Feel the Heart of Nature and History in Yashima

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Seven things to do in Takamatsu
Feel the Heart of Nature and History in Yashima

Feel the Heart
of Nature and
History in Yashima

Yashima is located on the northeast side of the City of Takamatsu and is easily accessible from the city center. Since the ancient castle ruins and Yashima-ji Temple are located on the top of Mt. Yashima, you can learn about its history there. You can also take in spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and the Takamatsu cityscape from the mountain top. This popular tourist spot is rich in nature, where you can easily enjoy activities like hiking. All in all, Yashima has long been loved by travelers and citizens alike.

7 things you can do in Takamatsu

What is Yashima?

#01

Once you see the stretched-out roof shape of Mt. Yashima, you will never forget it. Yashima, literally meaning “Roof Island” in Japanese. In fact, Yashima used to be an island. It was reclaimed by salt field development and landfill, and the Aikibiki River is the only remnant left. Yashima gets its name from its iconic shape. This type of land formation is called a mesa, which is Spanish for table. It is a flat-topped mountain capped by horizontal hard rock layers with steep sides. From the top of the mountain, you can get a sweeping view of the islands in the Seto Inland Sea, the Takamatsu cityscape, and the Sanuki Mountain Range to the south. In particular, the sunset and nightscape seen from Yashima are two of the most beautiful views in Takamatsu. The area is designated as part of the Setonaikai National Park, as well as a National Historic Site and Natural Monument.

7 things you can do in Takamatsu

Check the
Highlights
First!

#02

It takes about 30 minutes to get from the city center to Mt. Yashima’s summit by car. You can also go by train and bus. On the way to the top of the mountain via the scenic Yashima Skyway, there are several panoramic viewpoints, including Mt. Goken, a historic battlefield from the Genpei War, and the towns of Mure and Aji. If you are driving, please keep your eyes on the road and use the Yashima Sanjo Parking Lot for visitors. (Business hours: 6:30am - 10:00pm.)
On the mountain is Yashima-ji Temple, the 84th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage of 88 Temples. Founded in 754, this historic temple is designated by the national government as an Important Cultural Property. The temple's treasure house keeps the eleven-sided Thousand-armed Kannon statue, which is the temple's principal image and also designated as an Important Cultural Property. In addition, there are a number of valuable artifacts related to the Genpei War on display.
The nearby New Yashima Aquarium is also a must-see. This aquarium is located on a mountain, which is rare in the world, and approx. 130 species of sea and river creatures, including North American manatee and arapaima, are kept and exhibited. It has a small but cozy atmosphere. You just can't miss the adorable dolphin and seal shows there!
Last but not least, enjoy spectacular sunset views from the Shishi-no-Reigan Observatory. Since there is a rock resembling a lion under the observation deck, it was named Shishi-no-Reigan, which literally means "spirits of lion rock" in Japanese. There is no doubt that anyone would be impressed by the beauty of the ever-changing evening sky, the sparkling cityscape of Takamatsu, and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. You can also try your luck by throwing Kawarake, clay discs, as you pray for good fortune and ward off evil.

7 things you can do in Takamatsu

Enjoy Hiking
and Nature
Observation!

#03

Even though it has become popular as a tourist destination, the rich nature still remains in Yashima. There are a number of mountain trails and pilgrimage routes, so you can enjoy hiking there.
For beginners, the main pilgrimage route, Henro-michi, goes north toward Yashima-ji Temple from Katamoto Station on the Kotoden Shido Line. The road is well-maintained and easy to walk, and there are also some highlights along the way, including historic sites and strangely shaped rock formations. For intermediate hikers, we recommend the mountain trail that runs from Nagasaki-no-Hana on the north side of Yashima to the northern ridge. This hiking route takes you to Yukakutei Observatory, one of the three major observation decks of Mt. Yashima. There is also an old stone quarry site along the way.
Yashima is rich in nature and home to many living things: native plants, animals, and insects. While walking, observe the flowers at your feet, or look up at the sky and listen to the birds singing. You can take in the whole of Yashima in all its beauty!

all YASHIMA

7 things you can do in Takamatsu

The Ancient
Mountain Castle
with a 7 km Wall

#04

Yashima Castle is one of the must-visit sites. It’s an ancient castle built in 667, as recorded in Japan's oldest official history book, Nihon Shoki (the Chronicles of Japan.)
During the Yamato period, many mountain castles were built along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, as well as from Northern Kyushu to Tsushima Island, in preparation for the invasion of the Silla–Tang alliance. Among these mountain castles, Yashima Castle makes the most of its natural topography. As a result, only 10% of the castle walls were said to be artificially constructed and the rest took advantage of the mountain's physical features. The total length of the walls was 7 kilometers, one of the longest in Japan. In the ruins of the castle gate, there are also the remains of a suspended gate and defense post which utilize Korean castle-building technology.

all YASHIMA

7 things you can do in Takamatsu

The Historic
Battlefield of
the Genpei War

#05

Over 800 years ago, a decisive battle of the Genpei War took place in Yashima. Taira no Munemori was the Supreme Commander of the Taira family at the height of its glory, and Minamoto no Yoshitsune was the tactical genius of the Minamoto clan army in the Battle of Yashima. It was do or die for each side and the stakes were very high.
Why did the Taira set up a stronghold on Yashima? And, how did the Minamoto attack the Taira by surprise? See the turning point in history for yourself by visiting the historic sites in and around Yashima.