Weather in Takamatsu

Takamatsu, the gateway city to Shikoku, is home to Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's finest landscape gardens with ponds, pine trees and a backdrop of forested hills. It's also the main jumping-off point for the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea, including Naoshima and Teshima, and is famous in its own right for sanuki udon, the thick, chewy noodles that originated in the surrounding Kagawa Prefecture.

Best areas to stay in Takamatsu

Ritsurin Garden

A historic landscape garden with ponds, pine trees and teahouses, one of the largest in Japan.

Takamatsu Port & Ferry Terminal

The departure point for ferries to Naoshima, Teshima and other Seto Inland Sea art islands.

Marugamemachi Shopping Arcade

A long covered shopping street in the city centre, good for udon shops, cafes and local life.

Takamatsu Castle Ruins (Tamamo Park)

A seaside castle park with moats once connected directly to the sea, now a quiet central green space.

Getting to Takamatsu

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Flights

Fly into Tokyo or Osaka Kansai (KIX), then take a domestic flight to Takamatsu Airport or a train via Okayama and the Seto-Ohashi Bridge.

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From London

~14-15 hours total from London including transfers

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Getting around

Trams and buses cover the city centre; ferries from the port reach the Seto Inland Sea art islands.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Takamatsu?

Spring and autumn offer comfortable weather for Ritsurin Garden and island-hopping; the Setouchi Triennale art festival, held periodically, draws extra visitors to the region.

How do I get to Takamatsu?

Takamatsu has its own airport with domestic flights, and is also reachable by train from Okayama via the Seto-Ohashi Bridge in around an hour.

Is Takamatsu a good base for visiting Naoshima?

Yes, ferries to Naoshima and other art islands depart from Takamatsu port, making it a convenient base for day trips to the Seto Inland Sea islands.

What food is Takamatsu famous for?

Sanuki udon, thick wheat noodles served in countless local shops, is the regional speciality and considered some of the best udon in Japan.

What is Ritsurin Garden like?

A large Edo-period landscape garden with ponds, manicured pines and teahouses, set against the backdrop of Mount Shiun - one of Japan's top-rated gardens.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Ritsurin Garden was a real highlight, far quieter than the famous gardens in Kyoto, and the udon shops around town were some of the best noodles we had anywhere in Japan.

Anna P. · May 2024

★★★★★

Used Takamatsu as a base for a day trip to Naoshima - the ferry ride is short and easy, and the art installations on the island were incredible.

Hiro M. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Underrated city with a relaxed pace, good seafood, and excellent access to the inland sea islands. Worth a couple of nights rather than just a stopover.

Dan F. · March 2024