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Kagawa Highlands

Yashima

A sacred plateau rising 292m above the Seto Inland Sea — where history, art, and panoramic views converge.

7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Driveway hours (seasonal)
Free (Plateau)
Driveway toll ¥510
2–4 hours
Recommended visit

Getting to Yashima

From Takamatsu Station

Private Car
Via Yashima Driveway (toll ¥510) | ~20 min | Ample parking at summit
Kotoden Tram + Walk
Shido Line to Yashima Station + 30 min uphill walk or taxi to summit
Taxi
~20 min | ~¥3,000 (~$20)

From Takamatsu Airport

Taxi
~40 min | ~¥7,000 (~$47)
Airport Bus + Kotoden
Bus to Takamatsu ~40 min + Kotoden to Yashima ~20 min | ~¥1,200 total
Pro Tip: Paths around the plateau are uneven — wear comfortable walking shoes. Budget at least 3 hours to cover the viewpoints, temple, and aquarium.

Make the Most of Yashima

1Sunrise Views

Arrive early for golden hour — the 1,000 islands of the Seto Sea glow at dawn.

2Tanuki Souvenirs

Yashima has the largest tanuki (raccoon dog) collection in Japan — over 800 figurines on display.

3Temple Visit

Yashimaji is temple #84 of the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage. A meaningful stop for cultural immersion.

4Aquarium Stop

New Yashima Aquarium sits on the plateau — sea turtles and local marine life in a scenic setting.

5Sunset Timing

The west side lookout turns crimson at sunset — budget at least 3 hours including temple and viewpoints.

6Wear Good Shoes

Paths around the plateau are uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring freely.

What to See & Do

Panorama Course — 60 min

Most Popular
Summit Parking
Yashima Lookout
360° sea views
Shishi-no-Hana
Best photo spot
Tanuki Collection
800+ figurines
Yashimaji Temple
Pilgrimage #84

Full Experience — 3 hours

Our Recommendation
Summit Parking
Panorama Course
60 min walk
Yashimaji Temple
Temple visit
New Yashima Aquarium
¥1,500
Historical Museum
Battle of Yashima
Sunset Viewpoint

Yashima Through the Seasons

Spring

March – May

Cherry blossoms frame the plateau edges in April. Mild weather, perfect for walking the panorama course.

Summer

June – August

Lush green plateau with sea breezes. Visit early morning or evening to avoid heat. Spectacular summer storms in the distance.

Autumn

September – November

Best season overall. Autumn foliage, crisp air, and the clearest sea views of the year from late October.

Winter

December – February

Crisp visibility on clear days — the 1,000 islands look razor-sharp. Snow occasionally dusts the plateau for a rare magical scene.

Also Worth Visiting

Ritsurin Garden

Michelin 3-star Japanese garden with 400 years of history. 75 hectares of stunning landscapes.

15 min by car

Takamatsu City Center

Shopping arcades, local restaurants, and the lively Sunport waterfront area.

20 min by car

Shikoku Mura Village

An open-air museum showcasing traditional Shikoku architecture and folk crafts at the foot of Yashima.

5 min by car

Visitor Info

Address
Yashima, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0113
Hours
Driveway: 7:00–20:00 (seasonal variation) Yashimaji: 7:00–17:00 Aquarium: 9:00–17:00
Admission
Plateau: Free Driveway toll: ¥510 Aquarium: ¥1,500 (adult)
Phone
087-841-2678
Facilities
Parking (free at summit), restrooms, souvenir shops, Yashimaji temple office, aquarium

This spot's guide is free to use.

Audio and video guides plus a detailed map — all free. Just your phone, and the depth of Kagawa.