Things to Do in Takamatsu

A narrow lane of converted 1950s warehouses and shops near the port, now housing indie cafes, record stores, and craft shops. Good for a relaxed wander.

🕐 Shops vary, generally 10:00-19:00

💡 Free to browse. The best coffee in town is at Café de la Plage (around 450 yen). Open until late, but many shops close by 18:00. Go on a weekend for more open places.

A reconstructed castle right on the Seto Inland Sea, with moats fed by tidal seawater. The keep is gone but the stone walls, gates, and grounds remain. Nice coastal views.

🕐 09:00-16:30

💡 Entry costs 200 yen. The free exterior walkway along the sea wall is just as good for photos. Combine with a walk on the adjacent ferry pier.

A modest modern art museum near the castle, with rotating exhibitions of local and international work. Small permanent collection includes pieces by Japanese modernists.

🕐 09:30-17:00, closed Mondays

💡 Permanent collection is 200 yen. Temporary exhibitions cost extra (often 500-1000 yen). The ground floor lobby and cafe are free — decent espresso for 300 yen. Check the website for free admission days (first Sunday of some months).

An outdoor museum with over 20 relocated historic buildings from across Shikoku, including farmhouses, a kabuki stage, and a suspension bridge. Gives a real feel of old rural life.

🕐 08:30-17:00

💡 800 yen entry, but the grounds connect to the cable car up to Yashima Plateau. If you walk from the plateau back down, you can skip the cable car fare. Allow 1.5 hours.

A spacious 17th-century landscape garden with ponds, hills, tea houses and walking paths. One of the best gardens in Japan, with views of Mount Shiun in the background.

🕐 07:00-17:00 (varies slightly by season)

💡 Entry is 410 yen (about £2.50) — cheap for the quality. Go early on a weekday to avoid crowds. The teahouse inside has set matcha and sweet for under 800 yen.