Takamatsu
A study in contradictions and a pretty cool place to live...
Situated in a picturesque natural harbor, this is the gateway to Shikoku, the Art Islands, and the crystal blue waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
Takamatsu is a study in contradictions; a small town with big city vibes, a charmingly unattractive city in the most breathtaking of natural settings, a corporate town no longer able to conceal its artistic underground. Home to the countries longest covered shopping arcade filled with just about every multinational luxury fashion brand known to mankind; you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd somehow found your way back to Ginza given the hordes of pre-pandemic foreign tourists seeking to score a little duty free swag. Non-stop LLC service for our Asian neighbors can be good for business that way.
From its futuristically designed waterfront to the foundations of a centuries old castle no longer standing, Takamatsu is collection of just about every style from any era imaginable.
A sprawling cityscape tucked neatly between the confines of mountain slopes and oceanfront it plays host to some of the countries most spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Takamatsu boasts an impressive array of eclectic cafes and world class restaurants. Home to two of Japan's best wine sommeliers, you will undoubtedly have some of your favorite vintages here in our delightful hometown. It's hard to have a bad night out in Takamatsu so don't let our recommendations of Nagara and Hachi sway your decision unnecessarily.
Famous for its endless network of covered shopping streets, this one is all about food & drink!
Takamatsu provides easy access to the world famous Art Islands via numerous ferry lines, chartered yachts, and water taxis. And where else are you going to find a cafe that publishes your literature, a used book store open only in the dead of night and then only by reservation, and a weird but groovy space cat incessantly stalking the city? Yup, you read that right.
A thriving ship building industry helps maintain a strong manufacturing base while banking, insurance, and service industries make Takamatsu a regional economic hub.
This city of 300,000 has a surprising collection of mid-century modern architectural masterpieces including the Kagawa Prefectural Office(above) by Kenzo Tange as well as some of the most unique abandoned structures in all of Japan.
From its modern waterfront skyline to its vintage Showa-era charm this is a city seemingly still in search of its identity. What results is a town unique to the rest of Japan, where those who don't quite 'fit in' are welcome to gather and forge their own paths forward.
