The Gateway to Shikoku Island
The lively port town of Takamatsu in northern Shikoku serves as the gateway to Shikoku island and the many beautiful islands in the Seto Inland Sea. A convenient base for exploring the region, this urban center boasts many attractions of its own.
Although it was a castle town in the 17th century, Takamatsu is now a modern city. Its seaside castle no longer exists, but the ruins can still be visited. Ritsurin Koen Garden, while not one of the “big three” Japanese gardens, is still one of the best available and a must-see for visitors. Beautiful year round, this natural sanctuary is particularly spectacular in the spring for cherry blossom viewing, or in fall to catch vibrant autumn colors. Additionally, Shikoku Mura, and an open-air museum where traditional Shikoku-style architecture can be seen, is another one of the city’s popular sights. Nearby Yashima peninsula offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and its many small islands, especially at sunset.
Takamatsu is also the ideal city for eating udon because it is the speciality of this region. The saki udon, thick noodles cooked in the hot soup, are made by one of the variation of the wheat grown and harvested not far from the centre of the city. Where ever you go in this city: in the harbour, in the small streets or in the big commercial area, you can taste the saki udon anywhere.
Although it was a castle town in the 17th century, Takamatsu is now a modern city. Its seaside castle no longer exists, but the ruins can still be visited. Ritsurin Koen Garden, while not one of the “big three” Japanese gardens, is still one of the best available and a must-see for visitors. Beautiful year round, this natural sanctuary is particularly spectacular in the spring for cherry blossom viewing, or in fall to catch vibrant autumn colors. Additionally, Shikoku Mura, and an open-air museum where traditional Shikoku-style architecture can be seen, is another one of the city’s popular sights. Nearby Yashima peninsula offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and its many small islands, especially at sunset.
Takamatsu is also the ideal city for eating udon because it is the speciality of this region. The saki udon, thick noodles cooked in the hot soup, are made by one of the variation of the wheat grown and harvested not far from the centre of the city. Where ever you go in this city: in the harbour, in the small streets or in the big commercial area, you can taste the saki udon anywhere.
