Yashima (屋島, lit. "roof island") is a flat-topped mountain just outside of Takamatsu's city center. It was the site of a famous battle during the Gempei War in the 12th century 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 former 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.
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 from Yashima Temple is the aging New Yashima Aquarium, which features dolphin and seal shows. At the base of Yashima lies Shikoku Mura, an open air museum exhibiting traditional houses, bridges and other structures from all over Shikoku.
Getting there and around
The attractions on Yashima are located within walking distance of each other around the mountain's flat summit. Yashima can be reached from central Takamatsu by Kotoden or JR trains. There used to be a cable car up the mountain, but it was discontinued in 2004.
By Kotoden
Take a train from Takamatsu-Chikko Station to Kawaramachi Station (5 minutes, frequent departures) and transfer to the Shido Line. Get off at Kotoden Yashima Station (15 minutes, 3 trains/hour). The entire trip takes about 30 minutes and costs 330 yen. From the station, the Yashima Sanjo Shuttle bus runs once per hour to the summit (10 minutes, 100 yen).
By Japan Railways
Take a local train from JR Takamatsu Station in the direction of Tokushima to Yashima Station (15 minutes, 220 yen, 1-2 trains/hour). From the station the Yashima Sanjo Shuttle bus runs once per hour to the summit (20 minutes, 100 yen).
By rental car
A former toll road, the Yashima Driveway, leads to the top of Yashima. It is now free of charge to use and is open from 6:30 to 22:00, but parking costs 300 yen.
How to get to and around Takamatsu
Hours and Fees
Yashima Temple Museum
Hours
Closed
Admission
Temple museum: 500 yen
New Yashima Aquarium
Hours
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Takamatsu
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Guest House WakabayaGuest House Wakabaya is situated in Takamatsu, a 5-minute walk away from Hanazono Station of the Kotoden Nagao Line. The Kotoden Nagao Line can be accessed from Takamatsu-Chikko Station. Takamatsu-Chikko Station is a 3-minute walk from both JR Takamatsu Station and Takamatsu Port. A limousine bus is available from Takamatsu Airport, and takes approximately 40-minutes from the airport to Kawaramachi Station. From Kawaramachi Station, guests can take the Kotoden Line to Hanazono Station. Free private parking is available on site. Rooms include a shared bathroom. Extras include slippers and free toiletries. Guest House Wakabaya features free WiFi throughout the property. There is a shared kitchen at the property. The guest house also offers bike hire at a charge. Takamatsu Port and the downtown area are respectively a 25-minute and 10-minute bike ride away.View on Booking.com -
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THE CHELSEA BREATHSet in Takamatsu, 12 km from Sunport Takamatsu, THE CHELSEA BREATH offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a shared lounge and a garden. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The air-conditioned rooms provide a garden view and come with a desk and free WiFi. At the hotel, every room has a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. The units will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at THE CHELSEA BREATH can enjoy a Japanese breakfast. The accommodation offers 3-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. Liminal Air-core Takamatsu is 12 km from THE CHELSEA BREATH, while Sunport Fountain is 12 km away. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 5 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com -
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Ten to Sen GuesthouseSet within 2 km of Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and 1.8 km of Kitahamaebisu Shrine, Ten to Sen Guesthouse offers rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Takamatsu. 2.1 km from Sunport Fountain and 3.2 km from Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum, the property features a terrace and a shared lounge. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and luggage storage space for guests. Featuring a shared bathroom with slippers, units at the guest house also have free WiFi, while some rooms come with a balcony. At the guest house, the units come with bed linen and towels. Asahi Green Park is 4.7 km from the guest house, while Cormorant Shrine is 7.1 km away. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 16 km from Ten to Sen Guesthouse.View on Booking.com -
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SetonejuanSituated in a quiet neighbourhood, Setonejuan is located in Setonaikai Kokuritsuk?en. This guest house is a 35-minute drive from Takamatsu Station. Takamatsu castle is 35 minutes by car, while Takamatsu Ferry Terminal is a 40-minute drive away. Featuring free WiFi, Setonejuan offers pet-friendly accommodation. Some units have views of the sea or garden. You will find a shared lounge at the property. A selection of activities are offered in the area, such as cycling, fishing and hiking. The guest house also offers free use of bicycles. Naoshima Ferry Terminal is a 90-minute ferry ride away, while Shodoshima Olive Park is 2 hours via ferry. Takamatsu Airport is 22 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Konyamachi Guest House KukuLocated in Takamatsu, 1.3 km from Liminal Air-core Takamatsu, Konyamachi Guest House Kuku provides accommodation with a terrace, free WiFi, private check-in and check-out, and bicycle parking. The property is set 1.3 km from Kitahamaebisu Shrine, 1.3 km from Sunport Fountain and 2.4 km from Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum. The guest house features family rooms. The units are equipped with air conditioning, a microwave, a toaster, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a desk. There is also a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen equipped with a fridge, a stovetop, and kitchenware. All units include a private bathroom, a hair dryer and bed linen. Asahi Green Park is 4 km from the guest house, while Cormorant Shrine is 6.3 km away. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 17 km from Konyamachi Guest House Kuku.View on Booking.com -
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Sunny Day HostelSunny Day Hostel is set in Takamatsu, within 3.4 km of Asahi Green Park and 5.8 km of Cormorant Shrine. With a bar, the 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is situated 600 metres from Kitahamaebisu Shrine. The rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. The hostel offers a sun terrace. Popular points of interest near Sunny Day Hostel include Liminal Air-core Takamatsu, Sunport Fountain and Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 17 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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kaeru Guest houseSet just 10 km from Liminal Air-core Takamatsu, kaeru Guest house provides accommodation in Takamatsu with access to free bikes, a garden, as well as free shuttle service. This guest house offers free private parking, a shared kitchen and free WiFi. The guest house has family rooms. The area is popular for cycling and hiking, and car hire is available at this 1-star guest house. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Sunport Fountain is 11 km from the guest house, while Kitahamaebisu Shrine is 11 km from the property. Takamatsu Airport is 11 km away.View on Booking.com -
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fav TAKAMATSULocated 1.3 km from Kitahamaebisu Shrine, fav TAKAMATSU offers 4-star accommodation in Takamatsu and features a terrace. The property is set 2.3 km from Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum, 2.4 km from Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and 2.4 km from Sunport Fountain. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At fav TAKAMATSU each room includes bed linen and towels. Asahi Green Park is 3.8 km from the accommodation, while Cormorant Shrine is 6.2 km away. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 16 km from fav TAKAMATSU.View on Booking.com -
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Royal Park Hotel TakamatsuOffering modern rooms with a Simmons bed, a flat-screen satellite TV and free wired internet, Royal Park Hotel is a 5-minute drive from JR Takamatsu Train Station. Massages and bicycles are available. Each air-conditioned room at Royal Park Hotel Takamatsu includes a fridge and an electric kettle with roasted green tea. You can watch pay TV programmes or unwind with a hot bath. Toiletries are provided. Tamamo Park is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Ritsurin Park is 1.5 km away, and Takamatsu Airport is about a 30-minute drive. There is the 24-hour front desk, which offers luggage storage. Free-use internet stations are on site. Staying guests have access to the property's Club Lounge. Services include tea and some snacks between 15:00 - 18:00,alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and some snacks between 18:00 - 20:00, and from 20:00 - 22:00, the lounge will operate as a bar, serving alcoholic beverages and some snacks.View on Booking.com -
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Traditional Apartment Takamatsu GuesthouseOffering garden views, Traditional Apartment Takamatsu Guesthouse is an accommodation situated in Takamatsu, 1.4 km from Kitahamaebisu Shrine and 2.4 km from Liminal Air-core Takamatsu. Among the facilities at this property are luggage storage space and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can book themselves in for fitness classes or yoga classes. All units are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a microwave, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a desk. There is also a well-fitted kitchen in some of the units equipped with a toaster, a stovetop, and kitchenware. At the guest house, units include bed linen and towels. There is a coffee shop and bar. Sightseeing tours are available in the vicinity of the property. A car rental service is available at the guest house, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby. Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum is 2.4 km from Traditional Apartment Takamatsu Guesthouse, while Sunport Fountain is 2.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 16 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
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