The City
Takamatsu's must-see, Ritsurin-koen , is 2km south down Chuo-dori from the JR station, but on the way are several sights worth a stop. Just beside the Kotoden Chikko Station, opposite the JR station, is Tamamo-koen (daily 9am-5pm; Y150), a park which contains what's left of the castle Takamatsu-jo . Four hundred years ago this was one of the three major Japanese fortresses protected by sea, with three rings of moats surrounding the central keep. All that remains today are a couple of turrets and parts of the moat, and the grounds are only a ninth of their original size. Still, it's a pleasant enough park, with winding pathways and a fantastic display of blossom on the cherry trees in spring. If you climb the raised mound of the keep, you'll get a great view out across the Inland Sea. At the east end of the park, also have a look around the very traditional Hiunkaku , a sprawling wooden mansion, surrounded by stunted pines. Rebuilt in 1917, it is now used as public rooms. Immediately east of the park is the new Kagawa History Museum (Tues-Sun 9.30am-5pm; Y400) built on part of the old castle grounds. Head to the fourth floor to see the main exhibition which has a lot of high-tech displays, including a mobile phone device you can use to get an English (or Korean or Chinese) explanation of what you're seeing. To make the device work, press the green dial button, wait for the dial tone to finish and for the Japanese announcement, and then punch in the code marked up at the display you're in front of. It's all quite fun, with some impressive relics and life-size replicas of local landmarks, such as the seven-metre-tall copper lantern from Marogame. On the third floor is a special section relating to Kobo Daishi , with some amazing giant mandala paintings and ancient statues, as well as the temporary exhibition space. Next to the ground-floor library is a hands-on section, where, should you wish, you can dress up in old Japanese costumes and have your photo taken. The giftshop also sells good souvenirs. South of the park, heading down Chuo-dori, are the main commercial and entertainment districts, threaded through with covered shopping arcades ( shotengai ) - one of which is said to be the longest (at 2.7km) in Japan. Just off Chuo-dori on Bijutsukan-dori is the modern Takamatsu City Museum of Art (Tues-Sun 9am-6pm; Y200). The small permanent collection includes Sanuki lacquerware and Western and Japanese contemporary art. There's also a library of art books and videos - some in English - and the spacious entrance hall is also used for dance and music performances. A fifteen-minute walk further down Chuo-dori is the main entrance to the gardens of Ritsurin-koen.
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