Shikoku is home to several castles, but Takamatsu is one of only three in all of Japan which was known as a water castle, due to its location along the Seto Inland Sea. The moats found around the grounds carry saltwater directly from the sea.
The castle keep was destroyed during the Meiji period, and only a couple buildings remain nearby, but the tower's foundation was restored in 2013. A covered bridge leads to the keep's location.
The saltwater moat runs right up against the former keep's foundation.
After crossing the bridge, there's just a short series of uneven steps to the top.
There are plans to restore the keep, but for now you can enjoy the view.
Takamatsu Station is nearby, around those two tall skyscrapers.
There's a nice garden here, too.
A platform allows visitors to get a better view from one corner of the keep.
Two turrets remain, the Ushitora Yagura and Tsukimi Yagura.
This is Ushitora Yagura, labeled as an Important Cultural Property.
In the garden portion of the castle grounds, the Hiunkaku Building serves as a community hall and exhibition space.
It used to function as a residence and governmental office, but today you can take tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes.
In addition to the moats, some of the walls remain. This wall leads up to the Tsukimi Yagura.
Admission to the castle park including the gardens is 200 yen. Hours vary, but it opens between 5:30 and 7:00 AM, closing some time between 17:00 and 19:00 depending on the time of year. Hopefully, rebuilding the keep will begin soon! Access is easy - it's just a short one-block walk from Takamatsu Station, right next to Takamatsuchikko Station on the Kotoden line.
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