Takamatsu

Takamatsu, the capital of Kagawa Prefecture, sits on the northern coast of Shikoku island facing the Seto Inland Sea. You'll find centuries-old pine trees and wooden tea houses at Ritsurin Garden, where you can sip matcha while watching koi swim in the ponds. Take a ferry to explore the contemporary art installations on Naoshima island, or visit one of the city's many udon restaurants serving Sanuki udon, the region's signature thick noodles. In the city's bonsai districts, master gardeners shape pine trees that will become part of gardens across Japan - Takamatsu produces 80% of the country's pine bonsai.

Exploring Ritsurin Garden

Walk the paths through Ritsurin Garden to discover six ponds and thirteen artificial hills that create new perspectives around each corner. In autumn, the garden extends its hours into the evening, when illuminated maple trees cast reflections on the water. During cherry blossom season, you can ride in wooden boats on the central pond as pink petals drift by. Stop at one of the garden's tea houses to join a tea ceremony and taste seasonal wagashi sweets.

Udon Culture in Takamatsu

The firm, chewy texture defines Sanuki udon, which originated in this region. Most local restaurants use a self-service system: grab a tray, select your udon style from the menu, and watch the cooks prepare your noodles. Try the noodles in hot soup or cold on bamboo mats (zaru udon). Small family restaurants make their noodles each morning and often close when they run out.

Getting Around and Beyond

Catch trains from JR Takamatsu Station to Okayama on Honshu via the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, or take ferries to the art islands. Rent bikes at any of the six ports around the city center to cycle between sights. Ferries to Naoshima leave from Takamatsu Port multiple times daily, taking about an hour. Local trains connect to nearby Kotohira, where you can visit the Konpira-san shrine complex.

Mount Yashima Area

Mount Yashima, a 293-meter plateau, rises above Takamatsu. Climb to Yashima Temple, the 84th stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage route, to examine Buddhist artifacts from the 8th century. At the mountain's base, walk through the Shikoku Mura museum to see authentic Edo and Meiji period buildings moved here from across Shikoku, including thatched farmhouses, kabuki theaters, and wooden bridges. The summit observation deck looks out across the city and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

Bonsai Districts

Walk through Kinashi and Kokubunji districts to see thousands of pine trees in training, from young saplings to 500-year-old specimens. These two areas grow most of Japan's black and white pine bonsai trees. You'll see long rows of bonsai at different growth stages, and many nurseries welcome visitors. Sign up for workshops to learn basic techniques like pruning and wiring branches.