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Takamatsu with kids: 3 days, 2 nights.

Short journeys, with time left for naps. From the airport to your stay, the islands and the garden — an order that is easy with small children.

Looking for a place to stay in Takamatsu? See our five stays ↓

Admission fees and times were checked on the official websites on 22 September 2026. They can change, so please check again before you go.

Day 1 — From the airport to your stay, and a seaside castle at dusk

1. Arrive
   Take the airport limousine bus to Kawaramachi (about 30 min; adults ¥1,000, children ¥500). Change to the Kotoden Shido Line for two stops to Matsushima-Nichome; the stay is a 4-minute walk from the station.
2. 15:00
   Check in from 15:00.Drop your bags and take a break.
3. Evening
   In the late afternoon, visit Takamatsu Castle (Tamamo Park).Change to the Kotohira Line at Kawaramachi and ride to the end of the line, Takamatsu-Chikko, right in front of the park. The castle is known for its moat filled with seawater.
4. Fees
   Admission is ¥300 for adults and free for under-18s.The West Gate (on the Takamatsu-Chikko side) closes between 17:00 and 19:00 depending on the season.

Coming by car? HARETOKE has free parking for one car (no large vehicles).

Day 2 — By boat to Naoshima

1. Morning
   In the morning, take the ferry from Takamatsu Port to Miyanoura Port on Naoshima (about 50 min; adults ¥680, elementary-school children ¥340). Ferries leave Takamatsu at 8:12, 10:14, 12:40, 15:35 and 18:05.
2. On the island
   At Miyanoura, start with Yayoi Kusama’s “Red Pumpkin”.
3. Museums
   Many museums require reservations, and the Chichu Art Museum is closed on Mondays (or the next day if Monday is a public holiday). Leave room for nap time and don’t try to see everything.
4. Return
   Last boats from Naoshima to Takamatsu: ferry 17:00, high-speed boat 19:45.
5. Tickets
   Buy tickets at the counter — cash only.

For boat times and tips, see “From Takamatsu Port to Naoshima, Teshima and Shodoshima”.

Day 3 — A walk in Ritsurin Garden, then to the airport

1. 10:00
   Check out by 10:00.Take the Kotoden to Kawaramachi, change to the Kotohira Line and get off at the next stop, Ritsurin-Koen. The garden is about a 7-minute walk.
2. Fees
   Admission is ¥500 for adults, ¥170 for elementary and junior-high students, and free for preschool children.
3. Kids
   Strollers can be borrowed free of charge at the ticket office, and there are nursing rooms (in the Shoko Shoreikan East Building, the Kobusha toilets and the tourist office).
4. Luggage
   Leave your bags in the coin lockers by the East Gate (¥200–¥400).If they are full, the tourist office keeps bags for ¥400 each.
5. Lunch
   Have Sanuki udon for lunch.
6. Return
   The airport limousine bus stops at Ritsurin-koen-mae, right by the garden: about 30 minutes to the airport (adults ¥1,000). Buses are timed to flights, so check the timetable.

Tips for travelling with children

1. TIP 1The Kotoden trains and the limousine bus accept transport IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA.
2. TIP 2Konpira-san (Kotohira-gu Shrine) has 785 stone steps to the main shrine — not possible with a stroller. Bring a baby carrier if you go.
3. TIP 3On island days, check the time of the last boat back first.
4. TIP 4See also “From Takamatsu Airport into the city” and “How to ride the Kotoden”.

About HARETOKE

HARETOKE is a 4-minute walk from Kotoden Matsushima-Nichome Station. It is a two-bedroom maisonette (two floors inside) for up to 6 guests, with a crib, a baby monitor, a stroller and children’s tableware.

Our five stays in Takamatsu

HIBI NO NEA whole tatami house. Up to 6 guests, baby gear provided. 15-minute walk from JR Takamatsu Station (Ogimachi).See the stay →HARETOKEA two-bedroom maisonette apartment. Up to 6 guests, free parking for one car. 4-minute walk from Kotoden Matsushima-Nichome Station (Matsufukucho).See the stay →YOI NO HOSHIA 61 m² floor with a table tennis table and a projector. Up to 8 guests, free parking for one car. 4-minute walk from Matsushima-Nichome Station (Matsufukucho).See the stay →HOSHI NO UMI63 m² with three bedrooms and a view of the Seto Inland Sea. Up to 7 guests. About a 20-minute walk to Takamatsu Port (Hamanocho).See the stay →HOSHI NO SHIMAA 50 m² two-bedroom flat with a cot and a pushchair. Up to 6 guests, free parking for one car. About a 20-minute walk to Takamatsu Port (Hamanocho).See the stay →

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