Accessing Kagawa From Major Cities And Takamatsu From The Airport

Famous for Sanuki udon noodles and the Shikoku holy pilgrimages, Takamatsu in Kagawa prefecture is also a popular art spot. The Setouchi Triennale, one of the largest art events in Japan, is being held on a dozen of islands in the Takamatsu area.

Takamatsu is also the gateway to the islands of Naoshima and Teshima. In this article, we will discuss the best routes to Takamatsu from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, as well as the ways to travel from Takamatsu Airport into the city.

The Location of Takamatsu

Takamatsu city is centrally located in the heart of Kagawa prefecture in the Shikoku region. If you were to travel in a straight line, it is 550 km away from Tokyo, and 140 km away from Osaka.

Table of Contents:

1. Takamatsu from Tokyo (Shinkansen, Plane)
2. Osaka and Kyoto to Takamatsu (Shinkansen, Highway Bus)
3. Kobe to Takamatsu (Ferry)
4. Takamatsu Airport Information and Access to Takamatsu Station

How to Reach Takamatsu

First, let's look at how to reach Takamatsu from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Tokyo to Takamatsu

There are two routes to take from Tokyo to Takamatsu, either the shinkansen or by plane.

By Shinkansen

If you are going to travel by shinkansen, you will first want to take the Hakata bound shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station, and get off at Okayama Station. From there, take the JR Kaisoku Marine Liner bound for Takamatsu for five stations, and get off at Takamatsu Station. This route will cost 17,130 yen, and take about four hours and 30 minutes.

To learn more about special deals on the shinkansen, see Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen - Fares and Discounts for Kansai and Kyushu.

By Plane

If you would prefer to fly, then from Tokyo's Haneda Airport there are 13 direct flights a day to Kagawa's Takamatsu Airport run by both JAL and ANA airlines. Ticket prices run from 15,000-20,000 yen one way, and the flight takes about an hour and 30 minutes.

Osaka and Kyoto to Takamatsu

If you are traveling from Osaka or Kyoto, it makes more sense to take either the shinkansen or a highway bus instead of flying.

By Shinkansen

If you are taking the shinkansen from either Osaka or Kyoto, then, just as you would from Tokyo Station, you will want to board the Hakata bound shinkansen from JR Shin-Osaka or JR Kyoto Station, and get off at Okayama Station. From there, take the JR Kaisoku Marine Liner bound for Takamatsu and get off at Takamatsu Station.

From Shin-Osaka Station, it will cost 7000 yen, and take about two hours. From Kyoto Station, it will cost 8610 yen, and take two hours and ten minutes.

By Highway Bus

It's also quite convenient to take the highway bus. From both Osaka and Kyoto, the
Yonkou Highway Bus, JR Shikoku Bus, Willer Travel and other bus companies offer buses that travel directly from Osaka to Takamatsu. You must reserve your seat in advance to take these buses, but reservations can be made online or issued from the machines at convenience stores.

When traveling from JR Osaka Station, you will arrive at the JR Takamatsu Station Highway Bus Terminal, which is close to Takamatsu Station. Ticket prices one way for an adult are about 4000 yen, and it takes roughly three hours and 30 minutes.

From JR Kyoto Station to the JR Takamatsu Station Highway Bus Terminal, it will cost about 4950 yen depending on the company, and take about three hours and 30 minutes as well.

To learn more about the highway buses in Japan, take a look at Getting Around In Japan: How To Use Trains, Buses And Taxis.

Taking the Ferry from Kobe to Takamatsu

From the Kobe Sannomiya Ferry Terminal to the Takamatsu Higashi Minato (Port of Takamatsu), you can take the Jumbo Ferry. A general ticket costs a very reasonable 1990 yen one way and the journey will take about four hours. This route is best for those with plenty of time in their schedules, and for those that want to enjoy the ocean view.

About Takamatsu Airport

Takamatsu Airport in Kagawa is the second largest airport in Shikoku, next to Matsuyama Airport in Ehime Prefecture. Domestic flights from Narita, Haneda and Naha, plus international ones from Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei and Hong Kong go through this airport. Takamatsu Airport is located relatively close to the downtown area at about 15km, making it both easy to reach and convenient.

Traveling from Takamatsu Airport to Takamatsu Station

When traveling from Takamatsu Airport to Takamatsu city, you should take either an airport shuttle or a taxi. Airport shuttles depart from both directions about 15 minutes after the actual arrival time of each flight. Bus tickets can be purchased from automatic ticket machines; all tickets to Takamatsu Station cost 760 yen, and the trip takes about 40 minutes to complete.

If you are traveling from Takamatsu Station to the airport, you should aim to arrive at the airport an hour before your flight for domestic trips, and two hours prior to international ones.

Whichever way you choose to travel, make sure it is a means that fits your needs, and enjoy the journey to the fullest.

** The information in this article is current as of publication time and is subject to change.