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For Glamping Reservations of Japan(Mt.Fuji, Awaji Island, Beppu, Tottori, Izu, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, Kyushu etc.)
Resort Glamping.com
For Glamping Reservations of Japan(Mt.Fuji, Awaji Island, Beppu, Tottori, Izu, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, Kyushu etc.)
December 2026, 5
Takamatsu, the capital of Kagawa Prefecture, boasts beautiful seascapes of the Seto Inland Sea and is one of the important hubs for Shikoku tourism. Starting your driving trip from Takamatsu, you can easily access popular spots and luxurious resort accommodations throughout Shikoku. This article will introduce in detail classic and nearby spots for a Shikoku driving trip centered around Takamatsu, as well as seasonal events such as Takamatsu's summer "fireworks display" and autumn "autumn foliage illumination." Whether you're visiting Takamatsu for the first time or are a repeat visitor to Shikoku, why not plan a Shikoku/Takamatsu driving trip as suggested by us?
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Shikoku is located in the southwestern part of the Japanese archipelago and consists of four prefectures: Kagawa, Tokushima, Kochi, and Ehime. It boasts a wealth of attractions, including the famous "Shikoku 4 Temple Pilgrimage," rich natural scenery, history and culture, and fresh seafood, making it one of Japan's leading tourist destinations. Driving around Shikoku from Takamatsu is very convenient, as rental cars can be easily rented at Takamatsu Airport and around Takamatsu Station. Starting from Takamatsu and exploring various parts of Shikoku by rental car is a very popular travel method among tourists.
Takamatsu is located in the northeastern part of Shikoku and is one of the largest cities in the prefecture. It can be accessed by car from Okayama Prefecture on Honshu via the Seto Ohashi Bridge, and it is also possible to reach Takamatsu by plane or ferry. Takamatsu is most famous for its udon noodles. Many famous Sanuki udon restaurants are scattered throughout the city, and authentic Sanuki udon is an absolute must-try when visiting Takamatsu! Takamatsu udon is characterized by its firm texture and flavorful broth, and is deeply loved by travelers from both Japan and abroad. Tourist highlights in Takamatsu include Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens; Megijima and Ogijima islands, which can be reached by boat from Takamatsu Port; the historic Takamatsu Castle Ruins (Tamamo Park) and Yashima; and the lively Takamatsu Central Shopping Street.
Takamatsu city and its surrounding areas have many popular spots that are best visited by car. Here's a look at some of Takamatsu's most representative tourist attractions.
Shikoku Village, located in Yashima Nishimachi, Takamatsu City, is an open-air museum that preserves and exhibits 33 old houses and rural buildings that have been relocated from various parts of Shikoku. At Shikoku Village in Takamatsu, rural landscapes of Shikoku from the Edo and Meiji periods are recreated, allowing visitors to experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of Shikoku firsthand and enjoy the historical atmosphere unique to Takamatsu.
After visiting Shikoku Village, be sure to try Takamatsu's famous Sanuki udon noodles. While there are many excellent udon restaurants in Takamatsu city, there are also several long-established udon shops around Shikoku Village. Eating Sanuki udon, characterized by its firm texture and clear broth, is a culinary experience you shouldn't miss when sightseeing in Takamatsu.
Onigashima Great Cave, located on Megijima Island, an outlying island of Takamatsu City, is a cave said to have been inhabited by demons in the Momotaro legend. It was discovered in 1914 by Sentaro Hashimoto, a local historian from Kinashi Town, Kagawa Prefecture. It can be reached by ferry from Takamatsu Port in about 20 minutes. Inside the cave, there are exhibits of demon statues and other artifacts, creating a mystical atmosphere that leaves a strong impression.
Fudo Falls, located in Shionoe-cho, Takamatsu City, boasts a drop of approximately 8 meters, and its crystal-clear sound harmonizes beautifully with the changing natural scenery of the seasons. It's a popular stopover spot, easily accessible by car in about 45 minutes from the center of Takamatsu City. Fudo Falls is particularly famous in spring for its fresh greenery and in autumn for its vibrant autumn foliage. Incorporating it into your driving itinerary along with Shionoe Onsenkyo allows you to enjoy both the natural scenery of the Takamatsu area and a hot spring experience all at once.
Yashima is a plateau-like mountain located in the eastern part of Takamatsu City. It can be accessed in about 20 minutes by car from the center of Takamatsu. From the summit of Yashima, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea and the city of Takamatsu, and the magnificent scenery is truly breathtaking. Yashima is also the site of the Genpei War from the Heian period, making it an excellent place for history buffs to experience Takamatsu's history. In addition, Yashima-ji Temple, the 84th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is located near the summit, allowing you to experience a part of the pilgrimage in Takamatsu. The Yashima Driveway leading to Yashima is free of charge, making it an easily accessible spot for a drive around Takamatsu.
In the northeastern part of Takamatsu City lies Mineyama Park, a nature-rich spot where you can enjoy both cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage. The park features an observation deck offering panoramic views of Takamatsu city and well-maintained walking paths, making it a beloved spot for families and Takamatsu residents alike. For travelers who want to stroll through Takamatsu's natural surroundings and experience the atmosphere of local life, Mineyama Park is a must-see.
Takamatsu Central Shopping Arcade is one of Japan's longest covered shopping streets, stretching approximately 2.7 km. Easily accessible on foot from Takamatsu Station, it attracts numerous tourists from both Japan and abroad every year. Here you can find Takamatsu's unique local cuisine, Kagawa Prefecture souvenirs, and all kinds of shopping. Many long-established udon noodle shops and restaurants specializing in Sanuki's local delicacies line the street.
Takamatsu Central Shopping Street is a mixed-use commercial area comprised of multiple streets, including "Takamatsu Marugamemachi Shopping Street," "Takamatsu Hyogomachi Shopping Street," and "Takamatsu Kataharamachi Shopping Street."
Shionoe Onsenkyo is one of Shikoku's leading hot spring resorts, located in the mountainous area south of Takamatsu City. It's about a 45-minute drive from the center of Takamatsu City. Shionoe Onsen is known for its gentle water quality and is loved by many travelers. If you plan a driving itinerary that includes both "Fudo Falls" and "Shionoe Onsenkyo" starting from Takamatsu, you can enjoy the spectacular natural scenery near Takamatsu and the hot springs at the same time. When planning a driving trip to Takamatsu, be sure to include Shionoe Onsenkyo in your itinerary.
Shodoshima, one of the largest islands in the Seto Inland Sea, is about an hour away by ferry from Takamatsu Port. It is one of the most popular spots near Takamatsu, and many travelers choose it as their first choice for day trips or overnight stays from Takamatsu. Shodoshima boasts numerous scenic spots, including Kankakei Gorge, one of Japan's three most beautiful gorges, a filming location for the live-action movie "Kiki's Delivery Service," and Angel Road, which only appears at low tide. Shodoshima is also famous as an olive producing area, and local specialties such as Shodoshima olive oil, olive somen noodles, and soy sauce make perfect souvenirs.
Located in Utazu-cho, Ayauta-gun, Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Shikoku and has quickly become a popular spot near Takamatsu since its opening in 2020. It's about a 30-minute drive from Takamatsu City. Inside, visitors can enjoy exhibits of creatures inhabiting the Seto Inland Sea and the clear streams of Shikoku, as well as a fantastical large tank and dolphin programs. Shikoku Aquarium is one of the most beloved spots for families visiting from Takamatsu. It's truly rare to find an aquarium of this size so close to Takamatsu.
Ogijima Island, about a 40-minute ferry ride from Takamatsu Port, is known as "Cat Island" because of the large number of cats that gather there, making it an irresistible destination for cat lovers! In this quiet Setouchi fishing village, friendly cats roam freely throughout the island, making it extremely popular with cat-loving travelers. The sight of old stone-walled houses walking alongside cats is a unique and photogenic spot near Takamatsu.
Held annually in mid-August, the Sanuki Takamatsu Festival is the largest summer event in Takamatsu City. The festival's highlight is the fireworks display, where approximately 6,000 fireworks are launched into the sky above Takamatsu Port, attracting large crowds from within and outside Takamatsu City, and even from all over Shikoku. On the day of the Sanuki Takamatsu Festival, in addition to the fireworks display, there is a parade of "Sō-odori," a dance unique to Takamatsu, and food stalls where you can enjoy Takamatsu's local cuisine, making it a lively event filled with various activities.
At Ritsurin Garden, a representative Japanese garden in Takamatsu, a beautiful autumn foliage light-up event is held every year from mid-November to early December. The biggest highlight of the autumn leaves at Takamatsu's Ritsurin Garden is the fantastical scenery of trees colored in red, yellow, and orange reflected on the water's surface. The autumn light-up at night in Takamatsu is a highly satisfying seasonal event.
Ritsurin Garden was the villa garden of the Matsudaira family, the lords of Takamatsu Domain during the Edo period, and is designated as a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty. If you visit Takamatsu in the autumn, the illuminated autumn leaves at Ritsurin Garden will be an unforgettable highlight of your trip to Takamatsu.
Glamping in Japan, which combines stunning natural scenery with high-quality accommodation experiences, has become a new must-visit for travelers from Taiwan and Hong Kong. Shikoku is blessed with diverse topography, including the Seto Inland Sea and Tosa Bay. In fact, not only Takamatsu, but various parts of Shikoku are rooted in a warm climate and rich history and culture, and by venturing to other areas, you can discover even deeper travel attractions. Accordingly, glamping experiences have also evolved to become even more diverse and appealing. So this time, we have carefully selected three highly popular glamping facilities in the Shikoku area! We will introduce their features, room types, cuisine, and access information in detail.
At "Sky Hill Glamping" in Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku, guests can use the swimming pool free of charge. The interiors are charming and photogenic, and guests can gaze at the starry sky from their dome tents. For dinner, a BBQ set featuring local ingredients such as Niida rice and Shimanto pork, as well as domestic chicken and Miyazaki Wagyu ribeye is provided. It offers a safe and wonderful accommodation experience, even for those taking a road trip from Takamatsu for the first time.
Located on the coast of Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture, blessed with abundant nature and a mild climate, this stylish villa boasts stunning ocean views. It features a private barrel sauna, cold plunge pool, deck chairs, and a bonfire area. Guests can enjoy glamping BBQ or kaiseki cuisine featuring fresh local seafood. A special cake can also be reserved for anniversaries, making it a perfect surprise for couples and families enjoying a road trip.
This resort accommodation limits stays to only four groups per day and offers two types of rooms: the "Ocean View Building," where you can feel the sound of the waves and the sea breeze, and the "Mountain View Building," where you can enjoy the diverse scenery of each season. Guests can also use the adjacent natural hot spring free of charge. After enjoying Kochi cuisine with a superb glamping BBQ, you can spend a pleasant time on your private terrace. Stepping outside before going to bed and listening to the refreshing sea breeze and the sound of waves lapping against the shore is also wonderful.
Takamatsu is the perfect base for a driving tour of Shikoku. Starting from Takamatsu, you can efficiently visit numerous spots both inside and outside the city, such as Yashima, Shikoku Village, Shionoe Onsenkyo, and Mineyama Park. Furthermore, you can easily access Setouchi islands like Shodoshima and Nekojima by taking a ferry from Takamatsu Port, making it extremely convenient. Takamatsu is full of attractions, including Sanuki udon noodles, fireworks displays, and autumn foliage illuminations. Takamatsu's stunning scenery, gourmet food, hot springs, and rich seasonal events await your visit!
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
