History / Culture / Tour Spots in Takamatsu Area

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Takamatsu

Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Tamamo Park (Ruins of Takamatsu Castle)

4.0

315 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Tamamochou 2-1

Takamatsu Castle was the residence of the Ikoma family, the lords of Sanuki Province, and subsequently of the Matsudaira clan, the rulers of the Takamatsu domain. Tamamo Park has been created around the Castle ruins. Takamatsu Castle was famous as one of Japan’s three great “water castles.” The Castle’s Ushitorayagura Tower and Tsukimiyagura Tower still survive, along with the Hiunkaku villa and garden, which has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. With beautiful cherry blossom in the spring, a chrysanthemum exhibition in the autumn, etc., there is plenty to see and do at any time of year.

I loved the castle - maybe it is because takamatsu is somewhat of a hidden tourist gem, but there were no crowds. great!
Shikoku Mura open-air museum

4.0

175 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Yashimanakamachi 91

Shikoku Mura (“Shikoku Village”) is an open-air museum located about 20 minutes’ drive to the east of JR Takamatsu Station. The exhibits include traditional farmhouses from various parts of Shikoku (dating from the Edo and Meiji periods) that were moved and re-erected here, as well as traditional public buildings such as a village kabuki stage, and several traditional industrial facilities that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties, including a traditional sugar-cane processing facility. The Shikoku Mura Gallery located on the museum site exhibits a wide range of artworks, from European paintings to Oriental sculptures, etc.

BRILLIANT landscape design and historic preservation. Super-sophisticated design linking historic buildings by varied paths with varied materials and so experiences. The historic buildings are...
Temple No. 84, Yashimaji Temple

4.0

172 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Yashimahigashimachi 1808

The Yashima-ji Temple is an Omuro-sect Shingon Buddhist temple in Takamatsu City. It is the 84th temple visited on the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage, and is said to have been founded by the monk Ganjin in 754. The Yashima-ji Temple has several Important Cultural Properties, including the Hon-do hall and the temple bell, as well as a wooden statue of a seated Senju Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) which is the main object of veneration in the temple and which can be viewed in the Homotsu-kan (Treasure Hall). Other artifacts on display in the Homotsu-kan include an illustrated scroll of the Genpei Josuiki (an extended version of the Heike Monogotari, or “Tale of the Heike”), a white banner of the Genji clan, and a folding screen painting of the Battle of Yashima.

There are many interesting statues throughout the temple grounds. We were particularly taken by the tanuki statues. On the side of the main hall there is a small pathway through red torii beside...
Okuboji Temple

4.5

85 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Sanukishi Tawa Kanewari 96

Okuboji Temple located in Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture is a temple of the Shingon sect Daikakuji school and the 88th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. It is the place for completing a Shikoku pilgrimage, and the kongozue (sticks) and hats which belonged to pilgrims who completed the pilgrimage are dedicated next to the main hall. It is said that Gyoki established the temple in the Yoro period (717 to 724), and Kobo daishi built an edifice and enshrined a statue of Bhaisajyaguru carved by him later. It was popular for the principal image of Bhaisajyaguru which is said to blow away calamity and sicknesses, and also as a Nyoninkoya where women can access the mountain. The main hall and a two-story tahoto pagoda line up are backed by Taizogamine Peak, and it is said that you can receive the same fortune as with the pilgrimage of the 88 sites when you walk one lap around the Osunafumidojo (sand stepping field) of Daishi hall. It is also well-known for fall foliage.

第８８番札所大窪寺結願のお礼にお伺いしました。最初にお伺いしたのが５年前、久しぶりのお参りです。境内は広く見ごたえも十分。８月の四国とは思えない雨で寒さもなかなかでしたがゆっくりとお参りさせていただきました。
Yakuri-ji Temple

4.5

87 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Murechoumure 3416

The temple is the 85th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage in Mure Town, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. It is located half-way up Mt. Goken and is of the Shingon sect Daikakuji school. Legend has it that when Kobo Daishi, a Japanese Buddhist priest, was completing Gumonjiho training, a method where a person chants the Shingon or “True Word” one million times over 50 days or 100 days, five swords fell from the sky. Daishi buried the five swords as the guardian of the mountain and in 829 he built the temple. It is said that the name of the temple comes from the eight grilled chestnuts Daishi planted that grew. In front of the approaching path where the Shotendo Hall stands, a Buddhist Ganesh Kangiten is enshrined, and it is thought that it brings luck for a prosperous business, academic achievement, and marriage.

A gem of a Temple (& Shrine) off the beaten track near Takamatsu in Kagawa. Accessible via the Kotoden Electric Railway its well worth a visit for its giant Getas and its syncretic Temple/Shrine...
Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum

4.5

93 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Murechoumure 3519

This art museum lets you bask in the world of Isamu Noguchi, a leading 20th century sculptor. He worked on an enormous range of projects like landscape design involving monuments, gardens, and parks, interiors with furniture and lighting fixtures, and stage art. He was a singular artist, and this cosmopolitan space has a universality that transcends genres.

To visit the garden museum you have to reserve a date and time in advance. It is an expensive visit, large group and nothing much to see in the garden (lawn with few stones arranged by the...
Negoro-ji Temple

4.5

50 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Nakayamachou 1506

The Negoro-ji Temple, which is a mountain temple located on the slopes of Mt. Ao-mine, around 30 minutes’ drive from JR Takamatsu Station, is the 82nd temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. According to tradition, the origins of the Temple lie in the Kezoin Temple that Kobo Daishi built to worship the Godai Myo-o (Five Great Wisdom Kings) of Ao-mine. Subsequently, a new temple, the Senju-in Temple, was established nearby to house the statue of the bodhisattva Kannon with “one thousand” arms that was carved by Chiso Daishi from an aromatic tree growing in the Renge-tani Valley; the two temples were combined to create what is now the Negoro-ji Temple. Particularly worth seeing are Kobo Daishi’s statue of the Godai Myo-o, the statue of an Gyuki (cow-headed devil) situated in a corner of the car parking area, and the approximately 33,000 statues of the bodhisattva Kannon arranged along a three-sided cloister just in front of the Hon-do (Main Hall). The path leading up to the Temple is lined by trees, and is a marvelous place to view autumn foliage in the autumn months.

堂塔も縁起も素晴らしい寺院、創建１１００年を超える古寺名刹。ここの数々の仏像や石像も実に素晴らしい！五大尊堂内の五大明王像は圧巻、一種の尊厳をさえ感じる重厚なもの。青峰山に居た「牛鬼像」が睨みを利かせる駐車場から計１３０段ほどの石段を登ると本堂、紅葉の季節なので得も言われぬ美しさの石段、坂道であり、しんどいのも暫し忘れさせてくれる。何度、遍路しても飽きない素晴らしい遍路寺でした。ここは真言宗じゃな...
Hakugyuzan Kokubunji Temple

4.0

43 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Kokubunjichoukokubu 2065

This temple is 80th temple of the 88 sacred places on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. It is one of the kokubunji temples that Emperor Shomu built across the country in the 8th century. There are four of these in Shikoku and as some of them are designated in the 88 sacred places on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, this one is distinguished as Sanuki Kokubunji. It is said to have been established when Gyogi Bosatsu made a giant statue of the eleven-faced kannon there. The entirety of the old grounds has been designated as a nationally important historic site. It is famous for having the oldest temple bell in Shikoku. It is legend that the feudal lord purchased the temple bell and when he tried to install it at his castle, a number of mishaps occurred and he returned it to the temple in the end.

Very easy to get to, this is the 4th temple named “Kokubunji” on the 88 Buddhist Temple Pilgrimage. In the main hall (which is considered a national treasure) is a 16-foot tall statue of Kannon. It...
Takamatsu Art Museum

4.0

54 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Konyamachi 10-4

This museum is located just off of the central shopping arcade in Takamatsu City, about a 10-minute walk from the Kataharamachi Station. The museum stores approximately 1,600 works around the three main themes: “Arts (and Crafts) of Kagawa” prefecture introducing the artisanal lacquer ware and metal crafts, the “20th Century Art and Beyond from Around the World” traces trends through woodblock prints, and the “Post-War Contemporary Japanese Art” introduces the exceptional leading writers influencing each post-war period. The literature corner with approximately 50,000 volumes, primarily on art and culture, is also available to visitors, while the museum shop sells seasonal exhibit related goods.

we visited japan for a tourist trip in 2019 rather than a working trip. covid hit and its taken me this long to write about our experiences. we explored hiroshima first, to pay homage. and then came...
Ichinomiyaji Temple

4.0

44 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Ichinomiyachou 607

An old temple located in the center of Ichinomiya Town, Takamatsu City, Ichinomiyaji Temple is the 83rd temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. The Sho-Kannon bodhisatva placed in the main hall as the primary deity worshipped is thought to have been carved by Kobo Daishi when his visited this area during the construction of the 88 sacred places on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The best sight may be the camphor tree-focused garden built along the worship road. It was created by Kyoto’s famous gardener, Minoru Fujii and it gives you deeper healing and more varied emotions each time you visit.

This temple is really quite lovely. Rebuilt in 1701 it still is old enough to enjoy and feel the tone and mood of the ohenro (pilgrim) experience. Noted for it being the place of the Medicine...
The Kagawa Museum

4.0

49 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Tamamochou 5-5

This prefectural museum combines an art museum and a history museum into a single facility. The large interior features materials on Kagawa Prefecture’s history and life-size restored models, as well as permanent exhibitions on Kagawa-born authors such as Genichiro Inokuma and Isamu Noguchi. Visitors also have the chance to wear ceremonial court lady attire and battle armor and participate in other fun activities, and there’s also a reading corner and other facilities to give them a chance to immerse themselves in Kagawa’s history, art, and culture.

Kagawa features exhibits of modern artwork from around the world, so, be prepared to see a little of this and a little of that from other cultures.
Botaraku-san Shido-ji Temple

4.0

53 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Sanukishi Shido 1102

Located around seven minutes’ walk from JR Shido Station on a site that looks out over Yashima Island and Mt. Gokenzan, facing Shido Bay, Botaraku-san Shido-ji Temple is the 86th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. It is the oldest of the 88 temples, having been founded in 625. The statue of the bodhisattva Kannon with eleven faces, flanked by guardian attendants Fudo Myo-o (Acala) and Bishamonten (Vaisravana), which was donated to the Temple by Matsudaira Yorishige, the lord of the Sanuki domain, the statues of the Nioh Guardians which were carved by Unkei, the Hon-do (Main Hall) and the Nioh Gate are all designated Important Cultural Properties. There is no admission charge for entry to the Kyokusui-shiki Garden, a garden constructed in the Muromachi period which resembles a traditional landscape painting and which is located in a corner of the Temple precincts, or to the Muzen-tei Garden, a Zen-style dry landscape garden.

創建が626年ということなので、仏教伝来から100年もたっていない程の古刹中の古刹の寺院です。山門を入れば、堂宇を見に来たとというより樹木を見に来たといった方が正しいほど、自然いっぱいです。山門にある大きな草履、高い塔など見どころいっぱいです。戦国武将生駒親正の墓、海女の伝説も有ります。
Nagao-ji Temple

3.5

42 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Sanukishi Nagaonishi 653

The Nagao-ji Temple is the 87th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. There are several different stories regarding the Temple’s origins, but the most widely-quoted story is that the Temple was founded when the bodhisattva Gyoki carved a statue of the bodhisattva Kannon and built a temple to install the statue in. Subsequently, when Kobo Daishi was preparing to travel to China to study Buddhist teachings there, he spent a period of seven days at the Temple, starting from New Year, performing the Gomakito fire ceremony to pray for a successful journey. A Daieyo ceremony is still held at the Temple every year on the seventh day of January in commemoration of this event. During this event, there is a competition in which participants compete to see who can carry a huge rice cake, which weighs 150 kilograms and is decorated with the Three Jewels, for the longest distance.

補陀落山観音院長尾寺（ふだらくさんかんおんいんながおじ）は、香川県さぬき市長尾西（かがわけんさぬきしながおにし）にある天台宗の寺だ。四国八十八ヶ所霊場第87番札所で、本尊は聖観世音菩薩（しょうかんぜおんぼさつ） 2020年11月13日、この日は志度寺に参拝した。そこから車で、長尾寺にやってきた。駐車場はとても広い。第87番札所ということで、順番に回っていたら大詰めだ（区切り打ちだけど...
Outdoor Music Plaza Theatron

4.5

8 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Sanukishi Kamoshou 1-20

This versatile open-air theater is the largest in Chugoku and Shikoku regions. It faces the Seto Inland Sea, letting visitors enjoy the natural beauty of Seto Naikai National Park while taking in plays, concerts, and more. The parking lots used for events vary, so it's a good idea to confirm the location in advance when driving to the venue.

讃岐市に位置している、音楽系のイベントに適している野外音楽広場です。剣闘士奴隷の試合があったコロセウムのような感じです。
Seto Inland Sea Folk History Museum

4.5

16 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Takamatsu-shi Kamemizu Cho 1412-2 (Goshikidai Yamaue)

This museum was established in 1973 in order to enhance awareness of the region’s history and traditional culture. The museum collects, displays, and researches items connected to the history and folk customs of the Setouchi region. The museum’s standing exhibition displays National Tangible Folk Cultural Property-designated fishing gear and vessels used on the Seto Inland Sea, and a recreation of a traditional boat-building shop, enabling visitors to come in contact with the unique traditional way of life in the Setouchi region. Outside the museum are displayed a motorized sailboat and other wooden boats, as well as stone statues. From the rooftop observatory, museum visitors can take in the idyllic scenery of the Bisan Strait.

2022年8月6日、この日は五色台展望台に立ち寄った。車で瀬戸内海歴史民族資料館にやってきた。駐車場は舗装されていないが、とても広い。高松港にあった灯台が展示されている。瀬戸内海歴史民族資料館は、瀬戸内地方の歴史、民俗等に関する資料の展示をしている。「日本建築学会賞」、「公共建築百選」に選ばれている建物だ。入口に、建物の模型が展示してある。無料で、撮影OKという素晴らしい施設だ。ビックリするく...
Shiratori-jinja Shrine

3.5

8 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Higashikagawashi Matsubara 69

This shrine is in Higashi-Kagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture. Stories tell that the spirit of Yamato Takeru became a swan and alighted at this shrine, and the grounds now hold garden lanterns donated by generations of feudal lords. It also has Mt. Miyama, which boasts of being Japan's lowest mountain at 3.6 meters, and the shrine offers certificates as evidence of your mountain climbing.

猪熊邸を見るために車を走らせているとこちらを発見。こちらは日本武尊（ヤマトタケルノミコト）の魂が白鳥になって降り立ったといわれる神社で、春・夏・秋に、盛大な大祭が開催され、また、神社内にある通称「みやま（御山）」は標高3.6m。日本一低い山として地域おこしをしており、白鳥神社では登山証明書を発行してあるそうです。境内には大きな御神木があり、近寄ると体にビリビリ感がありました。
Maeyama Henro Exchange Salon

4.5

14 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Sanuki-shi Maeyama 936 Maeyama Chiku-ku Revitalization Center

This rest area is situated along the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage between Nagaoji Temple, the route’s 87th temple; and Okuboji Temple, the 88th temple. The rest area serves as a place for pilgrims to exchange information as well as a gathering space for local residents. Inside, there’s a pilgrim museum where visitors can video Edo period travelogues and maps, votive tables left behind by past pilgrims who were offered food or accommodation, and old pilgrimage stamp books and handprints. In addition to pilgrims, the facility is used for group study events by local elementary and middle schools, and as a training space for lifelong learning groups.

さぬきしてに位置している、お遍路さんのために設けられた施設です。お遍路の復習をすることができました。
Kozaiji Temple

4.0

10 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Kouzainishimachi 211

This ancient Buddhist temple was founded in the distant Nara period by the great priest Gyoki. After the temple was relocated to its current location and rebuilt by Kobo Daishi in the Heian period, it suffered numerous accidental fires, but even today large numbers of worshippers come here. The temple is the 19th temple on the Shikoku 20 Bekkaku Temple Pilgrimage, and the temple's statue of Vaisravana created in the Heian period has been designated an Important Cultural Property.

行基上人が奈良時代に開いたと言われている真言宗のお寺です。境内には弘法大師の旅姿、他にも石造が多くありました。
Hiraga Gennai Memorial Museum

4.0

9 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Sanuki-shi Shido 587-1

This memorial museum is dedicated to Hiraga Gennai – sometimes the inventor, sometimes the writer, and other times the potter, he was a dyed in the wool free spirt who was active in a broad array of fields. Inspired by Hiraga, who hiked across the country to engage in natural history research, the museum is designed around the theme of “walking.” Newly remodeled in 2009, the museum consists of two locations – a main building, and an annex whose grounds enclose Hiraga’s former residence as well as a medicinal herb garden. Here visitors can learn about Hiraga’s extensive achievements through videos and activities. Hiraga’s former residence is located around 500 meters west of the main building and has been designated a National Tangible Cultural Property.

琴電志度駅から徒歩3分。2階建ての建物の1階部分が展示室となっている。入館料は500円(平賀源内旧邸との共通券)。平賀源内は1728年に志度に生まれた。「エレキテルを発明した」と教わった記憶があるが、「壊れたエレキテルを修理し、改良品を作った」というのが正しいようである。源内は非常に多才な人で、様々な発明品の他、自身が書いた小説(戯作)や絵画も展示されていた。展示物は多いとは言えないが、ここを...
Sanshu Izutsuyashiki

3.5

8 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Higashikagawashi Hiketa 2163

Your home base for sight-seeing in Hikida town, this facility was created by renovating the manor of Izutsuya—a prosperous Edo period merchant who sold sake and soy sauce. The main building has classic tatami rooms and a garden you can visit. Enjoy the restaurant and specialty shops, or experience local traditions with wasanbon die-cutting, and making original gloves or other leather items.

地元のお客様が連れて行ってくれました。正直あまり期待はしていませんが、行ってびっくりですね。地元の歴史がよくわかりますし、醤油や手袋の生産など地元に大きく貢献した商家です。素晴らしいですね。

Kagawa Takamatsu

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

Kagawa Areas

Japan’s smallest prefecture, Kagawa, may take up just a small corner of Shikoku, but it has grown increasingly popular with the recognition of Naoshima, its "art island" in the Seto Inland Sea between Shikoku and Honshu. Just a stone’s throw from the islands, mainland Kagawa’s prefectural capital, Takamatsu, holds history in its castle ruins and its pride and joy, Ritsurin Garden, is known as one of the country’s best gardens.