThe JR Marine Liner crosses the Seto Ohashi bridge to Takamatsu in about 1 hour from Okayama. Reserved seats can sell out at busy times, so book at a JR counter or ticket machine.
- Set up an eSIM before you landMaps, train apps and bus timetables all need data from the moment you arrive. Install the eSIM before your flight.Phones and eSIM
- Plan udon for lunchSanuki udon is Kagawa's signature noodle, and small shops keep their own hours, so check opening times before you go.
- Check Naoshima ferry times at Takamatsu PortFerries leave Takamatsu Port for Naoshima in about 1 hour, and operators change sailings by season. Check the timetable on the day you travel.
Need to know
- Currency
- Yen (JPY)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check MOFA before you book Read more
- Emergency
- 110 police, 119 fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+9, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, dry
- FebruaryCold, sunny
- MarchCherry blossom
- AprilMild, spring
- MayGolden Week
- JuneRainy season
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustHot, humid
- SeptemberTyphoon risk
- OctoberMild, clear
- NovemberAutumn color
- DecemberCold, quiet
Right now in Takamatsu
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
14
- Feels like
- 12°
- Humidity
- 75%
- Wind
- 7 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Takamatsu
05:38 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today20°13°0%Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 20°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed19°13°20%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Thu21°15°59%Thursday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 59%.
- Fri21°13°33%Friday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 33%.
- Sat16°11°0%Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 16°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun15°9°1%Sunday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Mon15°11°2%Monday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 2%.
Updated 04:58 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 157.5 JPY
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Naoshimaabout 1 hour by ferryArt museums and outdoor sculpture on a small island. The ferry is the main leg of the day.
- Kotohiraabout 1 hour by trainA hillside shrine reached by a long stone staircase, and the climb is the main part of the visit.
- Okayamaabout 1 hour by Marine LinerA castle and the Korakuen garden in a city on the Shinkansen route, a useful add-on before or after Takamatsu.
Before you go to Takamatsu
Rules for Takamatsu, checked
- Many nationalities enter Japan visa-free for short stays. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa page before you book.Source
- Register on Visit Japan Web before you fly to speed up arrival formalities for immigration and customs.Source
- The legal drinking age is 20, and shops and bars check ID. Carry your passport when buying alcohol or tobacco.
- Keep phones on silent and avoid phone calls on trains, the usual custom across Japan.
- Public trash bins are scarce, so carry your rubbish with you until you reach a hotel or convenience store bin.
Plan around Takamatsu
Regions, entry rules, rail passes and money for a Japan trip
Read the guideShikoku islandThe island Takamatsu sits on, with its rail and ferry links
Read the guideGetting aroundTrains, buses and ferries between Takamatsu, Okayama and the islands
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices for food, transport and sights
Read the guideVisas and entryWho can enter visa-free and what to do before you fly
Read the guideWhere to stayAreas near the station, the port and the garden
Read the guideTakamatsu FAQ
Is Takamatsu worth visiting?
Yes, if you want Sanuki udon, Ritsurin Garden and a base for the Naoshima ferry. It is a compact city, so it works better as a stop of two or three days than as a long stay.
How many days do you need in Takamatsu?
Two days cover Ritsurin Garden, the castle grounds and a meal of udon. Add a day for Naoshima, since the ferry from Takamatsu Port takes about an hour each way.
How do you get from Osaka to Takamatsu?
Take the Shinkansen to Okayama, then the JR Marine Liner across the Seto Ohashi bridge to Takamatsu. Allow about 2 hours in total with the transfer.
When is the best time to visit Takamatsu?
March to April and October to November have mild weather. Summers are hot and humid, and typhoons can affect ferries and trains from August to September.
Do you need a car in Takamatsu?
No for the city, Ritsurin Garden and the port, which are reached by trains, buses and taxis. A car is only worth considering for rural parts of Shikoku.
Is Takamatsu safe for tourists?
Keep valuables with you. In an emergency, dial 110 for police or 119 for fire and ambulance.