Takamatsu Travel Guide 2026: Must-Visit Spots & Authentic Eats

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Takamatsu, Japan Travel

Your Essential Guide to Must-Visit Spots and Culinary Delights

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You know that feeling, right? When you've checked out, and there's that awkward gap before your flight,

leaving you pacing around unsure what to do?

I totally experienced that on the last day of my Takamatsu trip.

But this charming small city actually has surprisingly good airport limousine and

ferry connections, so if you plan your itinerary well,

you can make the most of every single minute,

right up until the very end.

If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of big cities these days and are looking for a

peaceful and delicious small Japanese city,

I genuinely can't recommend this Takamatsu trip enough.

As someone in my 30s who's personally explored and fallen in love with Takamatsu,

I've handpicked only the most essential, foolproof itineraries

and life-changing eateries. Just follow my lead!

1. Ritsurin Garden: A Michelin-Starred Oasis?

The first place I want to introduce is Ritsurin Garden, which has received

3 stars in the Michelin Guide.

This garden was incredibly created in the 1700s,

and when you actually visit, its sheer scale is absolutely breathtaking.

With Mt. Shiun as its backdrop, the garden creates the illusion of

boundless space – this arrangement is truly a work of art.

You can even experience riding a traditional Japanese boat on the South Pond,

making it the perfect spot to sit back and simply

enjoy the serene atmosphere, feeling like a sage.

Pro tip: If you visit early in the morning, there are fewer people and

the air is clearer, making it much better for a peaceful stroll.

Be sure to also visit Kikugatsu-tei, the traditional teahouse within the garden.

For an admission fee of about 800 yen, you can enjoy bitter matcha tea and

sweet Wasanbon, a traditional Japanese confection,

while gazing at the beautiful pond.

Operating hours vary slightly by season, typically between 5:30 AM and 7:00 PM,

so be sure to check Google Maps in advance before you go.

The admission fee is 410 yen for adults,

making it an affordable and worthwhile visit.

2. Ever Heard of the Red Pumpkin That 'Staked its Claim' on an Island?

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During your Takamatsu trip, make sure to dedicate a day to take a ferry to an

island.

The most recommended destination is Naoshima,

known as the 'Island of Contemporary Art'.

It's about a 50-minute ferry ride from Takamatsu Port,

and the entire island feels like one giant art museum.

You'll be greeted by Yayoi Kusama's famous red

and yellow pumpkin sculptures, and let me tell you,

seeing them in person, the colors are truly dazzling.

The island is full of magnificent spaces like the Chichu Art Museum,

designed by Tadao Ando, or Benesse House, which impress even

those not particularly interested in architecture.

Since the island is quite a bit larger than you might expect,

I recommend renting an electric bicycle near the port to explore.

Riding a bicycle with the cool sea breeze on your face is

genuinely a healing experience.

However, many popular museums require advance reservations,

so be sure to book them before you travel from home.

If you're traveling with your parents, you might want to check out a tour that allows you to comfortably explore Naoshima, the Island of Art.

⬇️ Book a Tour ⬇️

3. Do you know about the path hidden underwater?

If you want to experience the mysterious wonders of nature,

head to Shodoshima Island.

Here, the Angel Road, a sandbar that appears only twice a day

when the tide recedes, is incredibly famous.

It's a place where a romantic legend says that if you walk

hand-in-hand with a loved one, your wishes will come true.

And since Shodoshima was the first place in Japan

to successfully cultivate olives, you absolutely must visit the Olive Park.

There's a hill with a white, Greek-style windmill where everyone borrows a broom,

free of charge, to take fun jump shots like Kiki from 'Kiki's Delivery Service'.

The photos turn out truly fairytale-like and beautiful,

so make sure to grab a broom and capture that perfect life-shot!

If you use the welcome coupon book you receive as a promotion

at Takamatsu Airport, you can even get a round-trip ferry ticket

at a great deal, so be sure to check out all the benefits carefully.

4. Do you happen to love Udon?

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Kagawa Prefecture is so serious about udon that it's nicknamed 'Udon Prefecture'.

You know it's practically a crime not to have udon three times a day

when you visit Takamatsu, right?

1️⃣ Teuchi Udon Tsurumaru

This is personally the udon restaurant in Takamatsu

that I think about the most.

It operates at night and had quite a local waiting line, but their curry udon was simply exquisite.

Plus, the fish cake skewers, available year-round,

were absolutely delightful here.

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2️⃣ Udon Bakaichidai

The signature dish here is Kama Butter Udon.

It's a dish made with freshly boiled warm noodles mixed with a raw egg, butter,

and black pepper – just the sight of it will make your mouth water!

However, it's known for long waits,

so if you've got the energy, I recommend doing an 'open run' (arriving right at opening time).

It opens at 6 AM, so you might feel a bit drained, but if you visit during lunchtime,

you'll face at least an hour of waiting.

(I got so hungry waiting that I became quite cranky!)

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3️⃣ Ueharaya Honten

Located right near Ritsurin Garden,

this self-serve udon specialty restaurant is perfectly optimized for your travel itinerary.

You can experience the fun of blanching the noodles yourself in hot water.

Their crispy fried items here are especially outstanding.

When you pair freshly fried tofu or fish cake tempura with udon soaked in rich broth,

it's truly a taste of heaven.

Plus, at just 250 yen per serving,

it offers incredible value for money!

5. And of course, nothing beats a little alcohol to wrap up the day, right?

Let me introduce you to a fantastic local izakaya perfect for enjoying a refreshing draft beer or a highball to conclude your day's adventures.

That would be 'Yakitori Nagisa', a specialty restaurant serving grilled chicken skewers.

I stumbled upon this place by chance while looking for an izakaya near my accommodation. It's run by an elderly couple, so you can really feel that warm, local atmosphere.

However, a small heads-up: the menu is handwritten in Japanese, and prices aren't listed, so if you get carried away with ordering, your wallet might just feel a little lighter!

But despite that, it's a wonderful spot where you can watch your food being prepared right before your eyes, and the kind elderly couple who run it make you feel like you've stepped into a charming countryside village.

Wrapping Up

So, what did you think of the Takamatsu travel itinerary and restaurant recommendations?

While vibrant and bustling cities like Osaka or Tokyo are great, sometimes a healing trip spent cycling through tranquil landscapes and savoring the world's most delightfully chewy udon can be incredibly charming and rejuvenating.

Refer to the attractions and dining routes I've shared today to plan an efficient and fulfilling itinerary without any wasted time.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask in the comments anytime, and I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing trip to this charming small city!

⬇️ Click here to find flights in the ~$138 range! ⬇️

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