JP · Kagawa Prefecture · 34.35°N 134.05°E

takamatsu

Chewy Sanuki udon, pine gardens and ferries heading into the Seto Inland Sea.

Best time
March–May and October–November are comfortable for gardens and ferry trips. July–August is hot and humid; winter is quiet and mild.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Osaka Kansai (about 6.5 hours). Take the shinkansen to Okayama, then the Marine Liner over the Seto Ohashi bridge to Takamatsu, about 2 hours in all from Shin-Osaka. Japan is an hour ahead of KL.
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JP · Kagawa Prefecturetakamatsu34.35°N 134.05°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Chewy Sanuki udon, pine gardens and ferries heading into the Seto Inland Sea.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingTakamatsuJP, Kagawa Prefecture
KLtakamatsu
≈ 4,820 km from KL, as the crow flies
A walk around the Ritsurin Gardens, Takamatsu, Japan

Photo: Dunphasizer from United Kingdom · CC BY-SA 2.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Shikoku's gateway city, with ferries to the art islands on one side of town and Ritsurin Garden on the other. Kagawa calls itself Japan's udon prefecture, and the covered shopping arcades in between give you plenty of chances to stop for another bowl.

Makan

  1. Sanuki udonThick, firm noodles in broth, chilled or with a raw egg. Self-service udon shops make it a quick meal.Map ↗
  2. HonetsukidoriA whole chicken leg roasted with garlic and pepper, a speciality of nearby Marugame.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Ritsurin GardenOne of Japan's finest strolling gardens, with ponds, clipped pines and a teahouse below a wooded hill.Map ↗
  2. Naoshima and ShodoshimaArt museums on Naoshima and olive groves on Shodoshima, both ferry rides from the port.Map ↗
  3. YashimaA flat-topped hill above the city with a pilgrimage temple and views across the Inland Sea.Map ↗
  4. Tamamo ParkWhat's left of Takamatsu Castle, with moats filled with seawater and sea bream swimming in them.Map ↗

Good to know

  • The port and JR Takamatsu Station are side by side, so an early ferry fits easily around a city stay.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.