Pine trees and a pond at Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu, Kagawa

Hidden Japan Guide

Takamatsu Travel Guide: Ritsurin Garden, Udon, and Seto Sea Gateways

10/21/2026

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Planning a trip to Takamatsu in Kagawa? This English guide covers Ritsurin Garden, Sanuki udon, ferry links to Naoshima, and practical tips for international travelers.

Operational details such as opening hours, admission fees, and train times can change. Prefer official pages and reconfirm before you travel (sources checked on 21 October 2026).

Why visit

Takamatsu is a practical Shikoku gateway with a standout stroll garden and famous udon culture.
It is the usual jumping-off point for Naoshima ferries.

Top places and highlights

Ritsurin Garden

A spacious historic garden of pines and ponds. Hours and fees change—confirm on the official site.

The Kagawa tourism page for Ritsurin Garden gives the address as 1-20-16 Ritsurin-cho, Takamatsu. The garden access page names JR Ritsurin Station, JR Ritsurin-koen Kitaguchi Station, and Kotoden Ritsurin-koen Station, and it gives the walk from each. Read both pages for hours and admission. This guide does not copy them.

Udon dining

Sanuki udon shops range from quick counters to destinations outside the center—check open days.

Food and drink

Try kama-age or soy-sauce udon styles; shops may close mid-afternoon.

Matsushita Seimenjo

Matsushita Seimenjo lists its shop at 2-2 Nakano-cho, Takamatsu. Hours and sold-out closings are only on that page.

Getting there and around

JR and highway buses serve Takamatsu; ferries to art islands leave from city ports—confirm which terminal you need.
Shikoku Kisen runs the Takamatsu to Miyanoura (Naoshima) boats. Its pier page places the Takamatsu ticket office at 8-1 Sunport, Takamatsu, about a five-minute walk from JR Takamatsu Station. Use the timetable on that page.
Jumbo Ferry uses Takamatsu Higashi Port at 5-12-1 Asahi-cho. The operator says this pier is not the port in front of Takamatsu Station. That route is the one toward Shodoshima.

Where to stay

Central Takamatsu is convenient for gardens by day and island day trips.

JR Clement Inn Takamatsu places the hotel at 1-3 Hamano-cho, Takamatsu, next to JR Takamatsu Station, Kotoden Takamatsu-chikko Station, and the bus terminal. Read that page before you book.

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn are ideal for garden walks.

Practical tips

Combine Ritsurin in the morning with an afternoon ferry plan.
IC cards and cash both help depending on the udon shop.
Shikoku trips can continue to the Kotohira travel guide and the Naoshima art island guide.
A different ferry day from the station port is the Shodoshima travel guide.

Suggested day-trip outline

Morning at Ritsurin Garden.
Udon lunch.
Optional ferry to Naoshima or explore the waterfront.

FAQ

Which pier is the Naoshima boat?

Shikoku Kisen’s Takamatsu to Miyanoura page places the ticket office at 8-1 Sunport, Takamatsu. Read that page for the day’s boats.

Is the Shodoshima ferry at the same pier?

Jumbo Ferry’s Takamatsu stop is Takamatsu Higashi Port at 5-12-1 Asahi-cho. The operator says it is not the port in front of Takamatsu Station.

Before you go

Timetables, fares, admission fees, and seasonal access rules can change. Check the official tourism and transport sites linked below for the latest information before you travel.