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)
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
・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 may be restricted in where they can go, but they will have plenty of fun.
・Kimono wearing and 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.
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
L I.
“Shodoshima Island Tour”
Our group of 8 had a wonderful experience touring Shodo island. The island is beautiful and rich in culture, and we were able to see and learn about things that were very unique to this area. Mika worked very closely with our group to determine our needs and interests before the tour. As our visit was during a popular time for tourists, Mika really assured that we maximized the use of our time while there. I would highly recommend her services for Shodoshima or Takamatsu area.
Mika S.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure to guide your group and share in the friendly atmosphere created by your close family friends who have known each other for so long. I learned a lot from you, too! Thank you for being a fantastic group leader and making it so easy to customize the tour. I hope to welcome you back to explore more of the beautiful islands in the Seto Inland Sea someday!
Jason S.
“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.
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.
$199/ per group