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 open air Museum and the tranquil Yashima Temple.
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.
Ritsurin Garden
Immerse yourself in one of Japan’s finest traditional gardens, awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide. Stroll through its beautifully landscaped paths or glide across the serene waters on a traditional boat, discovering breathtaking views at every turn. Pause at an elegant teahouse to savor matcha and delicate sweets, embracing a moment of tranquility in this timeless setting.
Lunch and Kagawa Prefectural Building
For lunch, we can enjoy authentic Sanuki udon at a local restaurant near the shopping arcade, savoring one of Kagawa’s most beloved specialties. If you’re interested in modern architecture, I recommend a visit to the Kagawa Prefectural Office building—recognized by The New York Times as one of 'The 25 Most Significant Works of Postwar Architecture.' Designed by the renowned architect Kenzo Tange, this masterpiece seamlessly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design
(Plan A)Takamatsu Shopping Arcades and Takamatsu castle ruin
Wander through Japan’s longest shopping arcades, stretching an impressive 2.8 km through what was once a bustling castle town. These lively streets once connected to the famous Konpira Shrine, a key pilgrimage site during the samurai era. Today, they are home to a rich mix of authentic local shops, where I can guide you to hidden gems tailored to your interests—be it traditional crafts, stylish kimono, or local delicacies.
For a hands-on cultural experience, you can try making delicate Japanese sugar sweets while dressed in an elegant kimono. Then, we’ll step back in time at Takamatsu Castle, one of Japan’s renowned 'Three Great Water Castles.' As we walk to the castle tower ruins, you'll be rewarded with stunning scenic views, blending history and beauty into an unforgettable journey
(Plan B) Yashima: Where History, Scenic Views, and Art Converge
Just a 20-minute taxi ride from the city center, Mt. Yashima offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, part of Japan’s first national park. At its summit, you'll find Yashima Temple, one of the 88 sacred sites on the Shikoku pilgrimage route, originally built in 754. This historic plateau was also the site of a pivotal battle between the Minamoto and Taira clans in 1185.
For a glimpse into the region’s historical way of life, the Shikoku Mura Museum at the mountain’s base features beautifully preserved traditional houses relocated from across Shikoku. Exhibits highlight the island’s past industries, including 19th-century sugar production and paper mulberry farming. Closed on Tuesdays.
Art lovers can explore the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, dedicated to the acclaimed stone sculptor. Open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays by reservation, this museum offers an intimate look at his work and creative space.
Ending Point
Takamatsu port or JR Takamatsu station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, hotel pick-up (If your hotel is located in the central area of Takamatsu city)
・Transportation Fee (you and the guide)
Estimated Taxi Fare:
From JR Takamatsu Station or Takamatsu Port to Ritsurin Garden:¥1,600~
From Ritsurin Garden to the summit of Yashima: ¥3,400~
From Yashima area to the Takamatsu station or to your hotel : ¥3,300~
Total estimated fare: Around ¥10,000
Note: A regular taxi can accommodate up to 4 people, including the guide. For larger groups, we will need to arrange a jumbo taxi or additional vehicles.
Train Fare (if using Kotoden):
From Takamatsu-Chikko Station to Ritsurin-Koen Station: ¥210 per person
・lunch (you and the guide)
Admission Fees:
・Ritsurin Garden: ¥410 per person, Boat Ride, ¥620/person *optional
Teahouse with tea and sweets, ¥500~700 /person *optional
・Tamamo Park (Takamatsu Castle): ¥200 per adult (age 16 and over), ¥100 per child (ages 6–15)
・Shikoku Mura museum (if visiting): ¥1,600 per person
・Yashima Temple: Free (donations optional)
・Mamehana workshop:¥1500 ~2500 /person *optional
・Taxi may be recommended for efficiency instead of tarins and buses.
・If you wish to ride a Japanese-style boat in Ritsurin Garden, reservations are required, and the fee must be paid at least 30 minutes in advance.
・Strolling around the castle and Japanese gardens involves walking on stone steps. Those with limited mobility will be restricted in where they can go, but they will have plenty of fun.
・Kimono wearing ,Udon-making, Wasanbon sugar-making experiences require advance reservations, so please let me know ahead of time.
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.
Betty C.
“Lovely trip to Shodoshima ”
Mika is an amazing, accommodating, and thoughtful guide. She came up with a great itinerary that balanced key points of interest of Shodoshima with works of art for Setouchi Triennale, which was what I requested. She communicates often before the trip and even after to share recommendations, etc. I highly recommend Mika as a guide.
Mika S.
Thank you so much for your warm review! I’m truly honored to have introduced you to some of the artworks of Setouchi Triennale 2025, along with the nature, community, and craftsmanship of soy sauce and olives on Shodoshima. Please come back during the colorful fall season to enjoy more art and explore the other side of the island. Whenever your travels bring you near Far East Asia, you are always welcome. Mika
Kevin M.
“Great Takamatsu tour ”
Mika met us and dropped us off at our cruise ship! We spent 2-3 hours in Ritsurin Gardens , biggest in Japan ! Quite beautiful and we did tea with Mika! We had Oudon noodles for lunch and visited the Yashima temple and Takamatsu castle. It was a great day spent with Mika a retired teacher. Thank you Mika ! Kevin & Lisa , Rich & Cindy
Mika S.
Thank you for your wonderful review! I’m so glad you had the chance to explore the highlights of Takamatsu at a leisurely pace. Spending the day with such delightful company and engaging in lively conversation made the experience even more enjoyable. Wishing you smooth and memorable travels at every port! Mika
Charles S.
“Lovely Guide, Lovely Day”
Mika listened to our preferences and planned a delightful day for us that was amply filled but not overwhelming. Her English is excellent and her local knowledge was impressive. Thank you for a memorable visit!
Mika S.
I am deeply thankful for your warm words. I truly had a wonderful day with you both. It was a pleasure to see you enjoy the local shops, restaurants, and historical sites! Wishing you the rest of your journey filled with enjoyable memories. Mika
$243/ per group