Destinations

Takamatsu

"Literally meaning "chestnut grove park", Takamatsu's Ritsurin-koen surely deserves to join the list of Japan's best gardens."

Ruth Hubbard - Travel Consultant

For many visitors Takamatsu is the gateway to Shikoku; the large, breezily modern city on the northern coast is a major transport hub funnelling road, rail and ferry traffic from Honshu across Shikoku Island.  But if you find yourself passing through, it is well worth breaking your journey in Takamatsu for a few hours.

Takamatsu is home to Japan's largest garden, Ritsurin-koen, which sits at the foot of Mount Shuin. During the Edo period feudal lords spent 100 years constructing the 750,000m2 strolling garden which is designed to look good in all seasons.

Ritsurin-koen is a fine example of landscaping, borrowing the pine-clad scenery of Shuin-zan and blending chestnut trees, lotus ponds, arching red bridges and artificial islands. Several elegant tatami teahouses sit in the garden and the entrance ticket allows visitors to take part in a tea ceremony at the Chrysanthemum Moon Pavilion.

There are several interesting museums in Takamatsu including the Sanuki Folkcraft Museum and a sculpture garden designed by Isamu Noguchi. Also of interest are the plateau of Yashima, an ancient battle ground with views of the Inland Sea and nearby Shikoku-Mura, a collection of traditional houses displaying Shikoku architecture and construction techniques.

Products featuring Takamatsu...

Self Guided Adventure

Paths Less Travelled

Our Paths Less Travelled itinerary circumnavigates the valleys and mountains of beautiful rural Shikoku and includes time on the art island of Naoshima as well as stays in historic Kyoto and buzzing Osaka.

15 Nights: £1860

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Self Guided Adventure

Gardens of Japan

A single rock afloat a sea of meticulously raked gravel; colourful koi carp gliding serenely beneath the surface of a lotus pond; the gentle curves of a teahouse roof set against a crimson flash of autumn maple. Such classic images of Japanese gardens are yours to discover on this 14 night journey.

14 Nights: £2380

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