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.
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 farmhouses, storehouses, bridges, and other structures from all over Shikoku Island.
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 serving the mountain, however, 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 or 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. 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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Sunny Day HostelSunny Day Hostel is situated in Takamatsu, within 1.4 km of Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and 1.5 km of Sunport Fountain. Featuring a bar, the 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hostel has family rooms. The rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. The hostel offers an American or Asian breakfast. SUNNY DAY HOSTEL offers a sun terrace. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kitahamaebisu Shrine, Kitahama Alley Shopping Street and Sunport Takamatsu. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 15 km from Sunny Day Hostel.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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Hotel YuzukiOffering city views and free WiFi, Hotel Yuzuki offers accommodation ideally located in Takamatsu, within a short distance of Kitahamaebisu Shrine, Kitahama Alley Shopping Street and Sunport Takamatsu. All units here are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa, a well-equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom with bidet, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A microwave, a fridge and stovetop are also offered, as well as a kettle. Liminal Air-core Takamatsu is 2 km from the apartment, while Sunport Fountain is 2.1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 14 km from Hotel Yuzuki.View on Booking.com -
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Ten to Sen GuesthouseSet within 2 km of Sunport Takamatsu and 2 km of Liminal Air-core Takamatsu, Ten to Sen Guesthouse offers rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Takamatsu. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Matakiteno is 2.2 km away and Kitahama Alley Shopping Street is 2.3 km from the guest house. The guest house offers a terrace. Sunport Fountain is 2.1 km from Ten to Sen Guesthouse, while Kitahamaebisu Shrine is 2.2 km away. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 14 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Kawaramachi DomitoryLocated in Takamatsu City of Kagawa Prefecture, Kawaramachi Dormitory is just a 3-minute walk from Kotoden Kawaramachi Station. The property is 1.4 km from Takamatsu castle and boasts air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. You will find a kettle in the room. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. There is luggage storage space at the property. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Setonaikai Kokuritsuk?en is 5 km from Kawaramachi Domitory, while Sun Messe Kagawa is 5 km from the property. There are several restaurants nearby that provide local cuisine. Guests can enjoy authentic Chinese tea, or participate in Japanese tea ceremony events held ocassionally on site.View on Booking.com -
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WeBase TAKAMATSUSet in Takamatsu, 1.4 km from Kitahamaebisu Shrine, WeBase TAKAMATSU offers air-conditioned accommodation and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy city views. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the hotel. Popular points of interest near WeBase TAKAMATSU include Kitahama Alley Shopping Street, Sunport Takamatsu and Liminal Air-core Takamatsu. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 15 km from the accommodation. Please note that the hotel will undergo a scheduled room maintenance between 3F to 11F on the following dates: 12 April 2021 - around the end of August.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. The 24-hour reception provides currency exchange. 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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Dormy Inn Takamatsu Chuo Koenmae Natural Hot SpringDormy Inn Takamatsu Chuo Koenmae Natural Hot Spring features accommodation in Takamatsu near Kitahamaebisu Shrine and Matakiteno. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Popular points of interest near the japanese-style business hotel include Sunport Takamatsu, Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and Sunport Fountain. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 14 km from Dormy Inn Takamatsu Chuo Koenmae.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 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. Laptops can be rented at the 24-hour front desk, which also 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, cocktails, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and snacks between 18:00 - 20:00, and from 20:00 - 22:00, the lounge will operate as a bar, serving alcoholic beverages and snacks.View on Booking.com
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