TAMAMO PARK, SITE OF TAKAMATSU CASTLE IN KAGAWA

Construction of Takamatsu Castle began in 1587 and took several years to complete. It served as the living quarters of the lords of Takamatsu for roughly 300 years until 1868, when it was surrendered to the Meiji Government without violence. Although castles are often associated with battles, Takamatsu Castle never experienced a single battle in its history. Today, the ruins of this castle is open to the public as a park and has been designated a historic site by the national government. The castle, counted among the three most beautiful castles built on water (mizuki) in Japan, features saltwater moats, the water for which is directly drawn from the Inland Sea. The park also houses the Hiunkaku building, which has been designated an Important Cultural Property, alongside its garden, designated a National Scenic Beauty.

A variety of events are held in the park, including cherry blossom viewing and garden plant markets in spring, and chrysanthemum shows in autumn. In recent years, it has also served as a venue for art events. The moats change their water levels with the ebb and flow of the tide and provide unusual sights as castle moats, as a large number of saltwater fish can be seen swimming in them. During boating on the inner moat with a small Japanese-style boat, you can feed the sea breams and have a look at them from up close. The park is located nearby Takamatsu Station and the ferry terminal, and is open from early in the morning; it may be a good idea to drop by before departing for a day excursion from the city.

[Address] 2-1 Tamamocho Takanatsu, Kagawa
[Phone] 087-851-1521
[Open Hours] 5:30-19:00 *Varies according to season
[Closed] December 29-31
[Admission] Adult 200 yen (over 16-years-old), Children 100 yen (over 6-years-old)
*Boat ride: 500 yen per person for 30 min (every 30 min from 9:30 until 16:00) *Capacity = 4 people [Access] Five minute walk from JR “Takamatsu” Station Two minute walk from Kotoden “Takamatsu Chikko” Station