Top Family Vacation Spots in Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan
1. Ritsurin Garden
A beautiful, spacious park with ponds, teahouses, and seasonal flowers, perfect for family picnics.
- Spacious: Over 75 acres of land to explore
- Seasonal Flowers: Enjoy different blooms throughout the year
- Historical Teahouses: Experience traditional Japanese tea ceremonies
2. Kagawa Oceanic Park
A large aquarium with a variety of marine life, including dolphin and sea lion shows.
- Marine Life Variety: Over 30,000 creatures from around the world
- Dolphin and Sea Lion Shows: Entertaining performances multiple times a day
- Touch Pool Area: Interactive experiences for kids
3. Takamatsu Port Area
A lively waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and a giant octopus sculpture.
- Unique Octopus Sculpture: Iconic landmark of Takamatsu
- Variety of Food Options: Taste local seafood and other delicious Japanese cuisine
- Shopping Opportunities: Find souvenirs, clothing, and more
4. Kotohira-gu Shrine
A famous Shinto shrine with beautiful architecture and a scenic mountain approach.
- Historical Significance: One of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan
- Scenic Mountain Approach: Enjoy a peaceful walk through nature
- Intricate Architecture: Beautiful structures and artifacts to admire
5. Tanuki-cho Street
A charming, traditional district with shops, restaurants, and a lantern festival.
- Traditional Atmosphere: Experience Edo Period architecture
- Lantern Festival: Annual event during summer
- Unique Shops and Restaurants: Discover local delicacies and unique souvenirs
6. Takamatsu City Art Museum
A modern museum showcasing works by Yayoi Kusama and other contemporary artists.
- Contemporary Art Exhibits: Explore cutting-edge art from Japan and around the world
- Yayoi Kusama Collection: See works by the famous Japanese artist
- Temporary Exhibitions: New exhibits throughout the year
7. Mikawa-no-Okuni Setouchi Folk Art Museum
A unique museum dedicated to folk art and traditional crafts from the Seto Inland Sea region.
- Regional Folk Art Focus: Discover local artistic traditions
- Hands-on Workshops: Try your hand at traditional crafts
- Garden and Sculptures: Enjoy a tranquil outdoor space filled with art
8. School of Little Mermaids Statues
A whimsical attraction featuring statues of The Little Mermaid from Hans Christian Andersen.
- Unique Attraction: Only place in Japan with these statues
- Photography Opportunities: Take memorable family photos
- Storytelling Sessions: Listen to the story of The Little Mermaid in Japanese
9. Tashikijo Observation Deck
A scenic overlook offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and its many islands.
- Panoramic Views: Take in breathtaking vistas of the sea
- Spot Dolphins and Whales: Keep an eye out for marine life from the deck
- Sunset Viewing: Enjoy a romantic sunset with your family
10. Shimei-jima Island
A small island with beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a lighthouse.
- Beautiful Beaches: Relax on pristine white sand
- Clear Waters: Snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear sea
- Historical Lighthouse: Climb to the top for panoramic views
11. Naoshima Island Art Museums
A collection of modern art museums set on a serene island in the Inland Sea.
- Modern Art Focus: Explore contemporary works by renowned artists
- Outdoor Installations: Experience art in the natural surroundings of the island
- Island Exploration: Discover hidden gems and beautiful landscapes
12. Ie-no-Makiyama Park
A scenic park with an Edo Period home, a shrine, and beautiful cherry blossom trees.
- Historical Home: Step back in time to the Edo Period
- Cherry Blossom Trees: Enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring
- Shrine and Temple: Visit religious sites and learn about Shintoism
13. Tamamo-no-Mae Shrine
A beautiful shrine dedicated to the deity Tamamo-no-Mae, known for her wisdom and beauty.
- Wisdom and Beauty Deity: Learn about Japanese mythology
- Scenic Surroundings: Enjoy a peaceful, serene setting
- Autumn Leaves Season: See the stunning autumn foliage in fall
14. Takamatsu Port Cruise Terminal
A modern cruise terminal offering day trips to nearby islands and cities.
- Day Trips: Explore more of the Seto Inland Sea region
- Convenient Location: Easy access from Takamatsu City
- Variety of Destinations: Choose from a range of exciting destinations
15. Setouchi Traditional Boat Building Center
A boat building center showcasing traditional Japanese shipbuilding techniques.
- Traditional Skills: Learn about the art of Japanese shipbuilding
- Interactive Workshops: Try your hand at boat building
- Boat Tours: Explore the Seto Inland Sea on a traditional boat