Make the most of your time in Takamatsu with a flexible half-day tour tailored to your interests. The serene Ritsurin Garden, the historic Takamatsu Castle ruins, or the bustling shopping arcade full of local charm. Prefer a more relaxed pace? You can focus on two deeper experiences—like enjoying the seasonal beauty of Ritsurin Garden followed by a visit to a beloved local udon shop in the Symbol Tower building.
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.
Takamatsu castle ruin
Takamatsu Castle, one of Japan’s celebrated 'Three Great Water Castles,' offers a unique glimpse into history. As we walk toward the castle tower ruins, you’ll be rewarded with scenic views of the surrounding landscape and the Seto Inland Sea. Along the way, you'll gain insight into how this vital waterway has shaped the region’s defense, culture, and transportation since ancient times.
Quick Sanuki Udon Lunch at Symbol Tower
For a taste of local life, we’ll enjoy a quick, self-picked Sanuki udon lunch at one of the casual eateries inside Symbol Tower, conveniently located near the station. Sanuki udon, with its firm, chewy noodles and flavorful broth, is a beloved local specialty and a staple of Kagawa’s food culture. Originally popularized as a fast, affordable, and satisfying meal for busy workers and students, udon has become a proud symbol of Takamatsu’s culinary identity. Feel free to choose your favorite toppings and style—hot or cold, simple or with tempura—for a personalized, delicious experience.
Panoramic Views from the Symbol Tower Observatory
We’ll wrap up the tour with a relaxing visit to the free observatory on the 29th floor of Symbol Tower. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Takamatsu city, the calm Seto Inland Sea, and nearby islands—an ideal spot to reflect on the day’s discoveries. It’s a peaceful, uncrowded space where you can take in the city from above and snap a few memorable photos before the tour ends.
Ending Point
Takamatsu port or JR Takamatsu station
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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~
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)
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
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.
John F.
“Shodoshima Day Tour”
I was searching for things to see in Kagawa and had seen a few videos on Shodoshima, so knew I definitely wanted to visit. When I saw Mika san’s Shodoshima tour page I knew that it was the tour for me ! We quickly came to agreement on a list of places to visit, and then Mika san came back with a detailed itinerary taking into account what time of day the sandbar at Angel Road would be walkable due to the tides. I was more than happy to accept this itinerary as it covered more places than I thought we’d be able to see in one day ! On the day of the tour we met at the ferry terminal in Takamatsu, bought tickets and then took the ferry to Shodoshima. Due to Mika san’s planning we were right on time to catch a local bus to tour the Olive Garden and see the famous “windmill”. From there we then took a small boat over to the “24 eyes movie studio” which I’d asked to be included on the tour and where we had an excellent lunch. I’m so glad I took Mika san’s lunch recommendation of Hishio pork ! We then toured the studio before moving to an old closed school (which was also used as a movie location). The guide at the school was a pupil at the school when it closed, so thanks to Mika san for translating for us both. We then visited two soy sauce breweries - each with their own very distinct character ! From there we went to the famous Nakayama Terraced rice fields, before proceeding to Tomioka Hachiman shrine which has a great view overlooking Angel Road. After that we went to Angel Road itself which was just an amazing experience ! Finally, before heading to the port for our return, we quickly toured Maze Town in Tonosho and visited Ko Shrine. Regrettably it was then time to board the ferry for the return journey, although as this was a Sunday there was a local Shodoshima traditional dance/music group to see us off ! An absolutely fantastic day, which I’d be more than happy to repeat so I’d definitely recommend this tour to others ! Thank you again Mika san !!
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Mika S.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! You were not only the first guest who already knew the story of Twenty-Four Eyes, but also someone who had visited the movie director’s hometown, Hamamatsu City — I was truly impressed. I deeply admired your thoughtful travel choices throughout Japan and felt honored to accompany you on the special island of Shodoshima. I hope you’ll return one day to continue exploring the other two unique prefectures of Shikoku! Mika
Alan M.
“Shodoshima was amazing!”
Mika was a fabulous guide! She took us to many amazing sights on Shodoshima, and she really knew everything about the island. She was also extremely helpful in helping organize the trip, answer any questions , and help us plan based upon our interests. Highly recommend!
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Mika S.
Thank you for your kind review and the lovely dinner. I loved hearing everyone’s favorite parts of the trip! It was fascinating to see how each of you enjoyed Shodoshima in your own way. Wishing you and your family much happiness and many more wonderful adventures! Mika
Yana B.
“Amazing tour and amazing guide”
Mika is a very diligent person who takes the task at hand very seriously and makes something great out of it! She was always super responsive to my questions and concerns, which I really appreciated. She if very kind and lovely! I am very happy I found her to guide. She also has great English if anyone might be concerned. Thank you so much for everything Mika, very grateful to you!
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Mika S.
It was such a pleasure to guide guests who have visited so many museums and experienced art around the world, and yet still deeply appreciated the Chichu Art Museum and Teshima Art Museum—and what they mean to the local community. Please come back for more art experiences on the islands of the Seto Inland Sea!
$132/ per group
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