Takamatsu sits on the Seto Inland Sea in central Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku, with a semicircular urban area wrapped around its port. The city is the main rail and road hub for Shikoku, and from its port you can reach islands including Megijima, Ogijima, Naoshima, Teshima and Shōdoshima. Ritsurin Garden, Takamatsu Castle with its seawater moat, and the Yashima plateau are the main sights within the city.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple. JR Takamatsu Station and the adjacent Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikkō Station anchor the harbourfront, the private Kotoden railway runs inland through Kawaramachi and on toward Ritsurin-kōen, and Yashima lies to the northeast. This guide covers which areas to use as a base, what each is like, and how the budget, mid-range and splurge options differ.
Best areas to stay in Takamatsu
1. Around JR Takamatsu Station
This is the transport hub of the city and the most convenient base for a first visit. JR trains run from here around Shikoku and across the Seto-Ōhashi Bridge to Okayama on Honshū, and Kotoden's Takamatsu-Chikkō Station is nearby. The port, with ferries to the Seto Inland Sea islands, is also part of this harbourfront area.
You will find cheap business hotels around the station, along with larger Western-style business hotels within a short walk. It suits first-time visitors, anyone relying on trains and ferries, and travellers passing through. The station area is flat and walkable, and the Sunport complex with the Symbol Tower is in this part of the city.
2. Kawaramachi
Kawaramachi is the hub of the private Kotoden railway, with a department store at the station. It sits on the Kotoden lines that connect much of Takamatsu, including the route toward Ritsurin-kōen and onward to Yashima.
This area suits travellers who want to be on the private rail network rather than beside the JR station, and it has accommodation at both the budget and mid-range ends, including capsule-style and modern Western-style places. Kotoden trains and buses here accept the IruCa contactless payment card.
3. Ritsurin-kōen
Ritsurin Garden is a Japanese garden designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and the area around it is served by both JR (Ritsurin and Ritsurin-Kōen-Kitaguchi stations) and Kotoden (Ritsurin-Kōen Station).
Staying here puts the garden within easy reach and keeps you on direct rail lines to both the station area and Kawaramachi. Cheap business hotels are found around Ritsurin-kōen, and there is accommodation on Ritsurincho itself. It suits visitors who want a quieter base with quick rail access rather than the harbourfront.
4. Yashima
Yashima is a table-shaped plateau protruding into the Seto Inland Sea in the northeastern part of the city. It holds Yashima-ji, number 84 of the Shikoku pilgrimage, an observation deck with views across the sea, and the Shikoku Mura open-air museum at the base of the mountain.
This suits travellers who want to be close to the plateau's sights rather than in the city centre. Note that it is a plateau reached by the Kotoden Shido Line to Kotoden-Yashima and Furu-Takamatsu, so you should expect to rely on the railway and local transport rather than walking into town.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Cheap business hotels cluster around JR Takamatsu Station and Ritsurin-kōen. Capsule accommodation also exists, including men-only options with saunas, and some budget places offer capsule beds alongside ordinary rooms.
- Mid-range: Western-style business hotels, including branches of national chains, with rooms that are clean and comfortable though not large. Some include Japanese-style breakfast and have features such as an open-air bath on an upper floor.
- Splurge: Larger Western-style hotels, including ones connected to the Sunport complex by the port, and hotels with Japanese-style rooms featuring futon bedding and a Japanese bath.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself around JR Takamatsu Station. It is the main rail hub, with trains around Shikoku and to Okayama, and it puts you within reach of the port for the island ferries. Cheap business hotels are concentrated here, and Kotoden's Takamatsu-Chikkō Station is nearby for the private lines into the rest of the city.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I plan to visit the Seto Inland Sea islands?
Stay around JR Takamatsu Station. The harbourfront area includes the port, from which ferries run to Megijima, Ogijima, Naoshima, Teshima and Shōdoshima.
Where can I find budget accommodation?
Cheap business hotels are found around JR Takamatsu Station and Ritsurin-kōen. Capsule accommodation is also available, including a men-only option in Kawaramachi with several varieties of saunas.
Which area is best for reaching Ritsurin Garden?
Ritsurin-kōen itself, served by JR at Ritsurin and Ritsurin-Kōen-Kitaguchi and by Kotoden at Ritsurin-Kōen. Kawaramachi is also a practical base, since the Kotoden line runs from there to Ritsurin-kōen.
Do I need a car to stay in Takamatsu?
No. The city is served by JR Shikoku, the private Kotoden railway connecting much of Takamatsu, and buses, with a contactless payment card called IruCa accepted on Kotoden trains and buses.
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