Takamatsu Airport

Takamatsu Airport sits 20 kilometres south of Takamatsu city centre on the island of Shikoku, serving as the primary aviation gateway for Kagawa Prefecture. Opened in 1961, the single-runway airport handles around 1.5 million passengers annually, with flights connecting to Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Okinawa, and seasonal international routes to Shanghai, Seoul, and Taipei. Its compact terminal is sized to the region—efficient and uncrowded even during busier midday hours.

Getting There

The most straightforward way to reach Takamatsu Airport from the city is the airport limousine bus. Buses run from Takamatsu Station (JR and Kotoden) roughly every 20 to 30 minutes between 5:40 am and 8:40 pm. The journey takes 30 to 40 minutes and costs 760 yen one way (as of 2025). A round-trip ticket can save a small amount. Taxis from the city centre to the airport cost about 4,000 to 5,000 yen and take 25 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. For those driving, the airport is accessible via the Seto Expressway (Takamatsu Nishi IC) and National Route 11. The airport provides both paid and free parking lots. The free lot (about 600 spaces) is a short walk from the terminal; the paid lot (covered, 300 spaces) costs 100 yen per hour for the first 24 hours, then 300 yen per day. Rental cars are available from several agencies in the terminal.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single two-storey building. Arrivals and departures occur on the ground floor; the second floor holds the boarding gates and a small observation deck. The check-in area typically processes flights for ANA, JAL, and their affiliates. Security checkpoints are efficient—during standard hours, the queue rarely exceeds ten minutes. After security, a small duty-free shop sells local products such as Sanuki udon noodles, soy sauce, and traditional crafts. There are also vending machines and a café offering light meals and drinks. The airport confirms wheelchair accessibility throughout: an accessible entrance, parking spaces, toilet, and changing table are available. Baggage storage lockers (coin-operated) are located near the arrivals area; larger items can be left at the information counter. The departure lounge has power outlets for charging devices. The terminal is open daily from approximately 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, matching flight schedules.

Takamatsu Airport and Takamatsu

Takamatsu, the capital of Kagawa Prefecture, is best known as the home of Ritsurin Garden—one of Japan's most celebrated landscape gardens, built in the early Edo period. The garden's manicured pines, ponds, and tea houses make it a must-see for any traveller with a few hours in the city. Takamatsu also serves as a base for exploring the Seto Inland Sea National Park, with ferry services from the port to islands like Naoshima (art museums), Shodoshima (olive groves and gorges), and Megijima (legends of the Oni). The city itself is compact and walkable, with a castle ruin (Takamatsu Castle) overlooking the sea and a lively shopping arcade near the station. Food is a major draw: Sanuki udon noodles are a regional staple, with dozens of cheap, no-frills udon shops throughout the city. The airport’s location makes it an easy access point for these attractions. For visitors arriving on the morning flight from Tokyo, a day trip to Ritsurin Garden and a bowl of udon before an evening flight is entirely feasible. The airport also connects to the rest of Shikoku via local buses to Tokushima and Matsuyama, though trains are faster for long distances.

Practical Information

Takamatsu Airport is open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. For flight information, call +81 87-814-3355 or visit www.takamatsu-airport.com. The busiest times are mid-morning (around 11 am) on weekdays, when several departures to Tokyo and Osaka overlap. Arrive at least 60 minutes before domestic flights, 90 minutes for international. Parking rates: free lot is free; paid lot is 100 yen/hour for the first 24 hours, then 300 yen/day. Baggage storage lockers cost 300–500 yen depending on size. A quick tip: if you have a layover of three hours or more, take the bus to Ritsurin Garden (bus from airport stops near the garden; journey takes 20 minutes). It is far more rewarding than waiting in the terminal.