Takamatsu Autumn 2026: 5 Reasons for a Japanese Getaway

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:: Places ::

✈ Recommended Places to Visit in Takamatsu ✈

If Tokyo and Osaka feel too overwhelming,

and you've already explored Fukuoka multiple times,

I highly recommend Takamatsu for your next Japanese adventure.

Having visited myself,

I found it ideal for a 3-day, 2-night trip,

offering everything from delicious udon to stunning gardens and island excursions.

Takamatsu is especially enchanting in the fall,

so here are 5 compelling reasons why Takamatsu is a must-visit 🍁❤

01 A Serene Japanese Small City,

Less Crowded than Tokyo or Osaka

With the Japanese yen currently at historic lows

and Japan experiencing a tourism boom,

it seems like popular destinations are packed with people.

If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of places

like Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka,

and prefer a more relaxed pace,

then Takamatsu is an excellent choice for a Japanese small city trip! ❣

You can still soak in that unique Japanese atmosphere,

but with a distinctly different, slower vibe than the major cities,

making it perfect for leisurely strolls!

02 A City with More Udon Shops than Convenience Stores

When you think of Takamatsu,

you absolutely cannot forget Sanuki Udon.

That's because Takamatsu is the birthplace of udon!

Takamatsu famously boasts more udon shops

than convenience stores... seriously!

With so many udon restaurants in Takamatsu,

I simply picked one randomly from Google Maps during my visit,

but it can be tough to decide where to go for the best experience.

While you can certainly follow my lead and choose a spot from Google Maps,

if you prefer a guaranteed delicious meal without any guesswork,

consider joining an Udon Taxi Tour or Hopping Tour!

03 Ritsurin Garden, Perfect for an Autumn Visit

If I had to pick just one must-see spot in Takamatsu,

I would definitely say Ritsurin Garden.

Ritsurin Garden is renowned as one of Japan's most beautiful gardens.

I visited in October, but Takamatsu's peak autumn foliage typically runs

from late November to early December,

which is a bit later than in other parts of Japan.

With the added beauty of autumn leaves,

Takamatsu truly shines as an ideal fall destination in Japan 💕

It's a wonderful place to take photos, enjoy a leisurely stroll,

and simply relax.

I especially recommend it for those who prefer a less hectic itinerary 🌳

04 Dedicate a Day to Island Hopping

Another fantastic advantage of Takamatsu

is the opportunity to combine your trip with island hopping.

You can easily take a ferry,

much like visiting Udo Island from Jeju Island.

If you're an art enthusiast, consider adding Naoshima to your itinerary,

or if you prefer nature and a relaxed atmosphere,

Shodoshima is a great choice.

While exploring Takamatsu city center is wonderful,

adding a day trip to an island will give you a completely different

and unique Takamatsu experience.

Personally, I'd recommend a package tour for Naoshima or Shodoshima.

My own not-so-funny story involves going to Shodoshima independently

and missing the bus schedule, which meant I couldn't fully enjoy

the island... *sigh*.

So, if you're planning a short 3-day, 2-night trip

and want to visit Naoshima or Shodoshima,

I highly recommend using a guided island tour.

05 Just a 1-hour, 40-minute Flight from Incheon ✈️

One of the reasons people often hesitate about visiting Japan's smaller cities

is the complicated travel arrangements.

However, Takamatsu is incredibly accessible, with direct flights from Incheon

taking approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes! ❕

The flight time isn't burdensome, and you won't need to travel far

from the airport upon arrival, making it a great option for a quick getaway.

Searching for flights for the Takamatsu autumn foliage season (late 2026),

I found round-trip flights for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Takamatsu

starting at around ~$140! 😲

When I traveled to Takamatsu, I flew with Air Busan,

but for 2026, Jin Air seems to offer the most affordable options.

However, prices vary depending on the dates and airline,

so I recommend comparing prices directly based on your desired travel dates.

Low-Cost Flight Booking & Airfare Price Comparison | Trip.com3ha.in

If you're planning a trip to Japan this autumn,

how about a unique adventure to Takamatsu? 🍁

It offers a far more memorable small-city experience

than the crowded streets of Tokyo or Osaka 🤗

Start comparing flight prices now!

🍜 Sanuki Udon is so famous, there are more udon shops than convenience stores.

🌳 In autumn, Ritsurin Garden is a must-see, and I recommend a day trip to Naoshima or Shodoshima.

✈️ Just a 1 hour, 40-minute direct flight from Incheon, perfect for a 3-day, 2-night trip.

Takamatsu Travel Naoshima Tour: Why It's Hard to Go Alone to the Art Islandblog.naver.com