Side Trips from Takamatsu: A Cultural and Artistic Journey

Giving you the world’s best tour around Ritsurin Garden Part 1 (YouTube link)

Giving you the world’s best tour around Ritsurin Garden Part 2 (YouTube link)

Takamatsu (高松), the capital of Kagawa Prefecture, Japan's smallest prefecture, was once the primary entry point to Shikoku Island until the Seto Ohashi Bridge opened in 1988. During the Edo Period, the Matsudaira Clan, relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun, ruled Takamatsu's former castle town and the surrounding Sanuki Province. The clan is also credited with constructing Ritsurin Koen, one of Japan's most renowned gardens.

Autumn colors at Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園)

Things to Do

Takamatsu serves as a great base for exploring the nearby islands and cultural attractions.  Notable side trips from Takamatsu include:

• Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園): One of Japan's most famous gardens, featuring traditional tea houses, ponds, and walking paths.
• Yashima Park: A hilltop park with panoramic views of Takamatsu and the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海).  Yashima Observatory offers stunning panoramic views of Takamatsu city and the nearby islands of Megijima and Ogijima. It's a delightful spot to watch ferries and boats navigating the waters below.
• Shikoku Village: The village is an open-air museum located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. This charming village showcases a collection of traditional buildings and structures from across Shikoku Island, dating back to the Edo and Meiji periods.

The Insider Guide to Naoshima - Japan's Art Island Paradise (YouTube link)

• Naoshima Island: A Contemporary Art Haven.  For photographing rules, read this.
• Benesse House Museum: This iconic museum features works by renowned artists like James Turrell and Richard Serra, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape.
• Chichu Art Museum: Housed underground, this museum showcases large-scale installations by artists like Claude Monet and James Turrell.  Advance ticket  reservations are compulsory here.
• Art House Project: Honmura, a quaint port town on Naoshima's eastern coast, hosts the Art House Project, transforming abandoned houses, a temple, and a shrine into contemporary art installations. These spaces, integrated into the traditional neighborhood, provide a unique and immersive experience for visitors.  There's one  art house in particular, called Minamidera,  which has a visitor limit each day. I think  it's the best of the permanent installations,  so I highly recommend booking your slot as soon  as you can. Actually, since opening hours for the art house installations are also limited,  if you want to try and see all of  them, it pays to get here early too.
• Lee Ufan Museum: The museum is a contemporary art museum dedicated to the works of Korean artist Lee Ufan. The museum is known for its minimalist and serene atmosphere, which complements Ufan's abstract and meditative art. 
• Yellow Pumpkin: This iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture by Yayoi Kusama is a must-see for art lovers and Instagram enthusiasts.
• Teshima Island: A Peaceful Retreat
• Teshima Art Museum: Designed by architect Rei Naito, this museum blends seamlessly with the island's natural beauty, featuring works by artists like Christo and Jeanne-Claude.
• Kotohira Shrine (金刀比羅宮): A Shinto Pilgrimage
• 1,368  Steps: This iconic staircase leads to the main shrine and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
• Kompirasan is a popular pilgrimage site despite its challenging approach. Starting in a touristy shopping arcade, visitors climb 785 steps (about 45 minutes) past auxiliary shrine buildings and museums to the main hall. There, they can enjoy views of Kotohira Town and visit the Ema Hall, which displays plates and pictures of various vessels, including a real mini submarine. For the adventurous, it's an additional 583 steps (45 minutes) through a forested path to the inner shrine (Okusha).
• Kanamaruza Kabuki Theater is a historic kabuki theater located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. Built in 1890, Kanamaruza is one of the few remaining traditional kabuki theaters in Japan.
• Kotohira Museum: This museum houses a collection of Japanese art, including paintings, ceramics, and textiles.
• Omagari Bashi Bridge: This unique bridge is a popular spot for photography and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Marugame Castle: A well-preserved castle with beautiful gardens and a museum.

Whether you're an art lover, history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Takamatsu and its surrounding islands offer a diverse range of attractions to suit all tastes.

Kompirasan, formally known as Kotohiragu (金刀比羅宮, Kotohiragū)

Official interactive approach map in Japanese

See Also:

1. KOTOHIRA-Gu Official Guide  (金刀比羅宮)
• List of annual events and special events
2. Benesse Art Site Naoshima
3. Aisunao (vegan restaurant)
4. Francoile
• Hours: 9 AM–6 PM (closed on Monday & Friday)