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Getting around Takamatsu by Kotoden.

The Kotoden is Takamatsu’s local railway. From Matsushima-Nichome Station, a 4-minute walk from HARETOKE, you can reach Ritsurin Garden, Konpira-san and Yashima with one change at most.

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

Checked on the official Kotoden, Kotoden Bus and Ritsurin Garden websites on 22 September 2026.

Three lines, one interchange: Kawaramachi

The Kotoden has three lines: the Kotohira, Nagao and Shido lines. Matsushima-Nichome is on the Shido Line, two stops from Kawaramachi. For Ritsurin Garden and Konpira-san, change to the Kotohira Line at Kawaramachi.

From Matsushima-Nichome Station

Photo: Fg2 / Public domain

Ritsurin Garden

1. Matsushima-Nichome
2. Kotoden Shido Line, 2 stops
3. Kawaramachi change to the Kotohira Line
4. Kotohira Line, 1 stop
5. Ritsurin-Koen Sta.
6. About 7 min walk
7. Ritsurin Garden

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Photo: Raita Futo / CC BY 2.0

Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san)

1. Matsushima-Nichome
2. Kotoden Shido Line, 2 stops
3. Kawaramachi change to the Kotohira Line
4. Kotohira Line, about 1 hour
5. Kotoden-Kotohira last stop
6. Climb the stone steps to the main shrine785 steps
7. Kotohira-gu

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Photo: ラハール / Public domain

Yashima

1. Matsushima-Nichome
2. Kotoden Shido Line, 4 stops
3. Kotoden-Yashima
4. Shuttle bus, about 10 mininfrequent
5. Yashima summit

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Photo: 先従隗始 / CC0

Takamatsu Castle Ruins · JR Takamatsu

1. Matsushima-Nichome
2. Kotoden Shido Line, 2 stops
3. Kawaramachi change to the Kotohira Line
4. Kotohira Line, 2 stops
5. Takamatsu-Chikko last stop, next to the castle ruins

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Tickets and IC cards

• Ten nationwide transport IC cards, including Suica, ICOCA and PASMO, work on Kotoden trains and buses.
• The local IC card is called IruCa.It is not part of the nationwide system, so it cannot be used on trains in other regions.
• Fares change on 1 October 2026 and rise by about ¥50 on most journeys (the minimum fare becomes ¥230).

Tips

1. TIP 1Konpira-san means a long climb up stone steps — wear comfortable shoes.
2. TIP 2The Yashima shuttle bus does not run often.When you reach the top, check the time of the bus back first.
3. TIP 3From the airport, take the limousine bus to Kawaramachi and change to the Shido Line — just one change to Matsushima-Nichome. See “From Takamatsu Airport into the city”.

Back to HARETOKE

HARETOKE is a 4-minute walk (about 300 m) from Matsushima-Nichome Station. It is a two-bedroom maisonette for up to 6 guests, with free parking for one car.

Heading to the islands? See “From Takamatsu Port to Naoshima, Teshima and Shodoshima”.

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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