The city center is the gateway to Shikoku and the face of Takamatsu. The area is filled with a wide variety of attractions including shopping and gourmet experiences and also the historical, cultural and artistic features of Takamatsu. You can stroll about in free moments during your trip using the trains and buses. Find your own favorite spots. If you explore the side streets, you can discover a different side of Takamatsu.
Megijima and Ogijima, two islands located side-by-side off the coast of Takamatsu, can be easily accessed by ferry from Takamatsu Port. Megijima is also known as Onigashima. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the islands, appreciate the contemporary artwork of The Setouchi Triennale and stroll through the narrow alleys and the terraced communities that appear like fish scales.
Goshikidai Pleateu translates as the five-color lava plateau. As its name implies, it consists of five peaks: Konomine (red), Kiinomine (yellow), Kuromine (black), Aomine (blue), and Shiramine (white). Enjoy driving the Goshikidai Skyline running from south to north, with its beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Kinashi and Kokubunji are the largest pine bonsai production areas in Japan. Many domestic and overseas bonsai fans visit these places known as the home of Takamatsu bonsai. Bonsai gardens and fields are located in residential districts and are a part of the community. Enjoy viewing gardens and making bonsai.
Busshozan prospered in the Edo period (1603-1868) as a temple town of Honenji, the family temple dedicated to the feudal lord of Takamatsu. The historic Onari-Kaido Highway that stretches through the town is dotted with cafes and general stores in renovated traditional Japanese houses. It’s a hideaway where a modern atmosphere blends into a quaint traditional charm of the area.
"There are several temples and shrines loved by local people in Ichinomiya, including Ichinomiya Temple, which is one of the temples of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku. It is in the area along the Kotoden Kotohira Line, as is Bushozan."
Yashima’s historic highlights that capture your imagination include Yashimaji Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, ancient castle ruins, and the historic battlefield of the Genpei War. The sunset from the top of Mt. Yashima is spectacular. Mt.Gokenzan, which lies between the areas of Aji and Mure, is one of Japan’s leading stone production areas. The Aji Stone quarried here is called the diamond of granite and is highly valued. You can also visit the filming locations of a very popular movie, “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” also known as “Socrates in Love,” while in Aji.
Located at the southern end of the city of Takamatsu, Shionoe is a hot spring area known as Takamatsu’s Onsen Retreat. Legend has it that the renowned Buddhist priest Gyoki (668-749) discovered it, and Kukai (774-835), also known posthumously as Kobo Daishi, made it known as a place for a hot-spring cure. The rich nature of Shionoe surrounded by mountains will heal your body and soul with cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.
The Kagawa/Konan area is next to the Koto River flowing through central Kagawa Prefecture. It is a prosperous agricultural area thanks to its fertile land and abundant water resources. There are spots that you can visit when waiting to board your plane as it is located near Takamatsu Airport, and there are also spots you can enjoy with your family.