Exploring Takamatsu in 3 Days with Family-Friendly Itinerary

• Day 1: Visit Takamatsu Castle and stroll around Ritsurin Garden. The castle, which sits on a hill, offers panoramic views of the city while Ritsurin Garden features landscaped gardens, ponds, and teahouses.
• Day 2: Explore Shikoku Village where you can learn about the history and culture of Kagawa Prefecture. Then, head to Marugame Castle and climb to the top for amazing views of the city and the sea.
• Day 3: Spend a day at the Seto Inland Sea National Park where you can enjoy scenic views, beaches, and water sports such as kayaking and snorkelling.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Takamatsu Castle (1 hour, free)
• Ritsurin Garden (2-3 hours, ¥410)
• Shikoku Village (2-3 hours, ¥800)
• Marugame Castle (1-2 hours, ¥300)
• Seto Inland Sea National Park (4-5 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: ¥1510

Transportation

Getting around Takamatsu is fairly easy as the city has a good network of buses and trains. The Kotoden bus is a convenient way to reach most tourist attractions, while the JR train takes you outside of the city to nearby towns. A one-day bus pass costs ¥500 and a single train ride starts at ¥200. Taxis are also available, but they can be quite expensive, especially for longer distances.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a ferry to the nearby islands, including Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima, which are known for their contemporary art museums and installations. For foodies, Takamatsu is famous for its udon noodles, so be sure to try some at one of the many udon restaurants. If you have less time, skip Shikoku Village and spend more time exploring the Seto Inland Sea National Park.