Downtown
Ritsurin Park
A beautiful and very large Japanese landscape garden built for the Sanuki and Sasuma lords and has been designated a Japanese National Treasure. It is full of intriguing items and spectacular views; it is likely to cause even those who have lived in Japan long-term to have a "Wow, I'm really in Japan!" moment. Although it is not one of the official top three gardens of Japan, it is undoubtedly one of Japan's most impressive gardens, and it benefits from generally being less crowded than its counterparts which are members of the illustrious top 3. Some of the garden's highlights include the Engetsu-kyo Bridge primary symbol of the park, the Okedoi-no-Taki Waterfall, the 'Red Wall of Rocks', a lotus pond, a large number of Japanese pine trees including the turle+crane rock, as well as other impressive sights. The park also contains three tea houses, a restaurant, and a folk craft museum. You can experience tea ceremony lite at the tea houses for small additional fee. On the map you receive when you purchase your ticket and on the website, you'll find a number of walking routes, including one specifically designed for handicap visitors.
The Kagawa Museum
Contains exhibits on the history, traditions, and people of Kagawa Prefecture, formerly known as Sanuki Province. Much of the information is only available in Japanese, however a free English audio guide is available for the permanent Kagawa history exhibit on the top floor.
Takamatsu Symbol Tower
This building has several observation decks with views of the sea and nearby peninusulas. There is also a shopping mall with many restaurants in the eastern building.
Tamamo Park
A picturesque park conveniently located very close to the main station area. It is home to the old site of Takamatsu Castle, which played an important role in the city's history. The main tower of the castle, dismantled during the Meiji era, is currently in the process of being rebuilt. There are a number buildings within the complex, and in early April it is a popular place to take in the cherry blossoms.
Yashima
Yashima Temple
New Yashima Aquarium
Shikokumura
An interesting open-air museum showing old houses collected from all around Shikoku. Inside the open-air museum there is a small art museum with works of Western artists including Pablo Picasso. The building has a nice garden with a nice panorama and was designed by Tadao Ando. It's about 20 minutes from the center of town. Take a Kotoden train from Takamatsu-Chikko Station to Kawaramachi Station, transfer to the Shido Line, and disembark at Kotoden Yashima.
Yashima Shrine
This shrine was originally built in 1652, and has been rebuilt since.
Ten minutes by train to the east is Yashima å±å³¶, a peninsula famous as the site of the Battle of Yashima in the Genpei Wars. There are many sites to see for those interested in the local history. To get to Yashima, take either the local train, from Takamatsu-ChikkÅ Station with one transfer, or the JR train, from Takamatsu Station. Either one takes about 15 minutes.
Tamamo Breakwater
The breakwater makes for a nice stroll at sunset, with an illuminated red lighthouse at the end.