Major city · Japan
Takamatsu高松
Give Takamatsu 2 nights: one full day for Ritsurin Garden and udon, one for Yashima or a Naoshima ferry day. Skip it as a base for the whole of Shikoku.
Takamatsu is the ferry and rail gateway to Shikoku, on the Seto Inland Sea, and the cheapest place in Japan to eat well: Sanuki udon is a local staple, with bowls from about ¥400. The city itself is compact and bike-friendly, but the big draws — Ritsurin Garden, Yashima, the art islands — sit outside the centre. Two nights covers the city and one island or peninsula day; three if you want Naoshima and Teshima as well.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- JPY
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid), mid-August festival crowds
- Airports
- TAK · KIX
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Takamatsu110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Takamatsu, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cities are increasingly cashless; temples, small restaurants and some lodging taxes still want cash.Japan-wide
- SIM or eSIMData-only eSIMs are the easy route: buy before you fly; voice SIMs need a residence card.Japan-wide
- Tap waterSafe from the tap everywhere; stations and parks have fountains.Japan-wide
- TippingRestaurants and bars: No tip; staff will chase you to return money left on the table.Japan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 100 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Japan-wide
- SafetyTakamatsu is a calm, low-crime city; the real risks are summer heat, bicycles on shared paths and ferry timetables…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean public toilets in stations, parks and konbini; paper goes in the toilet.Japan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums close on Mondays (Tuesday when Monday is a holiday); many family restaurants close one weekday, often Tuesday or Wednesday…Japan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTAK Takamatsu Airport (Limousine bus to Takamatsu Station, about 40 min, ¥760 (≈ US$6)).
- Getting aroundThe centre is flat and bike-friendly: rental cycles cost about ¥100 (≈ under US$1) per 24 hours from seven stations, including one by Takamatsu Station…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealBeer: draught in an izakaya / can at a konbini¥500–750 (≈ US$4–6)¥250–350 (≈ US$2–3)
- Metro or bus rideKotoden tram ride¥200–400 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week¥2,000–4,000 (≈ US$14–30)
- Museum or sight ticketRitsurin Garden entry¥400 (≈ US$3) adults, ¥170 (≈ US$2) children
- Budget bedHostel or capsule bed, a night, per person¥3,000 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedBusiness-hotel double room, a night, per room¥14,000 (≈ US$95)
- High-end bedBusiness-hotel double room, a night, per room¥30,000 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ¥7,000 (≈ US$50) · Mid ¥13,000 (≈ US$90) · High ¥25,000 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TAK Takamatsu Airport (Limousine bus to Takamatsu Station, about 40 min, ¥760) · KIX Kansai International (Direct limousine bus to Takamatsu, about 3 h 30 min, ¥5,150 one-way)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Feb
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Mar
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jun (11 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Takamatsu: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
6 rd
Feb
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Mar
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
8 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
Dec
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is flat and bike-friendly: rental cycles cost about ¥100 per 24 hours from seven stations, including one by Takamatsu Station, and can be kept overnight. The Kotoden tram links the station, Kawaramachi and Ritsurin Kōen. JR local trains run to Yashima but not often; buses fill the gaps. Walking between sights is possible but slow — many are spread out.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Naoshima
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h each way
Ferry from Takamatsu port, about 50–60 min (¥520 (≈ US$4)) or speedboat about 25 min (¥1,220 (≈ US$9))
Art museums and the pumpkin; check the last ferry back before you leave.
Teshima
goDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h each way
Ferry from Takamatsu port
Fewer sailings than Naoshima; a full day, and book the museum slot ahead.
Shodoshima
overnightDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h each way
Ferry from Takamatsu port
Too big for a rushed return day; sleep one night on the island.
Kotohira
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Kotoden train from Takamatsu-Chikkō, about 1 h
The 785-step shrine climb; go early and wear shoes with grip.
Marugame
goDoor to door: About 1 h
JR limited express from Takamatsu Station, about 30 min
Original castle keep and the uchiwa fan museum; a half day.
Yashima
goDoor to door: About 1 h
JR train from Takamatsu Station or Kotoden with one transfer, about 15 min, then bus or walk uphill
Temple, aquarium and the 1185 battle site; the plateau is a stiff climb on foot.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Takamatsu Station and Sunport
Ferry terminal, JR and Kotoden access, Symbol Tower; best for one night with bags or an early island ferry.
Kawaramachi and the arcades
Central shōtengai shopping streets, udon shops and bars; 10–15 min walk from the station.
Ritsurin Park area
Quiet, near the garden and Kotoden Ritsurin Kōen Station; good for a second night if you want an early garden start.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥7,000–11,000 (≈ US$50–75) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥11,000–18,000 (≈ US$75–130) excl. bed
- High
- ¥18,000 (≈ US$130)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Business-hotel double room1 × 2 nights × ¥14,000 | ¥28,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ¥13,000 | ¥52,000 |
| Rental cycle, 24 hours2 × ¥100 | ¥200 |
| Naoshima ferry, return2 × ¥1,040 | ¥2,080 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ¥2,500 | ¥5,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ¥8,730 |
| Trip total≈ ¥24,000 per person per day, bed included | ¥96,010≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in yen; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Kake udon (plain bowl)Some shops sell bowls for as little as ¥100. | ¥400–600 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Udon with toppingsRarely more than ¥1,000. | ¥600–1,000 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Coffee | ¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Beer: draught in an izakaya / can at a konbini | ¥500–750 (≈ US$4–6) / ¥250–350 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Kotoden tram ride | ¥200–400 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Ritsurin Garden entry | ¥400 (≈ US$3) adults, ¥170 (≈ US$2) children |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ¥2,000–4,000 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Udon shops often close by mid-afternoon and sell out; go at lunch, not dinner.
- Isamu Noguchi Museum entry is by reservation only, with tours at set times; no booking, no entry.
- Ferries to Naoshima and Teshima fill on weekends and holidays; buy a return ticket and check the last sailing before you go.
- Summer heat and humidity in July–August; carry water and plan indoor stops at midday.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
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Takamatsu高松
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
ここまでお願いしますTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
Embassy
No embassies in Takamatsu; most countries use their embassies or consulates in Osaka or Tokyo.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Marine Liner, Okayama → Takamatsu: ¥1,470 (≈ US$10), about 55 min
- Ferry Takamatsu → Naoshima: ¥520 (≈ US$4), about 50–60 min
- Airport limousine bus, TAK → Takamatsu Station: ¥760 (≈ US$6), about 40 min
Say or show
- すみません — Excuse me / Sorry (sumimasen)
- ありがとうございます — Thank you (arigatō gozaimasu)
- かけうどん一つください — One kake udon, please (kake udon hitotsu kudasai)
- いくらですか？ — How much is it? (ikura desu ka)
- カードで払えますか？ — Can I pay by card? (kādo de haraemasu ka)
- フェリーターミナルはどこですか？ — Where is the ferry terminal? (ferī tāminaru wa doko desu ka)
Ferry timetables change by season; confirm the last sailing the morning you travel.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Takamatsu. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid), mid-August festival crowds · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for TAK: limousine bus times, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Takamatsu Station and Sunport, the arcades and Kawaramachi, Ritsurin Park, Yashima.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Ritsurin Garden, Tamamo Park, Kagawa Museum, Isamu Noguchi Museum) and udon pages with last orders.
- Ferry-day fixtures for Naoshima, Teshima and Shodoshima so gates A–D can go green.