Takamatsu: A 7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary

• Day 1: Explore Ritsurin Garden
  Ritsurin Garden is a beautiful and peaceful spot to enjoy with your family. Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque gardens and take in the views of the mountain backdrop. Be sure to see the Kikugetsutei teahouse where you can try traditional Japanese sweets and tea.
• Day 2: Visit Takamatsu Castle and Kinashi Bonsai Village
  Start the day by exploring Takamatsu Castle, one of the few original castles in Japan. Afterwards, head to Kinashi Bonsai Village to see the incredible bonsai trees that the area is known for. You'll learn about how they are grown and shaped into the intricate designs that make them so famous.
• Day 3: Go on a Shikoku Pilgrimage Tour
  Spend the day exploring some of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. This pilgrimage is a religious journey that has been undertaken by many for centuries. You'll visit some of the most scenic and interesting temples on this tour.
• Day 4: Enjoy a day at Shodoshima Island
  Take a ferry to Shodoshima Island and spend the day experiencing the island's beauty. Rent a bike and explore the many olive groves and farms, or hike to the top of Mount Hoshigajo for a breathtaking view of the island. Be sure to see the Olive Garden, a tribute to the island's olive production.
• Day 5: Learn about Udon Noodles at Yamagoe Udon Factory
  Udon noodles are a staple of Japanese cuisine and you can learn about their production at Yamagoe Udon Factory. Watch the noodle-making process, try your hand at making your own noodles, and enjoy a delicious bowl of fresh, steaming hot noodles.
• Day 6: Explore Yashima and Yashima-ji Temple
  Yashima is a mountain that offers fantastic views of Takamatsu and the surrounding area. Take the ropeway to the top and enjoy the scenery. Afterwards, visit Yashima-ji Temple, one of the most famous temples in the area.
• Day 7: Discover the Arts at the Kagawa Prefectural Museum of Naoshima
  Spend your last day exploring the museum's impressive collection of contemporary art. With works by artists such as Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama, this museum showcases some of the best contemporary art in the world.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ritsurin Garden (2 hours, ¥410)
• Takamatsu Castle (1-2 hours, ¥400)
• Kinashi Bonsai Village (2-3 hours, ¥500)
• Shikoku Pilgrimage Tour (6-8 hours, ¥8,000)
• Shodoshima Island (full day, ferry ¥1,060 one way)
• Yamagoe Udon Factory (2-3 hours, ¥1,500)
• Yashima and Yashima-ji Temple (3-4 hours, Yashima ropeway ¥1,100)
• Kagawa Prefectural Museum of Naoshima (2-3 hours, ¥1,000)
Total Estimated Costs: ¥13,970

Transportation

Takamatsu is well-served by public transport, with bus and train services connecting the city to the surrounding area. Travel costs are typically low, with a one-way train ticket from Takamatsu to Okayama costing around ¥1,200. Travel times can vary, so it's worth planning ahead and allowing extra time for transfers.

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Takamatsu, consider taking a day trip to explore nearby Kotohira-gu Shrine or the Washuzan Observatory for stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. If you have less time, consider skipping some of the temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage tour or spending less time at Yamagoe Udon Factory. Also, be sure to try some of the local specialties like Sanuki udon noodles and olive products.