Tokyo Monorail
The Tokyo Monorail that runs between Haneda Airport and Tokyo, with an average interval of only 4 minutes, can take you to Hamamatsucho Station in as little as 13 minutes, where a transfer to the JR Yamanote Line can be made.
The easiest and most convenient train for getting from Haneda Airport into the city.
Takamatsu Symbol Tower
Standing 151.3 meters tall, the tower of Takamatsu Symbol Tower is the tallest building in Shikoku. Located just a 5-minute walk from the Takamatsu Port ferry terminal and 3 minutes from JR Takamatsu Station, it is ideally situated as a gateway for exploring Kagawa.
There are shops inside the landmark where you can buy souvenirs and related gifts. There are also restaurants inside if you'd like to grab a meal.
At night, you can also head up to the upper floors to enjoy the nighttime views.
Sugar Butter Sand Tree "Amaou Strawberry Butter"
A Hakata-exclusive flavor created by Sugar Butter Tree, a Tokyo-born confectionery brand popular across Japan. Made with a special strawberry butter using 100% juice from Fukuoka’s famed Amaou strawberries, the dough is baked to juicy perfection. It starts with a crisp, toasty bite, then gently unfolds with the elegant sweet-tart flavor of strawberry for a truly special treat.
I like the small packaging, and I also love seasonal limited-edition items.
Kotohiragu Shrine
The head shrine of Kotohira Shrine stands on Mt. Zozu. It is visited by about 4 million worshippers a year. The main deity, Oomononushinokami, has been known since before the Middle Ages as a guardian deity of maritime traffic and a deity that brings a bountiful harvest and prosperity of industry and culture.
Kotohiragu Shrine — I finally made it up all 785 steps! Halfway up, I really wanted to turn back, but I’m glad I kept going.
It was honestly a bit tiring the whole way up, but the moment I arrived, it felt so worth it.
I bought a golden omamori, and it felt full of blessings and strength.
Cruise Ferry / Super Jet
From Hiroshima, Kure and Hatsukaichi Cities in Hiroshima Prefecture to Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture. Step into four different destinations steeped in history and local food delights across the Seto Inland Sea with two vessels, the Cruise Ferry and Super Jet, connecting Hiroshima and Matsuyama Ports.
Super convenient for getting to the Seto Inland Sea islands like Shodoshima and Naoshima!
It’s not just easy transportation—there’s also installation art on board to enjoy.
The artistic vibe of a Seto Inland Sea art trip starts from the very beginning.
Naoshima New Museum of Art
The Naoshima New Museum of Art, opened in 2025, marks a new chapter in the Benesse Art Site Naoshima project, an art initiative spanning more than 35 years across the islands of Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima in the Seto Inland Sea.
*Naoshima New Museum of Art · Designed by Tadao Ando*
The lines of the exposed concrete and the natural lighting are absolutely breathtaking.
The works inside are diverse, and each one feels like stepping into a different story.
On top of that, you can grab a meal at the museum restaurant while visiting. As long as the museum is open, the restaurant is open too, which is super convenient. (It doesn’t close randomly.)
Ritsurin Garden
Used as a villa by the Matsudaira clan of Takamatsu, Ritsurin Garden was completed nearly 300 years ago by successive generations of feudal lords who renovated it. While the sprawling strolling garden covers 16 hectares, the total area of this park, including Mount Shiun in the background, extends to an impressive 75 hectares!
A wonderful garden. If you have time, you can book a kimono experience at the Kacho-tei inside the garden, with everything included from the outfit to hair and makeup. Walking through the Japanese garden in a kimono feels completely natural and full of Japanese charm.
The Historical Remains of Takamatsu Castle (Tamamo Park)
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.
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.
Benesse House Museum Café
This café is located on the 2nd floor of the Benesse House Museum, a combination museum and hotel. Natural light shines through the wide open windows on the south and west sides, so you can relax and enjoy a light meal or a drink while looking out over the Seto Inland Sea.
A nice place to take a break after viewing the art.
What makes this place so captivating is how seamlessly it blends with the Seto Inland Sea.
On a sunny day, it’s seriously such a pleasure.
Chichu Art Museum
Across Naoshima you’ll find art installations that blur the line between art and nature. The island is also home to Chichu Art Museum, a gallery designed by world renowned architect Tadao Ando.
Chichu Art Museum, designed by Tadao Ando, truly made me feel the deep connection between the architecture and the artworks. It was beyond what I imagined. Every moment, changes in the weather and light affect how you experience the space.
My favorite was Monet’s Water Lilies. It reveals a unique kind of beauty in every different atmosphere.
When visiting, be sure to follow the rules and only take photos in designated areas. It’s a sign of respect for the artworks and for other visitors. The museum gift shop is also well worth browsing. Buying the Chinese guide turned out to be a wonderful keepsake that helped me gain a deeper understanding.