Located on Japan’s Shikoku island, Takamatsu’s best tours deliver memorable experiences without the tourist crowds. I’m especially fond of the private city tours, where savvy local guides take you beyond the typical sights to reveal hidden gardens and authentic food spots. The Naoshima art island tours are outstanding – you’ll see world-class museums and outdoor installations in a stunning coastal setting. For active travelers, the Naiba Lake kayaking trips offer peaceful paddling through scenic waterways.
The most worthwhile tours combine cultural insights with hands-on experiences, averaging 6-8 hours with easy meeting points near Takamatsu Station. Let’s check out the top tour options that make the most of your time in this fascinating city.
Key Points
- Comprehensive private tours covering Takamatsu’s top attractions, including Takamatsu Castle, Ritsurin Koen, and Sanuki udon sampling, with knowledgeable local guides.
- Customizable Naoshima art island tours led by licensed professionals, featuring the Benesse House Museum and Chichu Art Museum.
- Leisurely Brompton bicycle tours of Naoshima, including access to the Chichu Art Museum and Art House Project.
- Tranquil kayaking tours on Naiba Lake, immersing visitors in the natural surroundings of Takamatsu.
- High customer satisfaction, clear accessibility information, and flexible booking and cancellation policies for all tours.
Full-Day Kagawa Tour
The Full-Day Kagawa Tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the scenic wonders in Takamatsu, Japan. This private tour provides round-trip transportation, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s natural beauty without the hassle of driving.
Although meals aren’t included, the tour covers the ropeway fee and entrance fees to various tourism facilities, totaling $50 in value.
With a maximum group size of 3, this tour provides a personalized experience. Travelers can choose their preferred starting point, whether it’s Takamatsu Station or a designated location like their hotel. The tour concludes at the same meeting point, ensuring a seamless experience.
Accessibility is a highlight, as the tour accommodates wheelchair users, stroller-pushers, and those with service animals.
Based on the two reviews, the Full-Day Kagawa Tour appears to be an excellent choice for scenic spots and informative drivers, though translation assistance may be helpful for non-Japanese speakers.
At a price of $410.29 per group, this tour offers a great value for those seeking a private, customized exploration of Takamatsu’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Full-Day Kagawa Tour Review
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Takamatsu: Private Customizable Tour With Local Guide
Though travelers to Takamatsu have a wealth of tour options, the Private Customizable Tour With Local Guide stands out as a premier choice. Priced from $96.40 per person, this 4- or 6-hour private tour allows visitors to explore the city’s top attractions at their own pace.
Customizable itineraries and knowledgeable local guides ensure a well-organized and personalized experience. Highlights may include Takamatsu Castle, the Yashima lava plateau, and Ritsurin Koen, as well as the opportunity to sample Sanuki udon noodles. Guests can also visit popular sites like the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum and Shikoku Mura Village.
With pickup from accommodation or the train station, and transportation via public transit or taxi, the tour caters to individual preferences. Excellent reviews praise the organization, pacing, and guide expertise, making this an ideal way to discover Takamatsu’s history and culture.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option further enhance the appeal of this customizable tour.
Read our full review: Takamatsu: Private Customizable Tour With Local Guide Review
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Takamatsu Full-Day Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide
Offering a comprehensive exploration of Takamatsu, the Takamatsu Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide provides travelers with a personalized introduction to the city’s highlights.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews, this fully customizable private tour allows visitors to select 3-4 sites from a list, tailoring the experience to their interests.
Accompanied by a licensed local English-speaking guide, the tour utilizes public transportation or local taxis, with a private vehicle available upon request.
Priced from $144.27 per person, the tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Takamatsu and Shikoku.
While food, entry fees, and transportation costs aren’t included, the tour offers flexible payment options and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Reviewers have praised the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to create personalized, memorable adventures.
Accessible to wheelchair users and families with strollers, the tour ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.
Read our full review: Takamatsu Full-Day Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide Review
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Takamatsu Half-Day Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide
Tailored to first-time visitors, the Takamatsu Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide provides a personalized introduction to the city’s highlights.
With a maximum of 7 passengers, this private tour offers a customizable experience, allowing guests to select 2-3 sites from the “What to Expect” list. Led by a licensed local English-speaking guide, the tour includes transportation fees, but excludes entrance fees, lunch, and personal expenses, ensuring travelers have the flexibility to explore at their own pace.
The tour’s accessibility is noteworthy, as it caters to travelers with service animals, strollers, and wheelchairs, making it suitable for most participants.
Reviewers praise the guides’ proactive assistance and personalized experiences, such as unique visits to the Guest House where Einstein stayed and the railway museum.
With a 4.8 rating from 6 reviews, the Takamatsu Half-Day Private Tour provides a hassle-free and enjoyable way to discover the city’s top attractions.
Read our full review: Takamatsu Half-Day Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide Review
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Naoshima Custom Made Private Tour From Kagawa
Departing from Takamatsu, the Naoshima Custom Made Private Tour provides travelers with a comprehensive exploration of the renowned art island. Guided by a licensed professional, the tour offers a personalized experience, showcasing the island’s unique blend of contemporary art, architecture, and natural beauty.
Priced at $170 per person, the tour includes private transportation, lunch, and admission to various venues.
Highlights of the day include visiting the Benesse House Museum, Chichu Art Museum, and Lee Ufan Museum, each offering a distinctive artistic perspective. The tour also incorporates flexibility, allowing travelers to customize their itinerary and explore areas of particular interest.
With a duration starting at 9:30 AM, the tour ensures a well-paced and immersive experience.
Boasting a perfect 5-star rating from previous participants, the Naoshima Custom Made Private Tour is highly recommended for its exceptional service, curated experiences, and the opportunity to explore the rich cultural tapestry of this remarkable island.
Read our full review: Naoshima Custom Made Private Tour From Kagawa Review
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Shodoshima BROMPTON Slow Cycling Tour
Launching from Takamatsu, the Shodoshima BROMPTON Slow Cycling Tour invites travelers to leisurely explore the scenic island of Shodoshima. This full-day experience includes bicycle rental, a guide, and various transportation fees, providing a hassle-free way to discover the island’s highlights.
The tour starts at 8:30 AM in Takamatsu Station Square, where you will be equipped with BROMPTON folding bikes. From there, they’ll take a one-way ferry to Shodoshima, followed by a bus ride to the starting point.
The cycling portion covers approximately 20 kilometers, allowing ample time to admire the island’s picturesque landscapes and visit the Classic Movie Village.
With a maximum of 10 participants, the tour ensures a personalized experience. It’s not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, but most travelers can comfortably participate.
Priced from $129.85 per person, the Shodoshima BROMPTON Slow Cycling Tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the charms of this Japanese island at a leisurely pace.
Read our full review: Shodoshima BROMPTON Slow Cycling Tour Review
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Naoshima Island 1 Day Cycling Tour From Takamatsu Station
Although departing from Takamatsu Station, the Naoshima Island 1 Day Cycling Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the renowned art island of Naoshima. Priced from $241.33 per person, the tour includes cycling rental, a private English-speaking guide, round-trip ferry transportation, and admission to top attractions like the Benesse House Museum, Art Houses Projects, and Chichu Museum.
Starting at 9:30 AM, you will meet at Takamatsu Station before embarking on a fulfilling day of cycling and seeing Naoshima’s captivating art and architecture.
The tour requires a strong fitness level, as it’s not recommended for those with medical conditions or accessibility needs. However, the guide can accommodate schedule changes and skipping certain spots.
Booking is non-refundable, but the tour can be customized based on requests. With its comprehensive inclusions and expert guidance, the Naoshima Island 1 Day Cycling Tour provides an enriching way to discover this artistic haven from Takamatsu.
Read our full review: Naoshima Island 1 Day Cycling Tour From Takamatsu Station Review
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Art Island Naoshima BROMPTON Slow Cycling Tour
The Art Island Naoshima BROMPTON Slow Cycling Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the renowned island of Naoshima, renowned for its captivating art and architecture. Priced from $129.85 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers and begins at 9:30 am from the meeting point in Takamatsu.
The tour includes bicycle rental, a knowledgeable guide, round-trip ferry, entrance fees to the Chichu Art Museum and Art House Project, and tour insurance.
Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
With a 5-star rating from 2 reviews, the Art Island Naoshima BROMPTON Slow Cycling Tour promises a memorable experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s artistic wonders at a leisurely pace.
Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
Read our full review: Art Island Naoshima BROMPTON Slow Cycling Tour Review
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Naiba Lake Kayaking Tour
Kayakers can explore the serene Naiba Lake on this guided tour, providing a tranquil experience amidst the beautiful natural surroundings of Takamatsu.
The Naiba Lake Kayaking Tour takes place from March 6, 2022, to June 30, 2025, with operations seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Priced at €24.08 per person, this private tour is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart conditions.
The tour departs from and returns to the meeting point in Shionoecho Yasuharakami, Takamatsu, accessible only by car. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
Kayakers can reserve now and pay later for this tour, which offers the lowest price guarantee. The Naiba Lake Kayaking Tour provides a serene and private outdoor adventure in the picturesque setting of Takamatsu.
Read our full review: Naiba Lake Kayaking Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Takamatsu offers a diverse range of tours for visitors to explore the city and surrounding islands. From full-day guided tours to customized private excursions, there are options to suit different interests and activity levels. Visitors can discover the art and culture of Naoshima, paddle through picturesque Shodoshima, or bike around Takamatsu’s scenic surroundings. With so many choices, travelers can easily find the best tour to make the most of their time in this vibrant Japanese city.