Takamatsu Castle Tamamo Park
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Takamatsu Castle Tamamo Park

4
·4k reviews·Takamatsu, Japan

Explore the ruins of a 1590 castle with a rare sea-fed moat, offering a unique blend of history and marine life in a tranquil park setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Takamatsu Castle Tamamo Park

Takamatsu Castle Tamamo Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the ruins of a 1590 castle with a rare sea-fed moat, offering a unique blend of history and marine life in a tranquil park setting.

4
(4k reviews)

"A rare, sea-connected moat teeming with marine life, offering a unique historical and natural spectacle."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐠 Feed the Fish!

Purchase fish food for 100 yen to feed the abundant fish in the moat. It's a fun, interactive experience!

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Park

Tamamo Park itself is lovely for a stroll, with gardens and scenic views. Great for a picnic.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Sea-Fed Moat

The Sea-Fed Moat

Surrounding the castle ruins

A rare, sea-connected moat teeming with marine life, offering a unique historical and natural spectacle.

Castle Ruins & Foundation

Castle Ruins & Foundation

Central area of Tamamo Park

The stark, rough foundation of the main keep stands as a modern art-like installation, a powerful reminder of its past.

Mizute-gomon Gate

Mizute-gomon Gate

Entrance to the castle grounds

One of the few remaining structures, this gate offers a picturesque entry point and a sense of historical grandeur.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Sea Moat

Takamatsu Castle's unique moat draws directly from the Seto Inland Sea, allowing marine life to thrive. This feature sets it apart from many Japanese castles, offering a glimpse into historical water defenses and a surprisingly vibrant ecosystem.

Timing is Key for Tranquility

While not typically overrun, visiting during weekdays or early mornings can enhance the peaceful atmosphere of Tamamo Park. This allows for a more immersive experience of the castle ruins and the serene gardens without the bustle of larger crowds.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Pleasant for picnics
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

ユーザー名変えたいな、何がいいと思う? #超特急 #髙松アロハ
@aloha.takamatsu
54K likes • 720.1K views

🐠 Feed the Fish!

Purchase fish food for 100 yen to feed the abundant fish in the moat. It's a fun, interactive experience! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Park

Tamamo Park itself is lovely for a stroll, with gardens and scenic views. Great for a picnic. Reddit

why’d you give me a name that means love? [#tomosaki#tomosakiedit#nyamusaki#nyamusakiedit#bandori#bandoriedit#bangdream#mygo#avemujica#tomoritakamatsu#nyamuyuutenji#sakikotogawa]
@kitqzawas
28.5K likes • 230.8K views
玉藻公園、高松城跡 Tamamo Park is a park built on the ruins of Takamatsu Castle, which was the residence of the Ikoma family, lords of Sanuki Province, and the Matsudaira family, lords of Takamatsu. The castle, which drew seawater from the Seto Inland Sea into its moat, is known as one of the three water castles in Japan, and in the park there are the Mizute-gomon, Watari-agar and Hi-un-kaku, which are de...
yousakana
450 likes • 4K views

💰 Affordable Entry

Admission is only 200 yen for adults, making it a budget-friendly historical site. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moat

The sea-fed moat is a unique photo opportunity, especially with the castle ruins in the background. Instagram

香川県高松市『髙松城跡;玉藻公園 』 Tamamo Park, the ruins of Takamatsu Castle in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, on Japan's Shikoku Island. Tamamo Park is a pine bonsai garden located a 5-minute walk from JR Takamatsu Station and Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station. But, there are not many impressive bonsai in this Japanese garden. If you go up to the top of the stone wall of the Takamatsu Castle ruins in Tama...
hiro.japan_view
47 likes • 439 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐠 Feed the Fish!

Purchase fish food for 100 yen to feed the abundant fish in the moat. It's a fun, interactive experience! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Park

Tamamo Park itself is lovely for a stroll, with gardens and scenic views. Great for a picnic. Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

Admission is only 200 yen for adults, making it a budget-friendly historical site. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moat

The sea-fed moat is a unique photo opportunity, especially with the castle ruins in the background. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Takamatsu Castle Tamamo Park to be an interesting historical site, particularly appreciating its unique sea-fed moat teeming with marine life and the affordable admission fee. While the castle is largely in ruins, the remaining structures and the well-maintained park offer a peaceful and picturesque experience, ideal for picnics and photography.

"Very interesting to get a look at this partially ruined castle, where only two towers remain, both beautiful, but of the main keep, only the rock foundation at the centre still stands. It is noteworthy in a different way, rougher and simultaneously it appears like a modern art installation. Quite rare in Japan, the moat is connected to the sea, so fish and other sea creatures can swim around. The park also has a nice temple/tea house building, although currently under restoration. Great place to have a picnic."

Emiel Van Herck

"The admission ticket for each adult is 200 yen. You could pay 100 yen to get some fish food. I think it was quite interesting, you poured the fish food into a pipe and the fish food rolls to the pond through the pipe. A lot of fishes were waiting for the food beneath the pipe end. Two pigeons were surrounding me when I was near the capsule toy machine for the fish food. 🤣🤣🤣
I think it’s worth visiting the site of the former Takamatsu Castle."

Karen Chan

"Immaculately kept castle and park. The moat and gardens were the highlight. There was even a boat giving rides around the keep. No huge crowds and very tranquil. Well worth an hour of your time."

Owen

What People Like

Unique sea-fed moat
Affordable admission
Peaceful park setting

What People Dislike

Mostly ruins

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Takamatsu Castle Tamamo Park is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from JR Takamatsu Station and Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station. It's easily accessible for day-trippers and those staying in the city. Instagram

While specific parking details can vary, the park's proximity to major train stations suggests that public transport is the most recommended way to arrive. If driving, look for public parking lots in the vicinity of Takamatsu Station. Instagram

Yes, Takamatsu is well-connected by train and bus to other major cities on Shikoku and Honshu. The castle park is a short walk from the main transport hubs. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The park generally opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on the season. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

Admission for adults is very affordable at 200 yen. This fee grants access to the castle ruins and the park grounds. Reddit

Tickets can be purchased at the counter upon arrival. There's usually no need to book in advance, especially outside of peak holiday seasons. Reddit

Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not widely publicized, but the general admission fee is quite low, making it accessible for most visitors. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the ruins of the main keep, see the remaining towers, and marvel at the unique sea-fed moat. The park itself is also a pleasant area for a walk. InstagramReddit

No, Takamatsu Castle is primarily ruins. Only the rock foundation of the main keep remains, along with a couple of towers. It's more about experiencing the historical site and its unique features. Reddit

Access to the interior of the remaining towers may be limited or restricted. The main draw is the overall layout, the moat, and the foundation of the keep. Reddit

Yes, the castle ruins, the sea moat, and the park's natural beauty offer excellent photographic opportunities. The contrast between the rough ruins and the water is particularly striking. Instagram+1

While not always advertised, there might be occasional events or boat rides around the keep. The fish feeding is a popular interactive activity. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants directly within the castle ruins or the park itself. However, the area around JR Takamatsu Station offers numerous dining options, from local udon shops to more varied cuisine. Instagram

Absolutely! Tamamo Park is an ideal spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Reddit

Takamatsu is famous for its Sanuki Udon. You'll find many excellent udon restaurants near the station and throughout the city. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The sea-fed moat with the castle ruins in the background is a prime spot. Also, try capturing the remaining towers and the park's greenery. Instagram+1

The park's orientation and the surrounding cityscape might offer interesting light during sunrise or sunset, but the main appeal is the historical architecture and the unique moat. Instagram

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expanse of the moat and ruins. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Takamatsu Castle Tamamo Park offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The highlight for children is undoubtedly the opportunity to feed the fish in the sea-fed moat for a small fee (100 yen). This interactive activity is a big hit and provides a fun way to learn about the castle's unique water system. Reddit The park itself is spacious and well-maintained, making it a safe and pleasant place for kids to run around. While the castle is in ruins, the sheer scale of the foundation and the remaining towers can still capture a child's imagination about knights and ancient fortresses. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the park, making it a full, affordable family outing. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Takamatsu Castle Tamamo Park is an excellent choice. The admission fee is a mere 200 yen for adults, making it one of the most affordable historical attractions in the region. Reddit The park is easily accessible via public transport from JR Takamatsu Station, saving on transportation costs. You can further save money by packing a picnic lunch to enjoy within the park's scenic grounds, rather than seeking out expensive restaurants. Reddit The experience offers significant historical and visual value for a minimal cost, making it a highly recommended stop for those watching their spending. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Sea Moat of Takamatsu Castle

Takamatsu Castle, also known as Tamamo Park, boasts a truly distinctive feature: its moat is directly connected to the Seto Inland Sea. This historical design, implemented in 1590, allowed seawater to fill the moat, creating a natural defense and a unique aquatic environment. Unlike most castle moats that rely on freshwater sources, Takamatsu's sea moat means that marine life, including fish and other sea creatures, can freely enter and inhabit the waters surrounding the castle ruins. This makes it one of Japan's 'three water castles' and a fascinating ecological site. Instagram

Visitors often express surprise and delight at this feature. The ability to feed the fish in the moat adds an interactive element to the experience, making it memorable for all ages. The presence of sea creatures is a testament to the ingenuity of historical castle construction and its lasting impact on the local environment. It's a rare opportunity to see such a direct link between a historical fortification and the natural marine world. Reddit

Exploring the Castle Ruins and Park

While Takamatsu Castle is largely in ruins, the site offers a compelling glimpse into its past. The most striking element is the foundation of the main keep, which stands as a stark, rough structure. Some visitors describe it as resembling a modern art installation, a powerful visual that sparks imagination about the castle's former grandeur. Reddit Two towers still stand, adding to the historical atmosphere. The park itself, Tamamo Park, is meticulously maintained and provides a serene setting for exploration. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a peaceful walk or a picnic amidst historical remnants and natural beauty. InstagramReddit

The park's layout encourages leisurely exploration. You can wander along the paths, admire the remaining structures, and appreciate the historical significance of the site. Despite the limited standing structures, the overall experience is one of historical immersion and natural tranquility. The combination of the sea moat, the ruins, and the well-kept park makes Takamatsu Castle Tamamo Park a worthwhile visit for history buffs and those seeking a peaceful escape. InstagramReddit

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