I’m doing a fall trip to Shikoku with my brother. We would love recommendations for places to eat and activities alongside the Kaido, Matsuyama and Takamatsu. Specifically:
What are the best places for Sanuki Udon?
Anything interesting to do in Takamatsu besides Ritsurin garden?
What is the best way to get to Osaka from Takamatsu?
Day 1:
Land in Osaka in the evening. Rest.
Day 2:
Buffer in the morning for supplies in Osaka. Train to Onomichi. Stop by Himeji on the way for lunch and Himeji Castle. Anywhere else we should take pit stops at?
Day 3:
Onomichi. Cat Alley, Senkoji and other temple walks. Take the bus to see sunset at Tamakiyama on Mukaishima. Need restaurant recommendations.
Day 4:
Kuroneko our suitcases to Matsuyama. Shimanami Kaido to Ikuchijima. Detour to Shiratakiyama.
Day 5:
Finish Shimanami Kaido. Considering detour to the treasury at Oyamazumi Jinja. End day in Matsuyama.
Day 6:
Matsuyama Castle. Day trip to Uchiko for the old mansions and Kabuki theater tour. Night at Dogo Onsen.
Day 7:
Morning onsen hopping. Lunch at Matsuyama. Kuroneko our suitcases to Takamatsu. Travel to Iwazuchi-san Ropeway. End the day at Shiraishi Ryokan on Iwazuchi-san trailhead.
Day 8:
Wake up early to hike. Catch sunrise at Iwazuchi-san peak. Train to Takamatsu. Potential detour for sanuki udon.
Day 9:
Explore Takamatsu. Ritsurin Garden in the morning. Afternoon train back to Osaka.
Day 10:
Osaka. Food. Shopping.
Day 11:
Morning flight back home.
4 comments
Imo, Takamatsu is very skippable. Would personally just take an extra day in Osaka.
I think the only other thing I did in Takamatsu was going to Megijima – it’s a C-tier tourist attraction at best though and if you can think of somewhere else to go I think the city as a whole is fairly skippable.
– Train from Takamatsu to Osaka : Take the marine mine to Okayama and after that the train to Osaka. It’s a rather smooth journey with scenic views on the Seto sea.
– Uchiko is a very village with a nice atmosphere. Worth the trip.
– I’m very fond of Takamatsu. It’s very convenient to take the boat to Naoshima. Small islands like Ogijima are small paradise with scenic views and nice walks. Honen-ji is a beautiful temple a bit off tracks. You can also enjoy onsens in the neighbourhood. There is a lay back atmosphere you won’t find in big cities like Osaka.
My family is from Takamatsu. The city is small but if you look there’s lots to do. Ritsurin garden is a must if you’re going there, and definitely stop somewhere for sanuki udon. Trust me, you will see them everywhere it’s crazy, so you can’t miss it. If it’s a nice day and you have time drive up mount Yashima. You’ll get a great view of the city and the islands in the inland sea! Plus there is a temple and an aquarium on the way.
As for getting from takamatsu to Osaka, catch the marine liner from takamatsu, transfer to the Shinkansen at Okayama and send it to Osaka. Probably take you a few hours tops and less that ¥10,000 if you don’t reserve seats