Yashima (lit. "roof island") is a flat topped mountain just outside of Takamatsu's city center. It was the site of an important 12th century battle during the Gempei War between the Taira and Minamoto Clans. Here the Taira were defeated in what was to be the last battle before their final destruction.
Around the flat summit are some attractions related to the mountain's history as a battleground, including a Monument to the Battle of Yashima and Chinoike ("blood pond"), a pond which is said to have turned red with blood after the victorious Minamoto washed their swords in it.
Yashima offers great views of Takamatsu and of the Seto Inland Sea. Near the many viewpoints around the mountaintop are shops where you can buy small clay discs, which are thrown off the mountain for luck. This is meant to symbolize the victorious Minamoto warriors throwing off their headpieces after defeating the Taira.
Clay discs are thrown from the mountain for good luck
Near the summit's parking area is Yashima Temple, the 84th of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. In addition to a number of buildings, each seemingly of a different era, the temple also has a modern museum which displays artifacts from Yashima's history.
About a five minute walk around the summit from Yashima Temple is the New Yashima Aquarium which features dolphin and seal shows. Note however, that it is a fairly small and somewhat neglected aquarium.
At the base of Yashima lies Shikoku Mura, an open air museum exhibiting traditional farmhouses, storehouses, bridges, and other structures from all over Shikoku Island.
New Yashima Aquarium
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Yashima Temple
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