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Takamatsu Full-day Customized Tour
Joined 2023
Discover the charm of Takamatsu city, where you can explore historic castle ruins, stroll through the stunning Ritsurin Garden, and enjoy the lively shopping arcade that once thrived as a castle town. For added adventure, Plan B includes a visit to the captivating Shikokumura Museum and the tranquil Yashima Temple. For those craving even more, an optional trip to the scenic Oboke Gorge promises breathtaking views.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Takamatsu port or JR Takamatsu station
- If you require pickup from your hotel, please note that transportation costs will apply.
Takamatsu Castle Park
Takamatsu Castle is designated a national historic site as one of the "Three Great Water Castles of Japan. The beautiful turreted Sakura-gomon gate at the entrance was restored in July 2022 for the first time in 78 years, and visitors can walk to the ruins of the castle tower to enjoy the scenic view.
Ritsurin Garden
Please enjoy one of the best traditional Japanese gardens given three stars by the Michelin Guide by strolling or riding a boat. It offers different views every step of the way. You can rest at the elegant teahouse and appreciate their historical art crafts. I can customize the course according to the reservation of the boat ride.
Garden Cafe or a local restaurant for lunch
You can have Kagawa Prefecture's specialties here or we can visit a famous Udon noodle restaurant outside of the garden. If you are looking for a great souvenir, I recommend 'Ritsurinan' gift shop collecting the great art crafts in Kagawa.
(Plan A)Takamatsu Shopping Arcades
Stretching in all directions, Japan’s largest network has a combined length of 2.8 km. You can enjoy shopping or relaxing in a cute cafe as you walk around the arcades. The distance you walk in the shopping arcade can be adjusted according to your level of fatigue. I can take you to the authentic local shops according to your interests! The memorable activities like traditional sugar sweets making wearing kimono or Sanuki udon noodle making from the scratch is highly recommended because you can't do it anywhere else.
(Plan B) Yashima historical area
Mt. Yashima, located about 30 minutes from the central area, offers stunning views of the archipelago, which is part of Japan's first national park. Atop Mt. Yashima, you'll find Yashima Temple, one of the 88 holy temples on the Shikoku pilgrimage route, originally built in 754. This area is historically significant as the site of a major battle between the Minamoto and Taira clans in 1185.
For those interested in the region's historical lifestyle, the Shikoku Mura Museum at the base of Mt. Yashima showcases the relocation of old houses from across Shikoku, including those of lighthouse keepers, as well as exhibits on the 19th-century sugar industry and paper mulberry farming houses. Art enthusiasts can visit the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, dedicated to the renowned stone sculptor on Tue, Thu and Sat.
I can tailor the tour to your interests, ensuring you have a personalized and enriching experience in Yashima.
Plan C ( Oboke Gorge and the Iya Vine Bridge)
A scenic hour-and-a-half train ride from Takamatsu Station brings you to the stunning Oboke Gorge and the Iya Vine Bridge in Tokushima Prefecture. This region offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Oboke Gorge mesmerizes visitors with its dramatic, rugged cliffs sculpted by the Yoshino River, ideal for scenic boat rides and photography. The Iya Vine Bridge, a traditional suspension bridge crafted from mountain vines, adds adventure and historical intrigue, having originally been built by local clans for protection and seclusion. These landmarks together create an experience rich in breathtaking views, thrilling exploration, and a deep connection to the untamed spirit of Shikoku.
To reach these attractions from Oboke Station, a taxi ride is necessary, costing approximately 15,000 JPY for a 3-hour journey.
Ending Point
Takamatsu port or JR Takamatsu station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee, hotel pick-up (If your hotel is located in the central area of Takamatsu city）
transportation fee (you and the guide)
lunch (you and the guide)
Takamatsu castle, 200 JPY/person
Ritsurin Garden entrance fee, 410 JPY/ person,
a boat ride, 620JPY/person *optional
Teahouse with tea and sweets, 500~700 JPY/person *optional
Mamehana workshop: 1500 ~2500 JPY/person *optional
Tour Important Information
・Reservations are required if you wish to board a Japanese-style boat in Ritsurin Garden. The itinerary will be arranged according to the reserved time.
・Strolling around the castle and Japanese gardens involves walking on stone steps. Those with limited mobility may be restricted in where they can go, but they will have plenty of fun.
・Taxi may be recommended for efficiency instead of tarins and buses.
・Activities need to be booked so please let me know in advance.
・For plan C, the train costs about 3000 JPY.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Mika S.
My name is Mika, a local guide living in Takamatsu city. I have been an English teacher, but the Setouchi International Art Festival awakened me to the joy of guiding. The more I learn about the Seto Inland Sea region, the more I am impressed by its life, history, architecture and art works. So, I would like to show you the spectacular scenery that you may have missed in guidebooks alone, and the sights that have yet to be introduced in guidebooks.
In Kagawa Prefecture, island tours are also very popular, such as Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima, which are sacred places for contemporary art, and I think you can better understand the connection between the history of the islands and art by touring with a guide.
Of course, I would also like to introduce fresh harvest from the Seto Inland Sea, delicious local food, and shopping for folk crafts in the Takamatsu shopping arcade, which will satisfy you fully as a highlight of your journey.
Reviews
Jason S.
Shodoshima Island Full-Day Customized Tour
“Mika became a part of the family”
Mika went above and beyond to help us prepare for this trip, and was a wealth of information on culture and history while we traveled together. I only wish I could give 10 stars. This tour covered a huge amount of our wishlist, and Mika helped us to coordinate our free day on the island. Thank you
Mika S.
(2 reviews)Thank you so much for your heartwarming review! I was thrilled by your interest in authentic soy sauce, which inspired me to create this special Shodoshima tour Last February. What a lucky day it was when we met three masters of soy sauce breweries and the female priest at the shrine! This tour wouldn't have happened without your request, and I am so happy that your family enjoyed Shodoshima. Please come back to the islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
“Takamatsu Walking Tour”
I spent a wonderful day with Mika. She put a lot of effort into preparing, planning and customising the tour based on my interests. She is friendly, knowledgeable and was very generous with her time. Even though the weather wasn't the best it didn't dampen the experience and actually added to it times. Mika also took this into account and adjusted accordingly. Communication before during and after was excellent and very easy. I greatly enjoyed her company and would highly recommend anyone visiting Takamatsu to consider spending the day with Mika. There is no substitute for local knowledge and experience, it really adds another dimension to sightseeing. Many thanks again Mika!
Mika S.
(2 reviews)Thank you so much for your heartwarming review! I thoroughly enjoyed our time strolling through Ritsurin Garden, taking in the ink painting-like view from the summit of Yashima, and experiencing the solemn atmosphere of Yashima Temple. If you have any questions while exploring Kagawa, please don't hesitate to reach out anytime. Wishing you safe and enriching journeys ahead!
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