Embark on an engaging private tour in Takamatsu guided by a licensed expert. Discover the city’s highlights, enjoy local cuisine, and explore the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Ritsurin Garden - Ritsurin Koen (栗林公園) is a landscape garden in Takamatsu City, built by the local feudal lords during the early Edo Period. Considered one of the best gardens in Japan, it is often suggested that Ritsurin Koen deserves a spot on the list of the “three most beautiful gardens of Japan” alongside Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen, Mito’s Kairakuen, and Okayama’s Korakuen.
The spacious park features many ponds, hills, historic trees and beautiful pavilions divided into a Japanese style garden in the south and western style garden in the north. The gardens are set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a wonderful background and great example of borrowed scenery.
- Takamatsu Castle - Takamatsu Castle (高松城, Takamatsujō), also known as Tamamo Castle, was built in 1590 adjacent to the Seto Inland Sea. It is one of the few Japanese castles built along a waterfront, and features saltwater moats that draw directly from the sea. The Ikoma Clan ruled from the castle for 54 years before their fief was given to the Matsudaira Clan, relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun, who kept the region for the remainder of the Edo Period.
Takamatsu Castle’s keep was destroyed during the Meiji Period, but there are plans to reconstruct it in the future. A first step towards this goal was achieved in 2013 when the restoration of the castle tower’s foundation was completed after many years of work.
- Takamatsu Marugamemachi Shopping Street - Within Takamatsu’s city center is a long, covered shopping arcade, stretching from Takamatsu Castle to Ritsurin Koen. Made up of various stores, restaurants and two department stores, it is claimed to be the longest covered shopping arcade in Japan with a combined length of nearly 2.7 kilometers.
The northern end of the shopping arcade near Takamatsu Castle and Mitsukoshi Department Store has recently been redeveloped into a large plaza and shopping center with upscale stores like Louis Vuitton and Coach. Lion Dori, a branch street running parallel to the main shopping street, contains mostly restaurants including those serving Sanuki Udon.
- Sanuki Mingeikan - This museum in Ritsurin-kōen displays local crafts, household goods, furniture and roof tiles in its four halls, dating back to the Tokugawa dynasty.
- Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Takamatsu
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
- Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
- Private Vehicle
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
- Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Join this all-inclusive journey with a certified, well-versed, multilingual guide - an excellent and time-efficient approach to discovering Takamatsu!
A vibrant harbor city, Takamatsu is home to many attractions such as the Takamatsu Castle, local delicacies like Sanuki-udon, and Ritsurin Koen, one of Japan’s most lovely gardens. Additionally, Takamatsu acts as the entry point to the numerous stunning islands in the Seto Inland Sea, making it the ideal location for exploring the area.
Tell us your interests, and we will tailor a four-hour itinerary that suits you best!
Note 1: Please pick your places-of-interest from the provided list in the tour details to create your personalized itinerary.
Note 2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certificate, issued by the Japanese government, necessitates a profound knowledge and comprehension of Japanese culture and history.
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
