Takamatsu
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By plane
The closest major airport to Takamatsu is Kansai International Airport in Osaka. There is a curiously-named bus called the "Airport Limousine" which runs directly between Kansai Airport and Takamatsu that makes seven round trip runs per day (¥3750 one-way; 3.5 hours). Not actually a limo.
Takamatsu has a tiny airport as well but there's only a few places you can get to from it. Service from the Takamatsu Airport to Tokyo's Haneda Airport is offered by both JAL and ANA, Japan's two major airlines. JAL also offers service to Kagoshima, and ANA also offers service to Okinawa. Asiana Airlines offers international service to Seoul Incheon Airport. But cheapest of all is Spring Airlines from Shanghai with fares starting at just ¥3000 each way. Time schedule for all of these flights.
By train
Train service between Okayama, on Japan's main island of Honshū, and Takamatsu began operation in 1988 after construction of the Great Seto Bridge, allowing the train line to cross the Seto Inland Sea. It is the only railway link between Honshū and Shikoku.
For getting to Takamatsu, the ideal train to ride is the Marine Liner , which runs directly between Okayama Station and Takamatsu Station. Trains run twice per hour in both directions (¥1,470 one-way; 55 minutes). Like all JR trains, the ride is free for those with a Japan Rail Pass. It is also important to note that because the Marine Liner is classified as a 'rapid'train, the Seishun 18 Ticket is valid on this train.
By bus
A number of bus companies, including JR Bus and Takamatsu Express, operate buses to and from major cities in the Kansai area. Prices may very slightly from company to company but in general the prices and trip times are nearly identical. Buses can be booked online.
Namba Station in Osaka to Takamatsu, 3 hrs 20 min, ¥3800 one-way, 48 round-trips daily.
San'nomiya Station in Kobe to Takamatsu, 2 hrs 30 min, ¥3600 one-way, 27 round-trips daily.
Kyoto Station in Kyoto to Takamatsu, 3 hrs 40 min, ¥4800 one-way, 7 round-trips daily.
By ferry
Jumbo Ferry.
This ferry runs 4 times daily between Kobe and Takamatsu. At both ends of the ferry, buses connect the ferry boarding point to the nearest major station San'nomiya Station and Takamatsu Station, respectively. The Kobe-side connecting bus costs ¥200 and takes 5 minutes, the Takamatsu-side connecting bus is free and takes 15 minutes. The ferry sails under the Akashi Straits Bridge, and udon is available on board. Kobe to/from Takamatsu one-way ¥1800, round-trip ¥2990; bicycles ¥2140 extra; cars ¥4790 extra.
Utaka-Kokudo Ferry
This ferry offers regular services between the Uno area of Tamano in Okayama Prefecture and Takamatsu. The trip takes about 55 minutes, and there are 44 round-trips daily. The ferry boarding points at both ends are close to the respective nearest train station. The ferry sails across the Seto Inland Sea between a number of islands. One-way ¥390; bicycles ¥440 extra; cars ¥1610 extra.
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Ritsurin Park
Sunrise to sunset a beautiful and very large Japanese landscape garden built for the Sanuki and Sasuma lords and has been designated a Japanese National Treasure. It is full of intriguing items and spectacular views it is likely to cause even those who have lived in Japan long-term to have a "Wow, I'm really in Japan!" moment. Although it is not one of the official top three gardens of Japan, it is undoubtedly one of Japan's most impressive gardens, and it benefits from generally being less crowded than its counterparts which are members of the illustrious top 3. Some of the garden's highlights include the Engetsu-kyo Bridge, the Okedoi-no-Taki Waterfall, the 'Red Wall of Rocks', a lotus pond, a large number of Japanese pine trees including the turle+crane rock, as well as other impressive sights. The park also contains three tea houses, a restaurant, and a folk craft museum. You can experience tea ceremony lite at the tea houses for small additional fee. On the map you receive when you purchase your ticket , you'll find a number of walking routes, including one specifically designed for handicap visitors. ¥400 (adults), ¥170 (children).
Tamamo Park
A picturesque park conveniently located very close to the main station area. It is home to the old site of Takamatsu Castle, which played an important role in the city's history. The main tower of the castle, dismantled during the Meiji era, is currently in the process of being rebuilt. There are a number buildings within the complex, and in early April it is a popular place to take in the cherry blossoms. ¥200 adults, ¥100 children.
The Kagawa Museum
Contains exhibits on the history, traditions, and people of Kagawa Prefecture, formerly known as Sanuki Province. Much of the information is only available in Japanese, however a free English audio guide is available for the permanent Kagawa history exhibit on the top floor. ¥400.
Shikokumura
An interesting open-air museum showing old houses collected from all around Shikoku. Inside the open-air museum there is a small art museum with works of Western artists including Pablo Picasso. The building has a nice garden with a nice panorama and was designed by Tadao Ando. It's about 20 minutes from the center of town. Take a Kotoden train from Takamatsu-Chikko Station to Kawaramachi Station, transfer to the Shido Line, and disembark at Kotoden Yashima. Adults ¥800, high school students ¥500, children ¥300.
Yashima Shrine
This shrine was originally built in 1652, and has been rebuilt since.
March - May
Information not available
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