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Facing the Seto Inland Sea, this is one of the three Largest Seaside Castles in Japan
Takamatsu-jo was the resident castle for 4 generations of the Ikoma and 11 successive generations of the Matsudaira feudal clans. It is also known by its nickname, Tamamo-jo. Built facing the Seto Inland Sea, it is counted as one of the three largest seaside castles in Japan. Nowadays, it is open to the general public as Tamamo Park.
Takamatsu-jo once boasted one of the largest keeps in Shikoku, which was torn down in 1884 due to decay. However, the highlights that remain for you to visit include structures that are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, such as Mizutegomon Gate and three turrets: Tsukimi, Watari and Ushitora Yagura.
Another Important Cultural Property is Hiunkaku, a traditional building constructed in 1917. It is now used to hold various events, such as tea ceremonies and concerts.
* Every Sunday, from 9 am to 3 pm, the interior of Tsukimi Yagura and the doors of Mizutegomon Gate are open to the public.
Enjoy new experiences such as “Dai Ganjo Joho” which involves feeding sea bream in the moat, fed by tidewaters from the Inland Sea. A variety of events are held year-round, so it’s a good idea to time your sightseeing tours when they are held.
You may also want to check out the original souvenirs sold here, such as Takamatsu Castle keep puzzles and model kits, as well as stickers of Tamamon, a mascot character of a red sea bream swimming in the waters of Takamatsu-jo moats.
Tsukimi Yagura Turret & Mizutegomon Gate
Ushitora Yagura Turret
Hiunkaku Garden, a place of scenic beauty
The moat fish-feeding experience
A full lineup of original souvenirs
Some reviews are AI-translated.
The weather today was super nice. The sky was so blue it looked like it had been colored in with markers, with fluffy white clouds floating across it. It was perfect weather for an outing! Today’s destination was Tamamo Park in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, the site of the once-famous Takamatsu Castle.
As soon as I entered the park, the first thing that caught my attention was the vast green moat. Whenever I read about castle defenses in books, I always assumed moats were filled with ordinary fresh water. But after reading the information nearby, I found out that seawater is drawn directly from the Seto Inland Sea into this one, which is very unusual! The water was clean and calm, sparkling in the sunlight, and clearly reflected the lush pine trees and old stone walls along the shore. Looking at the reflections and feeling the cool breeze was so relaxing.
As I slowly followed the path, I came across the coolest-looking structure in the park—the Ushitora Yagura turret. When I stood directly below it and looked up, it was truly impressive! The white walls and layered, upturned roofs stood on a stone base made from enormous blocks fitted together one by one. It looked incredibly solid, and the craftsmanship back then was really remarkable. I immediately took out my phone, crouched down, and snapped a photo looking upward. The sky happened to have a faint orange glow from the setting sun, giving the photo the grand feel of a period drama!
After walking around the park, I found the whole place very quiet and laid-back. I used to feel that history was so distant, but seeing these centuries-old structures and the seawater moat with my own eyes made me realize how cool it is to actually walk through a historic setting. I took so many photos I was happy with today. It was such a fun and rewarding day!
Overall, I thought it was pretty boring. You can’t go into the castle, but you still have to pay. Maybe it’s just me, I don’t know, but I walked around anyway and there really wasn’t much to see. It felt a bit like a waste of money, so I didn’t really like it. It was just okay, though I wouldn’t say it was ugly.
Beautiful place, convenient transportation, and great for a day trip.
This old castle, built by the sea, is one of Japan’s rare water castles. The moat is filled with seawater from the Seto Inland Sea, and the beautifully maintained garden inside makes you want to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a stroll.
Besides Takamatsu Castle, there’s not much else to see. Tamamo Park isn’t really worth a special mention.
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