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Viewpoint · Takamatsu, Kagawa
Yashima
A lava plateau of about 290 meters east of Takamatsu, with the Yashima-ji temple of the Shikoku pilgrimage, viewpoints over the Inland Sea and the field of a 12th-century battle.
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
Yashima 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 Yashima
Yashima is a flat-topped plateau of about 290 meters, east of Takamatsu’s center, projecting over the Inland Sea. Seen from afar it looks like a table; the name means “roof-island,” because until the Edo period it was surrounded by water. Today it is attached to the mainland, and the city extends to its base.
In 1185, the bay at Yashima’s foot was the scene of one of the Genpei War battles between the Taira and Minamoto clans, which inspired famous episodes of Japanese literature, such as the archer Nasu no Yoichi shooting a fan held on a boat. Plaques and small monuments mark places connected to the history.
At the top stands Yashima-ji, temple 84 of the 88-temple Shikoku pilgrimage, with a main hall from the Muromachi period and statues of tanuki, the raccoon dogs of local legend. Around it, flat trails lead to viewpoints on the plateau edge with views of Takamatsu, the Inland Sea islands and the Seto Ohashi Bridge on clear days. One lookout is housed in a modern observation building.
At the plateau’s base, Shikoku Mura is an open-air museum with old houses from across the island reconstructed on a forested slope, including a vine bridge and a sugar-making house. Nearby is also a gallery with artworks affiliated with the museum.
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
2 to 3 hours for the plateau, the temple and the lookouts; an additional 1 to 2 hours for Shikoku Mura.
Best time
At late afternoon, when the sun often sets over the islands, or in the morning, when the air is clearer. On foggy days the sea view is obscured.
How to get there
From Kotoden-Yashima Station or JR Yashima Station, a bus climbs to the plateau in about 10 minutes, with infrequent departures; on foot, a steep trail takes about 1 hour. By car there is a road to the top, about 10 km from Takamatsu center.
Tip
Take the bus up and walk along the rim of the plateau to the north lookout for sunset. Visit Shikoku Mura in the morning before ascending.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Yashima
How do you ascend Yashima without a car?
By bus from Kotoden‑Yashima or JR Yashima stations, about 10 minutes, or on foot via a steep trail of roughly 1 hour.
What happened in the Battle of Yashima?
In 1185 the Minamoto clan attacked the Taira camp in the bay. The best‑known episode is the archer Nasu no Yoichi, who struck a fan raised on a boat.
Is Yashima‑ji part of the Shikoku pilgrimage?
Yes, it’s temple 84 of 88. Pilgrims climb on foot via the old trail, and the temple has stamps for the pilgrimage book.
What is Shikoku Mura?
It’s an open‑air museum at the base of Yashima, with old houses from across Shikoku reassembled on the hillside, including a vine bridge.
Beyond the guide
