Whenever I come to Takamatsu, I usually stop by Tamamo Park (玉藻公園) at least once. Since it’s located right in front of Takamatsu Station, it’s perfect for a quick visit when you have a little free time. The gardens inside are beautiful, and the view of Takamatsu Port from the park’s elevated area is absolutely stunning. Tamamo Park is built on the ruins of Takamatsu Castle (also known as Tamamo Castle). It’s a bit late to mention, but in spring, it’s also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.
The ruins of Takamatsu Castle were once the residence of the Ikoma clan, lords of Sanuki Province, and later the Matsudaira clan, rulers of the Takamatsu domain. The name “Tamamo” comes from the nearby sea area called “Tamamo-no-ura (玉藻の浦)”. Admission is just 200 yen for adults, which is quite reasonable considering the park is spacious and home to nationally designated Important Cultural Properties—it really offers great value.
This is the main reason I come here—this view! It’s said that seawater from the Seto Inland Sea flows into the moat. While the castle keep no longer exists, it used to be a three-story, five-level structure.
This is the Sakura Gate (桜御門). It might be the most recently reconstructed structure in the park.
It happened to be open to the public, so I went inside after taking off my shoes.
Inside, it was set up as an exhibition room. There weren’t many displays, but the scent of fresh wood still lingered.
The park, with its many pine trees, is already quite scenic, but Hiunkaku (披雲閣) and its garden offer a completely different charm. Entering through this gate…
You’ll find this magnificent building—this is Hiunkaku. Although it has the aura of a historical structure, it was actually built in more recent years. It serves as a rental space for events such as banquets.
The park is filled with pine trees, and you can spot pinecones scattered here and there…
There’s actually a special collection box for those pinecones! I had heard they use them to make a pinecone Christmas tree, and since I visited in December this time, I finally got to see the tree for myself.
Here it is!
Sayabashi (鞘橋) is the only pathway connecting the Ninomaru (Second Bailey) to the Honmaru (Main Bailey). It’s said that by destroying this bridge, the Honmaru could be defended independently.
Located at the site of the Sakura no Baba Drum Turret, the Ushitora Yagura (艮櫓) is a three-story turret and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
This is the Tsukimi Yagura (月見櫓), also a three-story structure, which served both as a lookout over the Seto Inland Sea and as a guard station for those entering Takamatsu Castle by ship. It too is an Important Cultural Property. The inside of the turret is only open to the public on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., so it was closed on the day I visited.
Next to the Tsukimi Yagura are the Tsuzuki Yagura (続櫓), Suite Gomon Gate (水手御門), and Watari Yagura (渡櫓).
Some people might hesitate to go in because of the entrance fee, but it’s just 200 yen—and honestly, the experience is worth far more. Highly recommended!
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Name Tamamo Park (玉藻公園)
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