Takamatsu is a beautiful, clean and refreshingly small sized port city on Shikoku. It is positioned on the Inland Sea side of the island so was a great place to stay and make visits out to some of the islands there.

It also has a really great garden is is apparently home to some of Japan’s best udon. My udon palette isn’t particularly discerning but it was certainly delicious.

I spent two days in Takamatsu. On the first I visited the garden, explored the city and hung out by the harbour.

some photos from the garden Ritsurin-kōen

The harbour is pristine, clean and has great views of the Inland Sea and numerous islands that dot the waters.

The next day I took a ferry out from the port (with my bike) to look around the island of Naoshima an island that has been rejuvenated from declining fishing village to living art gallery. The main reason to visit is the Art House Project, six artists were commissioned for installations in restored old houses on the island.

on the ferry approaching Naoshima

There was even an onsen-contemporary art fusion bath house, I stopped in for some hot spring refreshment, but couldn’t take any photos inside.