Historical sceneries around the city of Takamatsu

Located on the island of Shikoku, Takamatsu is one of the main port of access to the various islands of the Seto Sea on which the famous Setouchi Triennale takes place. So the city logically ended up participating, and there are art installations there. But the latter was also very important in Japanese history since it has the port closest to Honshu and thus became a strategic point through the different Japanese eras.
From this period, even though the city is very modern, we still find the famous Japanese garden Ritsurin Koen, dating from the seventeenth century or the ruins of the castle opposite the port. Travelling to Takamatsu is therefore an ideal day to travel in time while remaining contemporary, but also to taste delicious local cuisine: the Sanuki Udon.

Let us go to discover this city full of life and history but also in its surroundings to discover the Konpira Shinto Shrine, in Mount Zozu, dedicated to the gods of sea transport and sailors and traditional stalls, which border its 1,368 steps. Comfortable shoes are recommended!

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- Voyages au Japon avec Peak Experience Japan -

★Meeting Place：Your hotel in Naoshima

★Meeting Time : 8h30

Departing from Miyaura port  Takamatsu Port  Ritsurin Koen Garden  Kotohira  Konpira-san  Back to Takamatsu Port

★Return: 6pm at Takamatsu Station or around 7pm at your Naoshima Hotel 
 

Please let us know if you want to change the meeting place and return place when you book
In case you would turn out to be late, we might not be able to go to all the places specified in the itinerary, so please be on time. 

From your hotel, we will take the ferry to the port of Takamatsu: it takes about 50 minutes.
You will see the ruins of the castle, built just next to the sea and symbol of the past greatness of the city.
From here we will take the train to Kotohira.

From the city to the mountains to the sanctuary of Konpira, the landscape will change several times for a gradual dive into the Japan of yesteryear.

On our way to the main shrine complex we will walk a street filled with traditional shops, it is called Omote-sando, the opportunity to buy some souvenirs, but especially to taste the local speciality: the Sanuki Udon!

The name comes from the fact that the current prefecture of Kagawa, was formerly called Sanuki. The thick noodles of the dish can be cooked in many different ways and their price is also very reasonable despite their excellent taste, making it a very popular dish.

The sanctuary of Konpira, in addition to being a beautiful walk, allows an immersion in Japanese culture in the sense that, over time, it blended Buddhist and Shinto beliefs. Although during the Meiji period, the government decided to impose Shinto as the unique religion of the sanctuary, there are many traces of Buddhism in architecture and symbols that make Konpira all the more interesting!
Many legends remain around the establishment of the sanctuary, some dating back to the first century, others to the 7th century. What is certain, however, is that in the 12th century, Emperor Sutoku was enshrined there after having cherished the place in his lifetime.

After this long but rich day, we will take you back to the port of Takamatsu, or to hotel in Naoshima, with a full head but a light heart.


If you decide to spend the night in Takamatsu, why not take the opportunity to visit the twin islands of Megijima and Ogijima the next day, both participants of the Setouchi Trienniale?