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 New Yashima Aquarium (currently closed for renovations until spring 2027). 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.
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 360 yen. From the station, the Yashima Sanjo Shuttle bus runs once per hour to the summit (10 minutes, 200 yen).
By Japan Railways (JR)
Take a local train from JR Takamatsu Station in the direction of Tokushima to Yashima Station (15 minutes, 280 yen, 1-2 trains/hour). From the station the Yashima Sanjo Shuttle bus runs once per hour to the summit (20 minutes, 200 yen).
By rental car
A former toll road, the Yashima Skyway, 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
Closed
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Takamatsu
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Kitahama SumiyoshiSituated in Takamatsu and only 300 metres from Kitahamaebisu Shrine, Kitahama Sumiyoshi features accommodation with inner courtyard views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air-conditioned accommodation is 1.2 km from Liminal Air-core Takamatsu. The property is non-smoking and is set 1.3 km from Sunport Fountain. The kitchen has a microwave, a toaster and a fridge and there is a private bathroom with slippers and a hair dryer. For added privacy, the accommodation features a private entrance. Asahi Green Park is 3.2 km from the guest house, while Cormorant Shrine is 5.6 km from the property. Takamatsu Airport is 18 km 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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SetonejuanSet in Takamatsu, 5.2 km from Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum and 5.9 km from Yakurishion Christ Church, Setonejuan offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, free bikes and a garden. The property features garden and city views, and is 6.1 km from Takamatsu Museum of History and Folklore. The guest house has family rooms as well as facilities for disabled guests. The units include a shared bathroom with a hair dryer, while selected rooms also offer a patio and others also have sea views. At the guest house, units come with bed linen and towels. An Asian breakfast is available at the guest house. Guests at Setonejuan will be able to enjoy activities in and around Takamatsu, like cycling and hiking. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Naritasanshodaiji Temple is 6.2 km from the accommodation, while Rokumanji Temple is 6.4 km from the property. Takamatsu Airport is 30 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 4 km from Asahi Green Park. The guest house features family rooms. Some units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine and a kettle, as well as a fully equipped kitchen. At the guest house, the units are equipped with a private bathroom. Cormorant Shrine is 6.3 km from the guest house, while Yakurishion Christ Church is 8 km away. Takamatsu Airport is 17 km from the property.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 bicycle parking. 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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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 4.7 km from Asahi Green Park, the property features a terrace and a shared lounge. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. With a shared bathroom equipped 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. Cormorant Shrine is 7.1 km from the guest house, while Yakurishion Christ Church is 7.8 km away. Takamatsu Airport is 16 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Sunny Day HostelSunny Day Hostel features accommodation in Takamatsu near Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and Sunport Fountain. 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. Asahi Green Park is 3.4 km from Sunny Day Hostel, while Cormorant Shrine is 5.8 km from the property. Takamatsu Airport is 17 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Toyoko Inn Takamatsu EkimaeSet within 4.1 km of Asahi Green Park and 6.5 km of Cormorant Shrine, Toyoko Inn Takamatsu Ekimae offers rooms in Takamatsu. This 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. At the hotel, all rooms are equipped with a desk. The units in Toyoko Inn Takamatsu Ekimae are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Toyoko Inn Takamatsu Ekimae can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Liminal Air-core Takamatsu, Sunport Fountain and Kitahamaebisu Shrine. Takamatsu Airport is 17 km away.View on Booking.com -
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JR Hotel Clement TakamatsuJR Hotel Clement Takamatsu features 7 dining options, free WiFi while certain rooms feature panoramic sea and city views, a 1-minute stroll from JR Takamatsu Station. It offers massages and a hairdresser, and it boasts a fresh bakery. Located next to Kagawa International Conference Hall, the Clement Takamatsu JR Hotel is also in front of a ferry terminal that brings you to Shikoku or Shodoshima Island. Takamatsu Castle is a 10-minute walk. Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea (Seto Naikai), Western and Japanese rooms are all air-conditioned and soundproof, each fitted with a flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. They have a seating area and a bathroom including a bathtub and toiletries. Facilities at the Takamatsu Clement include a souvenir shop and a flower shop. Dry cleaning service and luggage storage are available. Bar Astro offers original and popular cocktails, as well as snacks, with panoramic views from the 21st floor. Caf? & Restaurant Vent offers a buffet with a variety of Western and Japanese meals, for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while other restaurants offer Western-style, Japanese or authentic Cantonese cuisine.View on Booking.com -
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Comfort Hotel TakamatsuSituated within 2.1 km of Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and 2 km of Kitahamaebisu Shrine, Comfort Hotel Takamatsu features rooms in Takamatsu. With free bikes, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area, a TV and a safety deposit box. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. A buffet breakfast is available at Comfort Hotel Takamatsu. Speaking English and Japanese, staff are always on hand to help at the 24-hour front desk. Sunport Fountain is 2.2 km from the accommodation, while Asahi Green Park is 4.8 km from the property. Takamatsu Airport is 16 km away.View on Booking.com
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