Takamatsu

For many visitors Takamatsu is the gateway to Shikoku; the large, modern city on the north coast is a major transport hub funnelling road, rail and ferry traffic from Honshu across the island. But if you find yourself passing through, it is well worth breaking your journey here for a few hours.

Takamatsu is home to Japan's largest garden, Ritsurin-koen, which sits at the foot of Mount Shuin. During the Edo period feudal lords spent 100 years constructing the 750,000m2 strolling garden which is designed to provide viewing enjoyment in all seasons.

Ritsurin-koen is a fine example of landscaping, borrowing the pine-clad scenery of Shuin-zan and blending chestnut trees, lotus ponds, arching red bridges and artificial islands. Several elegant tatami teahouses sit in the garden and the entrance ticket allows visitors to take part in a tea ceremony at the Chrysanthemum Moon Pavilion.

There are several interesting museums in Takamatsu including the Sanuki Folkcraft Museum and a sculpture garden designed by Isamu Noguchi. Also of interest are the plateau of Yashima, an ancient battle ground with views of the Inland Sea and nearby Shikoku-Mura, a collection of traditional houses displaying Shikoku architecture and construction techniques.

Recommended Accommodation in Takamatsu

The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Takamatsu.

Takamatsu

JR Clement Hotel

Superior
Takamatsu

Dormy Inn Takamatsu

Budget

Experiences in Takamatsu

Takamatsu offers a wealth of exciting experiences that will help you get beneath the surface of Japan's fascinating culture. See below for a few of our favourites

Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum

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Weather in Takamatsu

The Climate Guide for Takamatsu, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Max Daytime Temperature (°C)	8	9	12	18	22	25	29	30	27	21	16	11
Min Night-time Temperature (°C)	0	0	3	9	13	18	22	23	19	13	8	3
Hours of Sunshine (Daily)	5	5	6	6	7	5	6	7	5	5	5	5
Hours of Daylight (Daily)	10	11	12	13	14	14	14	13	12	11	10	10
Heat and Humidity Discomfort	None	None	None	None	None	Low	High	High	Low	None	None	None
Days with some Rainfall	17	17	18	15	14	17	17	14	17	14	13	14
Monthly Rainfall (mm)	34	49	83	116	132	210	169	133	241	118	69	26
UV Index (Maximum)	3	4	6	8	9	10	11	10	8	6	4	3

Tour Gallery

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Featured trips including Takamatsu

Self-Guided Adventure

Secrets of Shikoku (Superior)
- Kyoto
- Miyajima
- Matsuyama
- Kotohira
- Iya Valley
- Takamatsu
- Osaka
This superior two-week itinerary introduces the little-visited, rural island of Shikoku - with a range of in-depth cultural experiences included.

13 nights: from US$5625 pp (twin share) Read more >

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Small Group Tour

Hidden Japan (IJT Classic)
- Kyoto
- Mount Koya
- Tokushima
- Takamatsu
- Kotohira
- Matsuyama
- Hiroshima
- Kyoto
Discover the road less travelled

12 nights: US$6467 Read more >

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Self-Guided Adventure

Art and the Seto Inland Sea (Superior)
- Kyoto
- Onomichi
- Omishima Island
- Takamatsu
- Naoshima
- Osaka
Discover Japan's artistic heart among the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

14 nights: from US$5453 pp (twin share) Read more >

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