Takamatsu City Guide
Image by asagi via unsplash

Japan

Takamatsu City Guide

Kagawa Prefecture

Takamatsu is the capital of Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku Island. It's known for Ritsurin Garden and its access to nearby islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The city is quieter than Japan's big urban centers, offering a calm setting with easy access to nature and culture.

Lifestyle🍽️

🍽️
Food Scene
Excellent
8

Sanuki Udon is a must-try local dish. Seafood and bone-in chicken are common. International food is limited. Vegetarian and vegan options exist but may be fewer. Late-night izakayas and ramen shops are available.

Local Dishes:
Sanuki Udon, Honetsukidori, Seafood from Seto Inland Sea
International Cuisine:
Limited variety
Vegan FriendlyVegetarian Friendly
🌙
Nightlife
Good
6

Nightlife centers on Kawaramachi and Lion-dori with izakayas, bars, and karaoke. It's quieter than bigger cities.

Coffee Culture
Good
7

A mix of classic Japanese coffee shops and newer specialty cafes serves quality coffee.

💰
Tipping
Not Required

Tipping is not practiced and can confuse locals. Service charges are sometimes included.

Top Attractions
Ritsurin Garden
Garden
One of Japan's most famous landscape gardens.
Takamatsu Castle (Tamamo Park)
Historical
Historic castle ruins with parklands.
Shikoku Mura Village
Museum
Open-air museum of local architecture.
Yashima
Nature
Plateau offering views and historical sites.
SIM Cards

SIM cards and eSIMs can be bought at airports or electronics stores. Major providers are NTT Docomo, au, and SoftBank. Passport ID is required.

Available at:
Airport kiosks
Electronics stores
Recommended Apps
Google Maps(Navigation)
Japan Transit Planner(Transport)
Google Translate(Communication)
Tabelog(Food)
LINE(Communication)
PayPay(Payment)
Uber Eats(Food Delivery)

Services & Infrastructure

Street Cleanliness
Excellent
9

Takamatsu is very clean with effective waste and recycling systems.

24/7 Services
Good
6

Convenience stores are open 24/7 for basic needs. Late-night clinics and pharmacies are rare.

Groceries
Marunaka
Fuji
Aeon

Larger supermarkets stock some international items. Local markets offer fresh produce. Stores usually open from 9 or 10 AM until 9 or 10 PM, including Sundays.

Cashless Payments
Cash preferred

Credit cards work in larger places, but small shops and transport often require cash. Carry some yen.

ATMs

ATMs at Japan Post Bank offices and 7-Eleven stores accept international cards. Fees depend on your bank and ATM operator.

Schools
Local only

Local schools teach in Japanese. Few international school options in Takamatsu; nearby large cities have more.

Available Schools:
Local Japanese schools

Work & Digital💻

Coworking Spaces
Available
6
Available Spaces:
Takamatsu Work Plaza
Private offices and shared spaces available.
Co-working Space & Cafe "Machinaka Base"
Casual workspace with Wi-Fi and desks.
Takamatsu City Library
Quiet area with Wi-Fi, not a dedicated coworking space.
Work-Friendly Cafés
Good
Starbucks
Multiple locations with Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Tully's Coffee
Multiple locations suited for work.
Doutor Coffee
Common chain with work-friendly seating.
Alternatives:
Independent cafes near station
Some offer Wi-Fi and seating for work.
Hotel lobbies
Often have guest Wi-Fi and quiet space.
Digital Nomad Community
Poor
3

Digital nomad scene is small with limited meetups; some cafes offer remote work-friendly spaces.

Nature & Activities🌿

Green Spaces
Excellent
9

Excellent green spaces, highlighted by Ritsurin Garden and waterfront parks at Sunport.

Running
Good
7

Popular running routes include Ritsurin Garden and waterfront paths; safe and clean.

Gyms
Available

Several gyms provide options for fitness and classes.

Available Gyms:
Joyfit 24 Takamatsu
Anytime Fitness Takamatsu
Gold's Gym Takamatsu
Tennis
Limited
5

Tennis courts at public sports parks and private clubs; booking usually required.

Padel
Poor
1

Padel courts are rare and hard to find in Takamatsu.

Yoga
Good
6

Yoga studios offer classes, though fewer options than in big cities.

Martial Arts
Good
6

Dojo for Judo, Kendo, Karate, Aikido, and some Boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms exist. English instructors are rare.

Skiing
Poor
2

Small ski resorts exist but are several hours away.

Water Sports
Limited
5

Kayaking and paddleboarding are possible in coastal areas with some rentals.

Surfing
Poor
3

Surf spots are far away on Shikoku's Pacific coast; a few hours' drive.

Diving
Poor
3

Limited diving and snorkeling in the Seto Inland Sea near Takamatsu.

Health & Safety🏥

Healthcare
Excellent
8

Several hospitals, like Takamatsu Red Cross and Kagawa University Hospital, offer good care. English support is limited but possible at bigger hospitals. Pharmacies operate during business hours.

Hospitals:
Takamatsu Red Cross Hospital
Kagawa University Hospital
Pharmacies:
Local Kusuriya
Yakkyoku pharmacies
Tap Water Safety
Safe to drink

Tap water is safe to drink here.

Common Scams
Overpriced services in tourist areas, Unsolicited offers of help from strangers

Community & Family

Family Friendly
Good
7

Ritsurin Garden and Sunport offer family-friendly spaces. Kid-focused cafes are rare but family restaurants exist. Baby supplies are easy to find.

LGBTQ+ Friendly
Good
6

Generally safe and accepted but with fewer inclusive venues or events than larger cities.

Pet Friendly
Limited
5

Some places accept pets but many restrictions exist. Veterinary care and supplies are available.

Communities
Kagawa International Exchange Association (Community)
Expats in Shikoku Facebook Group (Community)
Japan Expats Facebook Group (Community)

Quick Facts

Population
417,814
Power Reliability
Excellent
10/10

Power supply is very reliable with almost no outages.

Beach Access
Available

Sunport Takamatsu has a small artificial beach; larger natural beaches are a short drive away.

Mountains
Available

Mount Yashima offers hiking and views. Other hills nearby provide hiking options.

Languages
Japanese(95%)
English(10%)
Emergency
110
Police
119
Ambulance/Fire
0570-000-911
Japan Helpline

⚠️Natural Disasters Risk

🌊
Tsunami
High Risk
8
🏔️
Earthquake
High Risk
8

🌦️Seasonal Issues

Typhoons
August, September, October
Heavy rain and strong winds can occur late summer to early autumn.
Extreme Heat/Humidity
July, August
Hot and humid weather in the summer months.

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience at this place

💬 Feedback & Bugs