Visited Takamatsu Castle ruins in Tamamo Park, where seawater is used as a moat

Takamatsu Castle, one of Japan’s three great water castles, has its moat filled with water from the Seto Inland Sea. Our first stop on the second day was Tamamo Park, which sits on the former site of Takamatsu Castle. After breakfast at the hotel, we walked to this must-see park.

Near the Tamamo Park parking lot, we quickly saw the Tsukimi Yagura (Ushitora Yagura), an Important Cultural Property, with stone walls and a moat. We entered through the East Gate, planning to purchase tickets and pass through the Asahi Gate and Asahi Bridge.

The entrance fee was 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children. Inside the castle walls, everything was kept very clean, and the stone walls were neatly constructed, giving a different feel from the typical look of Japan’s 100 famous castles.

In Tamamo Park, from the Asahi Gate, we walked to the Ushitora Yagura of the former Higashi-no-maru (East Circle), where the environment was immaculately maintained, with beautiful planted trees. We wanted to climb up the Ushitora Yagura for a view from above.

At the large historical signboard of the Takamatsu Castle ruins in Tamamo Park, we took photos. This spot seemed to be a favorite for visitors.

Next to the park is a large green area with various trees, like pines and cypresses, beautifully landscaped. From here, you can see a trapezoidal stone wall next to the moat, where the keep (tenshukaku) once stood. Unfortunately, it was dismantled in 1884 due to decay.

We walked through the Sakura-mon gate and saw the Matsushima bonsai of Takamatsu City, with dozens of bonsai pines displayed on a flower platform.

The exhibition hall in Tamamo Park showcases many historical items from Takamatsu Castle. Early construction materials, carvings, tiles, and features of the harbor facilities and stone walls are preserved here. There’s also a statue of Takeei Nakano, the “Father of Kagawa’s Independence,” who advocated for Kagawa’s separation from Ehime Prefecture.

After viewing the exhibition hall, we stepped outside to see Hiunkaku, another Important Cultural Property. This Japanese garden and building are available for tea ceremonies, concerts, and photography rentals.

Heading north along the castle wall by the sea, we climbed up for a view and noticed a small clock tower below. Walking over to the Suimon gate, we saw where boat tickets could be purchased, though we decided not to take a boat and instead headed toward the tenshukaku site.

After crossing the Saya-bashi bridge and turning a corner, we climbed up to the tenshukaku site. This open area offered a panoramic view, and looking down, we could see the Saya-bashi with trains passing nearby.

We took photos of the surroundings, including the Tsukimi Yagura at the Takamatsu Castle ruins, appreciating the historical heritage. Properly maintained, this area showcases Japan’s dedication to preserving cultural sites.