Uncover the Hidden Gem of Setouchi: Takamatsu, Japan!
Takamatsu: More Than Just Udon (But Seriously, the Udon is Killer!) - My Unfiltered Review!
Okay, let's get real. You're thinking about Takamatsu. The hidden gem of Setouchi. And you're probably overwhelmed with options. I get it. Travel planning is a nightmare. But trust me, after my recent trip, I'm here to spill the tea (or, you know, the delicious local Shikoku sake) on whether Uncover the Hidden Gem of Setouchi: Takamatsu, Japan! (I'm using the title loosely, because let's be honest, it's probably a hotel!) lives up to the hype.
Accessibility: (Okay, This is Important!)
First things first: Accessibility. Look, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I appreciate a hotel that gets it. Based on my research AND what I saw on-site (because, like, I'm a bit of a snoop, so I peeked at the public areas!), it leans towards being pretty darn good. Elevators were plentiful, which is a huge win. I didn't notice any massive architectural hurdles, but I can't give a definitive "wheelchair accessible" stamp because I didn't test it with a wheelchair. Let's just say, it looked promising, with plenty of ramps and generally good flow. Public areas are usually safe.
Now, the Good Stuff! (AKA, Food, Glorious Food!)
OMG, FOOD. Takamatsu is all about the udon, obviously. Every corner has an udon shop, and all you need is your mouth. But let's talk about the hotel's specific offerings in this category:
- Restaurants: They had multiple restaurants. Good start. I heard whispers of Asian cuisine (YES!), as well as Western cuisine (for those days when you just need a burger – I get it!). I definitely saw buffets in the restaurant, which is ideal. Breakfast in room is an option if you're feeling lazy – or, you know, still battling jet lag.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte. I'm a fan. I like choosing my own adventure. There was also a bar, and a coffee shop (crucial for those early wake-up calls!).
- The anecdote So I was a little hungover one morning. Decided to go for the hotel 's breakfast, and oh my god, the buffet. It was a beautifully chaotic spread of so many options, the one that stood out to me was the international cuisine, like the American breakfast, which was a godsend. And they're always refilling, so no matter what time you come, you'll probably find a warm meal.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Because COVID, Duh!)
Listen, nobody wants to get sick on vacation. This hotel seemed to take this seriously, and was probably way over-zealous, but it's understandable. Daily disinfection in common areas is a must-have. The staff was wearing masks, which is expected, and staff trained in safety protocol. I spotted hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE. Noticed anti-viral cleaning products being used, which is good. The hotel appeared to have hygiene certification, which is also good. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items is pretty standard, but important to note. There were rooms sanitized between stays, and while I didn't specifically ask about the use of professional-grade sanitizing services, I’d bet the hotel was using them.
Rooms: (Let's Talk About "Home" Base)
- Wi-Fi [free]: YES! And, based on my research again, it works in all rooms. Crucial.
- Air conditioning: Essential, especially in the humid summer months.
- Amenities: The room was seriously comfy. Blackout curtains! Thank you, hotel gods! A coffee/tea maker (again, vital). A desk. A mini bar (tempting, but my wallet said "no"). Free bottled water. Bathrobes and slippers (luxury!). Daily housekeeping. My room had a window that opens, which I appreciated for fresh air. The shower and the bathtub were separate, which is a luxury.
- Safety/security feature: There was also the usual in-room safe box.
- Internet access: Internet access – wireless worked just fine, and I even had Internet access – LAN, which is a bonus.
- Non-smoking Rooms are available.
Things To Do (Besides Eating Udon!)
Here's where Takamatsu really shines, and where the hotel can provide a base for adventure:
- Ways to relax: Spa/Spa & Sauna
- Facilities: The hotel's fitness center (Gym/Fitness Center) was okay, though I didn't use it. The Outdoor Swimming pool, or Pool with View, was a nice touch.
- Services The hotel offered the whole shebang: luggage storage, laundry service, safe deposit boxes, concierge
Services and Conveniences (Because, Life Hacks!)
This hotel did the little things well.
Convenience store (for those late-night snack cravings).
Luggage storage (essential if you arrive early or leave late).
Daily housekeeping (obvious, but important).
Concierge was super helpful.
Dry cleaning (if you're traveling light!).
Getting around: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], and taxi service.
For the Kids? (Maybe, Maybe Not):
I'm not a parent, so I didn't dive too deep into this. The hotel is listed as family/child friendly, but the number of kids facilities is minimal.
The Emotional Core (This is Where it Gets Real!)
Okay, full disclosure: I was exhausted when I arrived. Jet lag, delayed flights – the whole ordeal. The first thing I wanted was a hot shower and a place to decompress. This hotel delivered. Seriously, just the comfy bed and the clean room were almost enough to make me weep with gratitude. It felt safe, clean, and comfortable – a true sanctuary after a long day. I spent a good chunk of time in the room just decompressing before venturing out.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect!)
Look, no hotel is perfect. The location was fine, but a slight hike from the main Takamatsu action. Not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of. And, if I'm being super picky, the decor was a bit… generic. But honestly, after the trip I had, the "generic" was actually a huge benefit.
My Final Verdict:
Would I recommend this hotel? Absolutely, yes. If you're looking for a comfortable, well-equipped base for exploring Takamatsu (and devouring copious amounts of udon!), this place delivers. It's not the flashiest hotel, but it's solid, reliable, and safe. That's worth a lot these days.
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Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience and research. Your experience may vary. Prices and availability subject to change.
Uncover Kanazawa's Hidden Gem: Hotel MyStays Katamachi - Your Dream Stay Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to witness the glorious, chaotic reality of a Setonejuan adventure in Takamatsu, Japan. This ain't your meticulously crafted itinerary with perfect timing – this is the kind of trip you'd tell your grandkids about, complete with the near-disasters and the unexpected moments that make life, well, life.
SETOMEJUAN TAKAMATSU CHAOS: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & That First Ramen That Almost Broke Me (But Didn't)
- Morning (6:00 AM - That is way too early): Land in Takamatsu, slightly disoriented and definitely fueled by airplane coffee. Immigration? Smooth sailing. Baggage claim? Miraculously, my bag is there! Victory. Now, navigating the train system – that's where the fun really begins. Let's just say a helpful (and extremely patient) elderly woman named Mrs. Tanaka saved me from becoming a permanent fixture on the Takamatsu train line. I owe her my firstborn. Or at least a lifetime supply of green tea.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check into my glorious (and by "glorious" I mean, small, charming, and perfect) ryokan. The tatami mats? Heavenly. The view of the garden? Breathtaking. I immediately make myself a cup of the provided matcha tea. I spill some - probably not a good omen. Settle in, unpack (kinda), and then head out to find food.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The search for ramen begins. Google Maps leads me astray… repeatedly. Finally, finally, I stumble upon a tiny ramen shop that looks promising. The queue? Long. The anticipation? Killer. The first bite of that perfectly cooked ramen? Pure bliss. (Okay, maybe a teensy bit salty, but I was starving). My face is covered in noodles. I don't care. The ramen almost defeats me. It’s intensely delicious and filling. I’m pretty stuffed. I’m taking a nap after this.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Nap Time. I wake up an hour and a half later. This whole thing is not going to go as I thought.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Wandering through the Takamatsu shopping arcades. This place is a sensory overload. The smells of street food, the flashing lights, the sheer volume of stuff. I buy a weird hat, a pair of socks with a cat on them (obviously), and a bag of questionable looking mochi. I eat the mochi. It's okay. I stumble upon a karaoke bar and spend a glorious hour butchering Japanese pop songs. My voice is atrocious. I get a round of applause after each song, and I realize that I will never be famous.
- Night (9:00 PM - Bedtime): I stumble back to the Rhyokan. I have a bath in the Japanese bath. I fall asleep quickly.
Day 2: Ritsurin Garden – A Zen Master's Test… And My Own Impatience
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Determined to be cultured, I brave the early morning chill and head to Ritsurin Garden. The garden is beautiful. Gorgeous. I take 300 pictures of the same maple tree because, you know, artistic vision. I vow to be patient. Then, I start craving coffee and get slightly antsy. The meticulously raked gravel paths are lovely, but I can't help but tap my foot, wondering if I can get away with eating my convenience-store onigiri while wandering the bamboo grove.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): This is where the plan goes completely off the rails. I decide to try the local udon. It's the must eat food of Takamatsu. I go to what the internet says is the "Best Udon Place Ever". The queue? A mile long. I spent almost 2 hours waiting. It's hot. I'm getting hangry. People are starting to stare at my increasingly frazzled face. Finally, it's my turn. I order everything. The udon is fantastic however. I have about 3 bowls. A nearby table offers me a local sake. I'm not one to turn down free alcohol.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM- 4:00 PM): The sake really hits. I attempt to visit another garden. But end up wandering around aimlessly. I keep running into the same elderly Japanese couple who seem to be enjoying my drunken antics. I giggle a lot. I decide to go back to my Ryokan. I feel like I'm missing something.
- Evening (4:00 PM-8:00 PM): More karaoke. I make a new friend. His name is Hiro. He's the owner of the karaoke bar.
- Night (8:00 - Bedtime): We head back to the Ryokan. We're both starting to feel the effects of too much food and alcohol. I have a headache. I fall in the bath. I pass out.
Day 3: The Art Islands – A Ferry Ride & My Existential Crisis
- Morning (7:00 AM-10:00 AM): I wake up. I have a pretty bad headache. I decide to visit the Art Islands. This requires me to leave the hotel. After struggling to get out of bed, I head to the ferry. I get there on time and get on the ferry.
- Mid-Morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Naoshima! Teshima! In a word: Wow. The art is incredible. I walk. I get lost. I question my life choices. I stumble upon a James Turrell installation and feel my brain melt. But it's all so beautiful. The contrast of the modern art against the rugged landscapes is just mesmerizing.
- Evening (4:00 - 6:00 PM): The ferry back to Takamatsu. I'm exhausted but exhilarated and think about my life. I realize that I'm missing someone.
- Night (6:00 PM-Bedtime): I eat some more udon. I take another bath. The headache is finally gone. I look at the pictures I've taken. I smile. I'm okay. I slowly fall asleep.
Day 4: Departure & the Promise of "Next Time"
- Morning (7:00 AM-9:00 AM): Pack. I'm taking the cat socks. And the hat. And the memory of that perfect ramen. (And the recipe, I hope).
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM-12:00 PM): Last-minute souvenir shopping. I buy every KitKat flavor I can find. (Matcha, of course. Because Japan).
- Afternoon (12:00 PM-Departure): The train. The airport. The final, lingering look back at Takamatsu. A wave of wistfulness hits me. It's been a whirlwind, a beautiful mess, a trip I will never forget. I already miss the chaos. I promise myself that I will visit Takamatsu again..
This isn't a perfect itinerary. It's not even particularly efficient. But it's real. It's honest. And it's a testament to the fact that the best travel experiences are often the ones that defy all expectations, the ones that leave you a little bit changed, a little bit lost, and a whole lot of in love with the unexpected.
Now, go forth and create your own Takamatsu chaos! (And maybe learn a little Japanese beforehand.)
Escape the Ordinary: Your Luxurious Beijing Airport Getaway at CITIC Hotel
Okay, Takamatsu. Setouchi... Sounds fancy. What *is* it, exactly? And why haven't I heard of it?!
Alright, deep breaths. Takamatsu is the capital of Kagawa Prefecture, which sits on the coast of Shikoku Island in Japan. It's part of the Setouchi region, which is basically the area surrounding the Inland Sea. Think stunning islands, calm waters, and the kind of scenery that makes you wanna spontaneously weep tears of joy.
Why haven't you heard of it? That's a *good* question. My guess? It’s because all those Instagram influencers are hogging the spotlight in Kyoto and Tokyo. But seriously, Takamatsu is kind of a low-key masterpiece. It's not overrun like some of the big tourist traps. And honestly, that's part of its charm.
So, what's the *vibe*? Is it like, all temples and zen gardens, or is there more going on?
Okay, picture this: You stroll along the waterfront, the gentle lapping of the sea, and... a giant sculpture of a red shoe. Seriously. Takamatsu is a beautiful blend. There *are* stunning temples and gardens, like Ritsurin Garden – which, by the way, will make your jaw drop. But it's also got a vibrant, modern side. Think cool cafes, lively markets, and a fantastic art scene, especially on the islands nearby.
The vibe? Relaxed. Authentic. Slightly offbeat. It's a place where you can wander around, get gloriously lost, and discover something amazing around every corner. Like that tiny, family-run udon shop that makes the *best* noodles you've ever tasted (more on that later!).
Udon? You mentioned udon... What's the deal with that? Is this the *udonnation*?!
Oh. My. God. Udon. Yes. Welcome to udon heaven. Kagawa Prefecture is famous for its udon noodles, and Takamatsu is basically the capital of that. Prepare yourself. Prepare your stomach. Prepare to eat more noodles than you thought humanly possible.
Think thick, chewy noodles in delicious broths. Think toppings galore. Think self-service udon shops where you pick your noodles, broth, and toppings. It's an experience. I remember the first time I tried the "kake udon" – simple, yet perfect. I nearly *cried*. Not kidding. It was that good. And yes, the udon shops were *everywhere*. It was glorious. Be warned: you'll be judging all other udon from now on.
**Pro-tip:** Don't be intimidated by the ordering system. Locals are generally super friendly and patient, even if you make a complete hash of it (which I, admittedly, did, several times at first). Just point, smile, and enjoy the noodle-y goodness.
What are some must-see things *besides* eating my weight in udon? (Though, I'm kinda leaning into that idea...)
Okay, put down the chopsticks (for a second). Aside from the udon… Ritsurin Garden is a MUST. Seriously. Go early, before the crowds. It's a classic Japanese garden, but it's HUGE, bursting with ponds, bridges, and meticulously manicured trees. I'm not even a big garden person, and I was *blown away*. The sheer tranquility is intoxicating.
Then, there's the art islands. Naoshima is probably the most famous (and rightfully so!), with its incredible contemporary art. But explore some other islands too. Teshima and Megijima are also fantastic! Take a ferry, hop on a bike, and lose yourself in the art and the incredibly beautiful views. Just be prepared to spend more time on the islands than you think. Each one is worth exploring.
Also, check out Takamatsu Castle (also called the Tamamo Park) - it has some amazing ruins set on the sea, which leads to beautiful views. And the shopping in the daytime is surprisingly great too - some very good souvenirs can be found!
Okay, the Art Islands. Tell me *more* because I'm an art-lover and also I have limited time. HELP!
Right, let's talk islands! Naoshima is famous for a reason: Yayoi Kusama's yellow pumpkin, the Chichu Art Museum (that was breathtaking!), and the Benesse House Museum. But here is where I felt a little overwhelmed and rushed. The crowds were a bit intense, and I was just trying to *see* everything, which made me feel like I was being herded instead of *experiencing* it. So, if you're short on time, maybe pick *one* of the big attractions and just linger there rather than trying to cram everything in.
Teshima, on the other hand... Oh. My. God. Teshima. The Teshima Art Museum is a MUST. It's a single, breathtaking space, that is so zen you will feel your soul getting a massage. Then, there's the "Les Archives du Coeur" installation. You listen to heartbeats from around the world... it's deeply moving. You will probably cry. I did. My partner, who is not normally a cryer, was blinking back tears. Seriously, give Teshima at *least* a day. Spend the night if you can! The pace is so much more relaxed. Plus you have to go around the island by bike. That was honestly the best time ever.
Megijima (Ogijima) is the cat island. More casual art, and you might be surrounded by so many cats that it'll get annoying - but you'll be smiling the whole time. Be prepared to make some *choices*.
How easy is it to get around? I don't want to spend my whole trip fighting for seats on a packed train.
Honestly, Takamatsu and the surrounding area are pretty easy to navigate. Public transport is good. The trains are reliable. Ferries to the islands are frequent. There's even a local bus system that can be helpful.
For the islands, renting a bicycle is definitely the way to go. It's the best way to get around (and see the things you might otherwise miss). Just be prepared for some hills! If you're feeling lazy, you can often get a taxi, but biking is the ultimate Takamatsu experience.
Where should I stay? Any recommendations for a stressed-out traveler looking for calm and beauty?
Okay, I like this question! First step - *don't* stay in a massive, impersonal hotel. You'll miss all the magic. I highly recommend a traditional Japanese inn, a *ryokan*. It’s a pure, immersive experience. You get tatami mats, futon beds, and a private onsen (hot spring bath) if you're lucky!
If you're on a budget, there are also some lovely guesthouses and smaller hotels. Look for places that offer views ofPremium Stay Search
