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Castle · Takamatsu, Kagawa
Takamatsu Castle
Seaside castle ruins in Tamamo Park, with sea-water moats where red sea bream swim, stone walls, two old towers and the Hiunkaku palace.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Takamatsu Castle in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Takamatsu Castle
Takamatsu Castle was built at the end of the 16th century by Ikoma Chikamasa on the shore of the Inland Sea, and is one of the few Japanese castles by the sea. The moats were connected to the sea and still contain salt water; red sea bream and other fish swim there and can be fed by visitors. The complex occupies Tamamo Park, next to the station and the port.
The main keep no longer exists, but the stone base walls have been restored, and it is possible to climb to their top. Two old towers survive: Ushitora Yagura and Tsukimi Yagura, with the seaside gate through which the lords’ boats arrived. Both are Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
In the park is Hiunkaku, a palace built in the early 20th century by the Matsudaira family, with tatami rooms, a pine-and-stone garden and a tearoom overlooking the garden. There are short boat rides in traditional boats along the moat for part of the year.
The park is small and lies on the route between the station and the center, which makes for a quick visit. Across the street are the port, where boats to the islands depart, and the breakwater with the red glass lighthouse, a seaside walk. Locals use the park for walking, and in the early morning it’s common to see people feeding the moat fish.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour; add 30 minutes to visit Hiunkaku and take the short boat ride in the moat.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon. The park’s cherry trees usually bloom in late March and early April. Check the park and boat schedules before you go.
How to get there
It is next to Takamatsu Station and Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station, about a 3-minute walk.
Tip
Buy fish feed at the entrance and feed the red sea bream in the moat. Combine the visit with a walk to the red glass lighthouse on the breakwater before the boat to Naoshima.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Takamatsu Castle
Does Takamatsu Castle have a main keep?
No. Only the restored stone base walls remain, and two old turrets, the Ushitora Yagura and the Tsukimi Yagura.
Is it true there are saltwater fish in the moats?
Yes. The moats are saltwater, connected to the sea, and contain snapper and other fish, which can be fed with feed sold at the entrance.
Where is Takamatsu Castle located?
In Tamamo Park, next to Takamatsu Station and the port, a few minutes on foot.
What is the Hiunkaku?
It is an early 20th-century pavilion built by the Matsudaira family inside the castle park, with tatami rooms and a garden.
Beyond the guide
