Find a pleasant sense of harmony in Takamatsu
Though better known as a transportation hub to the islands of the Inland Sea, the heart of Takamatsu is still part of old world Japan at its most pleasant harmony, which offers a variety of historic and cultural places of interest. Ritsurin Park, built by the local feudal lords during the early Edo Period, is the city's most famous attraction. Covering a large area of 75-hectare land with man-made hills, ponds, oriental bridges, and many types of trees and flowers, Ritsurin now remains one of the country's most appealing and largest strolling gardens that lures both locals and foreign tourists. You can either take a stroll through the outstanding Japanese style landscape garden, embark on a traditional boat ride or rest at Kikugetsu-tei, a teahouse set right in the middle of the park for a cup of green tea. Another attraction for your enjoyable trip in Takamatsu is Shikoku Village, a 5-hectare open air museum at the base of Yashima. This pleasant hillside park offers a nice, scenic walk through over twenty traditional buildings from all over Shikoku and surrounding islands, giving an insight into the lifestyle of the locals between the Edo and the Meiji eras.
