The highlight of this tour is a visit to Takamatsu Castle Ruin, which was one of three seaside castles, and a stroll through beautiful Ritsurin Garden where you can experience a boat ride and green tea as the feudal lords loved to do. You can also stroll through the lively shopping district that developed as a castle town. Be sure to try Sanuki udon noodle, a local delicacy. Or as a plan B, you can visit Yashima district which offers very rich cultural experience in Takamatsu city.
Takamatsu port or JR Takamatsu station
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.
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.
You can have Kagawa Prefecture's specialties, with Kagawa-grown ingredients. There is a great souvenir shop collecting the great souvenirs in Kagawa. If you are interested, we can take a look at Folk Craft Museum established in 1899, where you can see the specialties of old Kagawa.
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, udon noodle making, or kimono experience is very recommended if you haven't tried at anywhere else.
Yashima district, 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 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.
Takamatsu port or JR Takamatsu station
This tour will take you to various sightseeing spots in the central area of Takamatsu City. Not only historical places, but also the current Japanese culture and food will be introduced at the Takamatsu shopping arcade. Those interested in architecture will also have the opportunity to visit the Kagawa Prefectural Office designed by Kenzo Tange.
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
・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.
Yes, I can customize the tour according to your interest. If you are interested in visiting Yashima and Shikokumura museum or elsewhere, I can arrange your itinerary. Please make sure you book early enough so that I can plan and start making all the reservations necessary.
It costs about 3.800 yen/person at Ritsurin Garden including hair makeups for two hours.
Another plan it to rent at Fukuya Gofukuten in the shopping arcade for 5.000 yen/person not including hair makeups for full day. The shop also offers instruction in the tea ceremony at 7:30 p.m. for 3,000 yen per person. They are closed on Monday.
Yes, I can fully customize the tour according to your needs.
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
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.
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!
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!