[Railway journey] Conquer eight castles, starting from Takamatsu! Recommended for history-lovers: an itinerary for a railway journey around Shikoku
![[Railway journey] Conquer eight castles, starting from Takamatsu! Recommended for history-lovers: an itinerary for a railway journey around Shikoku](/image/rendering/attraction_image/94707/trim.960/2/1?v=bf2a6d2d98ca85524aea21be3f93ce67f68a4ed9)
【DAY1】
Takamatsu Castle Tamamo Park/Marugame Castle/Around Matugame Station/Kawanoe Castle/Imabari Castle/Dogo Onsen
【DAY2】
Matsuyama Castle/Ozu Castle/Tonkurimabushi (Pork and chestnut dish)/Uwajima Castle
【DAY3】
Three Yodo Line Brothers/Around Kubokawa Station/Kochi Castle
Get a great discount with the ALL Shikoku Rail Pass when using the railway!
With a full range of benefits, you can tour around Shikoku at a great price.
*If you take a sightseeing train, there will be an additional fee.
Takamatsu Castle Tamamo Park/Marugame Castle/Around Matugame Station/Kawanoe Castle/Imabari Castle/Dogo Onsen
【DAY2】
Matsuyama Castle/Ozu Castle/Tonkurimabushi (Pork and chestnut dish)/Uwajima Castle
【DAY3】
Three Yodo Line Brothers/Around Kubokawa Station/Kochi Castle
Get a great discount with the ALL Shikoku Rail Pass when using the railway!
With a full range of benefits, you can tour around Shikoku at a great price.
*If you take a sightseeing train, there will be an additional fee.
START
【DAY１】7:30
1
Takamatsu Station
If you arrive early in the morning on a Jumbo Ferry or the Sunrise Seto, you can enjoy breakfast in the Takamatsu Station area.
Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Takamatsu Station
2
Takamatsu Castle Tamamo Park
Site-seeing boat and local events help you make connections with this park
➤Duration: 1 hour
One of the ‘Three Water Castles of Japan’ (*castles that use sea water from the nearby ocean in their moat) , the ruins of Takamatsu Castle are now open as a park. Also known as Tamamo Castle.
A popular way to visit is on the wooden boats that travel up the moats, which are connected to the ocean. In addition to enjoying the castle from the water, you can also experience feeding the sea bream that swim in the moat.
Inside the park, the Hiunkaku is a reconstruction that brings together the bungalo of the castle lord and the guest annex. This beautiful building, combining Japanese tradition and Western techniques, is an Important Cultural Heritage site. The building faces the Kareyamasui Tei-en, a type of garden that uses rocks, boulders and sand to represent water and mountain scenery. Currently, it is rented out for tea parties and other gatherings.
There are many events held here, such as the spring cherry blossom viewing and the plant market. In the autumn there is the chrysanthemum exhibit. This site holds a special place in the hearts of the local people.
One of the ‘Three Water Castles of Japan’ (*castles that use sea water from the nearby ocean in their moat) , the ruins of Takamatsu Castle are now open as a park. Also known as Tamamo Castle.
A popular way to visit is on the wooden boats that travel up the moats, which are connected to the ocean. In addition to enjoying the castle from the water, you can also experience feeding the sea bream that swim in the moat.
Inside the park, the Hiunkaku is a reconstruction that brings together the bungalo of the castle lord and the guest annex. This beautiful building, combining Japanese tradition and Western techniques, is an Important Cultural Heritage site. The building faces the Kareyamasui Tei-en, a type of garden that uses rocks, boulders and sand to represent water and mountain scenery. Currently, it is rented out for tea parties and other gatherings.
There are many events held here, such as the spring cherry blossom viewing and the plant market. In the autumn there is the chrysanthemum exhibit. This site holds a special place in the hearts of the local people.
Approximately 5 minutes on foot to Takamatsu Station
Approximately 25 minutes by express train to Matugame Station from Takamatsu Station
Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Marugame Station
Approximately 25 minutes by express train to Matugame Station from Takamatsu Station
Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Marugame Station
3
Marugame Castle
A castle boasting Japan's largest stone wall and chalk keep tower
➤Duration: 1 hour
Marugame Castle was constructed about 400 years ago. The keep tower (the highest part of the castle, used as a look-out) is made of wood, a rare style of construction in Japan, and has been designated as an National Important Cultural Heritage. The stone wall that that leads up to the keep tower is the largest of its kind in Japan, at a height of approximately 60 meters. The elegant curvature of the wall is one of its finest features.
This castle was chosen as one of Japan’s Best 100 Castles. The determination is made by a group of specialists that cover the fields of architecture, engineering, archeology and history, and it is on of the cultural prides of the country.
There is a charge for entering the keep tower, but entrance to the compound is free and there is plenty of space for strolling around. It is a popular place for taking walks, and is also a place for the community to gather.
In the spring, the approximately 1,200 cherry trees bloom. May 3-4 is the annual Marugame Castle Festival, where many different events are held.
Marugame Castle was constructed about 400 years ago. The keep tower (the highest part of the castle, used as a look-out) is made of wood, a rare style of construction in Japan, and has been designated as an National Important Cultural Heritage. The stone wall that that leads up to the keep tower is the largest of its kind in Japan, at a height of approximately 60 meters. The elegant curvature of the wall is one of its finest features.
This castle was chosen as one of Japan’s Best 100 Castles. The determination is made by a group of specialists that cover the fields of architecture, engineering, archeology and history, and it is on of the cultural prides of the country.
There is a charge for entering the keep tower, but entrance to the compound is free and there is plenty of space for strolling around. It is a popular place for taking walks, and is also a place for the community to gather.
In the spring, the approximately 1,200 cherry trees bloom. May 3-4 is the annual Marugame Castle Festival, where many different events are held.
Approximately 20 minutes on foot
4
[Lunch] Around Matugame Station
![[Lunch] Around Matugame Station](/image/rendering/course_spot_image/391/trim.640/3/2?v=6ffcf9a03ca51586e27c966fb5aef1234363a331)
Marugame City’s specialty gourmet cuisine is called “honetsukidori” (bone-in chicken)—bone-in chicken thigh is deliberately and slowly cooked whole in an oven cooking pot to create this dish. There are two types, made using “oyadori” (older chicken) and “wakadori” (younger chicken), and we recommend trying both to compare them. The locals finish the meal by using the leftover meat juices on the plate to soak onigiri (rice balls).
Approximately 30 minutes by express train to Kawanoe Station from Marugame Station
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Kawanoe Station
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Kawanoe Station
5
Kawanoe Castle
War-torn castle built on Washio Mountain overlooking the sea
➤Duration: 40 minutes
Kawanoe Castle is still located in the same strategic transportation location as it was in the past.
In 1986, as a commemorative project for the 30th anniversary of the former Kawanoe City, the castle tower and the cool tower were reconstructed.
It stands on top of a very prominent mountain, suggesting that it was built on land suitable for governing this land. From the castle tower, there is a magnificent view of the Houou Mountains looming close by from the town of Kawanoe to the east, and the sea of Hiuchinada and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea to the northwest.
Kawanoe Castle is still located in the same strategic transportation location as it was in the past.
In 1986, as a commemorative project for the 30th anniversary of the former Kawanoe City, the castle tower and the cool tower were reconstructed.
It stands on top of a very prominent mountain, suggesting that it was built on land suitable for governing this land. From the castle tower, there is a magnificent view of the Houou Mountains looming close by from the town of Kawanoe to the east, and the sea of Hiuchinada and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea to the northwest.
Approximately 5 minutes on foot to Kawanoe Station
Approximately 55 minutes by express train to Imabari Station from Kawanoe Station
Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Imabari Station
Approximately 55 minutes by express train to Imabari Station from Kawanoe Station
Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Imabari Station
6
Imabari Castle
An impregnable fortress, a castle built by a master castle builder
➤Duration: 1 hour
It is one of the “Three Great Sea Castles of Japan” and “One Hundred Famous Castles of Japan”. When the castle was built, it was surrounded by a triple moat, and boats could directly enter the moat from the sea, making the best use of the sea, which is typical of Imabari, a strategic point for marine transportation. The castle is currently illuminated by lights designed by lighting designer Haruki Kaito, and visitors can see a fantastically beautiful and different view from the daytime from 30 minutes after sunset until 10:00 p.m. every day.
It is one of the “Three Great Sea Castles of Japan” and “One Hundred Famous Castles of Japan”. When the castle was built, it was surrounded by a triple moat, and boats could directly enter the moat from the sea, making the best use of the sea, which is typical of Imabari, a strategic point for marine transportation. The castle is currently illuminated by lights designed by lighting designer Haruki Kaito, and visitors can see a fantastically beautiful and different view from the daytime from 30 minutes after sunset until 10:00 p.m. every day.
Approximately 20 minutes on foot to Imabari Station
Approximately 40 minutes by express train to JR Matsuyama Station from Imabari Station
Approximately 25 minutes by tram to Dogo Onsen Station from JR Matsuyama Station
Approximately 40 minutes by express train to JR Matsuyama Station from Imabari Station
Approximately 25 minutes by tram to Dogo Onsen Station from JR Matsuyama Station
7
[Accommodation] Dogo Onsen
A famous Onsen with 3,000 years of history
![[Accommodation] Dogo Onsen](/image/rendering/attraction_image/88104/trim.640/3/2?v=afc031f7cd99a06ffe75c0ff8e80d0ac36de5275)
![[Accommodation] Dogo Onsen](/image/rendering/attraction_image/88105/trim.640/3/2?v=7efbe5363bac12e2025e33584bb3417650dbab1b)
![[Accommodation] Dogo Onsen](/image/rendering/attraction_image/88106/trim.640/3/2?v=63619551f20b9aa0561d6295a3ee4910b296ef24)
![[Accommodation] Dogo Onsen](/image/rendering/attraction_image/88107/trim.640/3/2?v=6f37f20fb1712cfaf85ddffd0c9df09e13bccf9f)
![[Accommodation] Dogo Onsen](/image/rendering/attraction_image/88108/trim.640/3/2?v=8b1565775e4da92a569b2bf6b1183042e29516ec)
![[Accommodation] Dogo Onsen](/image/rendering/attraction_image/88109/trim.640/3/2?v=c5456be45320c7274dc1736f8d0a4b81eb5df7e5)
![[Accommodation] Dogo Onsen](/image/rendering/attraction_image/88110/trim.640/3/2?v=05b59eed16db6a3d66fb2f49e13d0e8821a79d65)
![[Accommodation] Dogo Onsen](/image/rendering/attraction_image/88111/trim.640/3/2?v=27d5376a6c71becdd2cff6e1aa86866a35389d0b)
![[Accommodation] Dogo Onsen](/image/rendering/attraction_image/88112/trim.640/3/2?v=694bf2e7d372647ccb6d30d365c25791052e099c)
![[Accommodation] Dogo Onsen](/image/rendering/attraction_image/88113/trim.640/3/2?v=38da03b1c35a388359efd0bebf618cd75e8870ce)
Dogo Onsen Honkan is thought to be the oldest hot spring in Japan is mentioned in the ancient texts of the Kojiki and Manyoshu. The main building, a three-storey castle-style wooden structure has been designated an Important Cultural Property. The bathhouse is an iconic feature of Matsuyama in the novel “Botchan” and many other masterpieces of literature and film. After enjoying the smooth hot spring water, put on a Yukata robe, stroll around the local streets full of culture, and get into the spirit of this Onsen town. A new annex “Asuka-no-Yu”, adopting the architectural style of the 6th to 8th centuries, will be opened in September 2017.
As for the Dogo Onsen Honkan, it has been undergoing conservation and repair work for about five and a half years since January 2019, but all buildings reopen on July 11, 2024 (Thursday).
As for the Dogo Onsen Honkan, it has been undergoing conservation and repair work for about five and a half years since January 2019, but all buildings reopen on July 11, 2024 (Thursday).
【DAY２】9:30
8
Matsuyama Castle
A famous castle of the Setouchi Region
➤Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Matsuyama Castle, in the style of the Momoyama period, is one of Japan’s few original surviving castles. Its 21 buildings are listed as Important Cultural Properties, and the castle is regarded as one of the three best ‘Renritsu-shiki Hirayama-jiro’ (Renritsu-shiki: an architectural style where the top castle tower is in the centre with smaller towers on either side; Hirayama-jiro: a castle built on a hill on a plain). The towers are all connected to defend the main castle building. The castle is a well-known symbol of Matsuyama and is written about in the prologue of the novel, “Clouds Above the Hill” by Ryotaro Shiba. It has been and will be guarding the city of Matsuyama for centuries!
Matsuyama Castle, in the style of the Momoyama period, is one of Japan’s few original surviving castles. Its 21 buildings are listed as Important Cultural Properties, and the castle is regarded as one of the three best ‘Renritsu-shiki Hirayama-jiro’ (Renritsu-shiki: an architectural style where the top castle tower is in the centre with smaller towers on either side; Hirayama-jiro: a castle built on a hill on a plain). The towers are all connected to defend the main castle building. The castle is a well-known symbol of Matsuyama and is written about in the prologue of the novel, “Clouds Above the Hill” by Ryotaro Shiba. It has been and will be guarding the city of Matsuyama for centuries!
Approximately 5 minutes to Okaido
Approximately 10 minutes by tram to Okaido from JR Matsuyama Station
Approximately 45 minutes by express train to Iyo-Ozu Station from JR Matsuyama Station
Approximately 7 minutes by bus to Asamoya Station from Iyo-Ozu Station
Approximately 10 minutes by tram to Okaido from JR Matsuyama Station
Approximately 45 minutes by express train to Iyo-Ozu Station from JR Matsuyama Station
Approximately 7 minutes by bus to Asamoya Station from Iyo-Ozu Station
9
Ozu Castle
➤Duration: 2 hours (All of Ozu Castle Town)
Although the castle tower was regrettably torn down in 1888, the four turrets were saved from demolition and are designated as National Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The wooden structure was restored in 2004.
Although the castle tower was regrettably torn down in 1888, the four turrets were saved from demolition and are designated as National Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The wooden structure was restored in 2004.
10
[Lunch] Tonkurimabushi (Pork and chestnut dish)
![[Lunch] Tonkurimabushi (Pork and chestnut dish)](/image/rendering/attraction_image/58851/trim.640/3/2?v=7d4287f99a81a76ff4faa7f302ba49ed30a8b3b2)
![[Lunch] Tonkurimabushi (Pork and chestnut dish)](/image/rendering/attraction_image/92857/trim.640/3/2?v=01f4bb7a5ba28797b75e1aaffabc9e808bc03e66)
Tonkuri Mabushi is a dish made with chestnuts and pork with a kicking taste in the special soup stock that they made.
The volume of the pork and the flavor of the sauce is also powerful, yet the moderate sweetness of the chestnuts gives it a well-balanced taste.
The word "tonkuri" originally means "pork" and "chestnut". Ozu City, in particular, produces more chestnuts than any other city in Ehime Prefecture.This "Tonkurimabushi" is a new specialty of Ozu City using such chestnuts.
The volume of the pork and the flavor of the sauce is also powerful, yet the moderate sweetness of the chestnuts gives it a well-balanced taste.
The word "tonkuri" originally means "pork" and "chestnut". Ozu City, in particular, produces more chestnuts than any other city in Ehime Prefecture.This "Tonkurimabushi" is a new specialty of Ozu City using such chestnuts.
Approximately 7 minutes by bus to Iyo-Ozu Station from Ozu Machi no eki 'Asamoya'
Approximately 50 minutes by express train to Uwajima Station from Iyo-Ozu Station
Approximately 5 minutes by rental bicycle from Uwajima Station
or approximately 15 minutes on foot
Approximately 50 minutes by express train to Uwajima Station from Iyo-Ozu Station
Approximately 5 minutes by rental bicycle from Uwajima Station
or approximately 15 minutes on foot
11
Uwajima Castle
An excellently-designed strong fortress facing Uwajima Bay
➤Duration: 1 hour
Uwajima Castle, along with Matsuyama Castle, is one of Japan’s twelve originally surviving castles. Once a strong fortress facing Uwajima Bay, the castle is enclosed within an irregular pentagon-shaped land area. The castle was built by Takatora Todo, a feudal lord known for his excellence in castle design. With steep flights of stone steps along its enormous stone walls, the three-storey, triple-layer castle tower stands prominently on a hill top. Inside the castle, you can enjoy the wooden interiors along with views of Uwajima city and Uwajima Bay in the distance.
Uwajima Castle, along with Matsuyama Castle, is one of Japan’s twelve originally surviving castles. Once a strong fortress facing Uwajima Bay, the castle is enclosed within an irregular pentagon-shaped land area. The castle was built by Takatora Todo, a feudal lord known for his excellence in castle design. With steep flights of stone steps along its enormous stone walls, the three-storey, triple-layer castle tower stands prominently on a hill top. Inside the castle, you can enjoy the wooden interiors along with views of Uwajima city and Uwajima Bay in the distance.
Uwajima city Accommodation
【DAY３】9:30
Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes by train to Kubokawa Station from Uwajima Station
【DAY３】9:30
Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes by train to Kubokawa Station from Uwajima Station
12
Three Yodo Line Brothers
Shikoku Railway’s Yodo Line runs along the Shimanto River, known for its limpid stream, and connects western Kochi Prefecture with southern Ehime Prefecture. Three unique trains called the “Yodo Line Brothers” – Shiman Torocco, Kaiyodo Hobby Train and Tetsudo (Railway) Hobby Train – are operated on the line. Shiman Torocco, designed by noted industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, is a two-car train, with one carriage having no windows or walls on both sides to let in fresh air. Kaiyodo Hobby Train was produced through collaboration between Shikoku Railway Co. (JR Shikoku), the operator of the line, and Kaiyodo Co., a manufacturer of figurines. Tetsudo Hobby Train was modeled on the first generation of shinkansen bullet train cars.
13
[Lunch] Around Kubokawa Station
![[Lunch] Around Kubokawa Station](/image/rendering/course_spot_image/389/trim.640/3/2?v=ebb103075dcbd105f67124883b0d33c25d399e6d)
While you're in Kubokawa, you’ll definitely want to try Shimanto unagi (eel)
. Underground water from the Shimanto River is used to remove the mud from this excellent-quality eel, which is purchased all over the country. It is characterized by its odor-free, gentle flavor.
. Underground water from the Shimanto River is used to remove the mud from this excellent-quality eel, which is purchased all over the country. It is characterized by its odor-free, gentle flavor.
Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes by express train to Kochi Station from Kubokawa Station
Approximately 10 minutes by bus
or approximately 15 minutes by tram
Approximately 10 minutes by bus
or approximately 15 minutes by tram
14
Kochi Castle
➤Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Fifteen structures at Kochi Castle, including its tower and the Otemon main gate, have been designated by the national government as important cultural properties. The castle was originally built in 1603 on the order of Yamauchi Katsutoyo, lord of the Tosa domain, but was burned down in a massive fire in 1727. The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1749.
Kochi Castle is Japan’s only castle where all the structures constituting its main building have been preserved. Since the castle’s structures are compactly situated, you can see its most important parts in a short period of time. Its tower is one of the 12 castle keeps that are still preserved in Japan. Kochi Castle is known as a popular photo spot because it is Japan’s only castle where you can capture both its Otemon and its tower in a single shot.
Kochi Castle, which is considered one of the top 100 castles in Japan, is situated on a hill in a park. The castle tower offers a breathtaking view of Kochi City. The San-no-maru area of Kochi Castle boasts 223 cherry trees, which are presently in full bloom, making it one of the finest cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture.
Fifteen structures at Kochi Castle, including its tower and the Otemon main gate, have been designated by the national government as important cultural properties. The castle was originally built in 1603 on the order of Yamauchi Katsutoyo, lord of the Tosa domain, but was burned down in a massive fire in 1727. The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1749.
Kochi Castle is Japan’s only castle where all the structures constituting its main building have been preserved. Since the castle’s structures are compactly situated, you can see its most important parts in a short period of time. Its tower is one of the 12 castle keeps that are still preserved in Japan. Kochi Castle is known as a popular photo spot because it is Japan’s only castle where you can capture both its Otemon and its tower in a single shot.
Kochi Castle, which is considered one of the top 100 castles in Japan, is situated on a hill in a park. The castle tower offers a breathtaking view of Kochi City. The San-no-maru area of Kochi Castle boasts 223 cherry trees, which are presently in full bloom, making it one of the finest cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture.
Approximately 10 minutes by bus to Kochi Station
or approximately 15 minutes by tram
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by express train to Takamatsu Station from Kochi Station
（Change trains at Utazu Station）
or approximately 15 minutes by tram
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by express train to Takamatsu Station from Kochi Station
（Change trains at Utazu Station）
15
Takamatsu Station
If you have some extra time, why not visit some tourist spots in Takamatsu City on the following day, or go even further afield to some of the nearby islands?
Takamatsu City was one of the locations of the Genpei War (a civil war that took place in the late 12th century), and is home to many famous historic spots, including Yashima, with panoramic views of the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and Yakuriji, temple 85 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Shodoshima island, located around 1 hour from Takamatsu Port by ferry, boasts flourishing olive cultivation, and offers the appeals of a stunning coastline and rich natural world.
Ogijima and Megijima islands are well-known as venues for the Setouchi Triennale art festival, and are easily accessible in around 20–40 minutes from Takamatsu Port by ferry.
Takamatsu City was one of the locations of the Genpei War (a civil war that took place in the late 12th century), and is home to many famous historic spots, including Yashima, with panoramic views of the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and Yakuriji, temple 85 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Shodoshima island, located around 1 hour from Takamatsu Port by ferry, boasts flourishing olive cultivation, and offers the appeals of a stunning coastline and rich natural world.
Ogijima and Megijima islands are well-known as venues for the Setouchi Triennale art festival, and are easily accessible in around 20–40 minutes from Takamatsu Port by ferry.
GOAL