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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Guest House WakabayaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Guest House Wakabaya in Takamatsu offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and free toiletries. Each room includes a work desk, tatami floors, and free WiFi.Convenient Facilities
The guest house features a lounge, shared kitchen, concierge service, and full-day security. Additional amenities include bicycle parking, bike hire, and luggage storage.Prime Location
Located 2.6 km from Kitahamaebisu Shrine and 17 km from Takamatsu Airport, the property is near attractions such as Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and Yashima-ji Temple.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its friendly host, family-friendly environment, and clean rooms. -
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Kitahama SumiyoshiView on Booking.comSpacious Accommodation
Kitahama Sumiyoshi in Takamatsu offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms. Guests enjoy free WiFi and free off-site private parking.Comfortable Amenities
Each room includes a kitchen, bath, bidet, hairdryer, dining table, and work desk. Additional features include a refrigerator, microwave, and free toiletries.Prime Location
Located 18 km from Takamatsu Airport, the guest house is a short walk from Kitahamaebisu Shrine and Liminal Air-core Takamatsu. Nearby attractions include Sunport Fountain and Asahi Green Park.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for room and bathroom comfort, the host ensures a pleasant stay. -
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Ten to Sen GuesthouseView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Ten to Sen Guesthouse in Takamatsu offers adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, balconies, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, slippers, and a shared bathroom.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy free bicycles, a terrace, bar, and lounge. Additional amenities include a shared kitchen, luggage storage, and parquet floors.Convenient Location
Located 16 km from Takamatsu Airport, the guest house is near Kitahamaebisu Shrine (1.8 km) and Liminal Air-core Takamatsu (2 km). Activities include pub crawls and film nights.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff, clean rooms, and convenient location. -
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SetonejuanView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Setonejuan in Takamatsu offers family rooms with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and amenities such as a lounge, TV, and wardrobe. Each room includes a refrigerator, microwave, and free toiletries.Outdoor Spaces
Guests can enjoy a garden, patio, and inner courtyard views. The property provides free bicycles for exploring the surrounding area, including hiking and cycling opportunities.Dining Experience
A breakfast buffet featuring Asian cuisine is served daily. Special diet menus are available, and the lounge offers a relaxing space.Convenient Location
Located 30 km from Takamatsu Airport, Setonejuan is near attractions such as Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum (5 km) and Yashima-ji Temple (12 km). Free WiFi is available in public areas. -
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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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Yunaginoyu Hotel HanajyukaiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yunaginoyu Hotel Hanajyukai in Takamatsu offers 4-star ryokan rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and free toiletries.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, and free WiFi. Additional facilities include a public bath, lounge, and 24-hour front desk. Free on-site private parking is available.Prime Location
Located 16 km from Takamatsu Airport, the ryokan is near attractions such as Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and Sunport Fountain, both 3.7 km away. Guests appreciate the scenic views and excellent service. -
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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. 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 TakamatsuView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Comfort Hotel Takamatsu in Takamatsu offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and soundproofing for a pleasant stay.Convenient Facilities
Guests enjoy free use of bicycles, a lift, and a 24-hour front desk. Additional services include daily housekeeping, express check-in and check-out, and luggage storage.Dining Options
A buffet breakfast is served each morning, highly appreciated by guests. The child-friendly buffet caters to families with young children.Prime Location
Located 2 km from Kitahamaebisu Shrine and 16 km from Takamatsu Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and Yashima-ji Temple. -
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fav TAKAMATSUView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
fav TAKAMATSU in Takamatsu offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Guests enjoy amenities such as a terrace, work desk, and free toiletries.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a lift, family rooms, full-day security, and bicycle parking. Additional amenities include a kitchenette, washing machine, and tatami floors.Prime Location
Located 16 km from Takamatsu Airport, the hotel is a 15-minute walk from Kitahamaebisu Shrine. Nearby attractions include Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and Sunport Fountain, each 2.4 km away.Guest Satisfaction
Guests highly rate the kitchen, room comfort, and room size, ensuring a pleasant stay. -
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Traditional Apartment Takamatsu GuesthouseView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Traditional Apartment Takamatsu Guesthouse in Takamatsu offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden views. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free WiFi.Exceptional Facilities
Guests enjoy a bar, coffee shop, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a washing machine, microwave, and executive lounge access. Private check-in and check-out, concierge service, and luggage storage enhance the stay.Prime Location
Located 16 km from Takamatsu Airport, the guesthouse is a 17-minute walk from Kitahamaebisu Shrine. Nearby attractions include Liminal Air-core Takamatsu (2.4 km) and Sunport Fountain (2.5 km). Guests appreciate the room cleanliness, staff support, and comfort.
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