高松城（玉藻城）
Takamatsu Castle (Tamamo Castle)
Overview
Takamatsu Castle, built in 1588 by Ikoma Chikamasa, is one of Japan's Three Great Sea Castles — its moats draw seawater directly from the Seto Inland Sea, allowing vessels to enter the castle grounds. After the Ikoma clan was removed, the domain passed to Matsudaira Yorishige, grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu, in 1642. The Sanuki region (Kagawa) has historically been Japan's premier producer of whetstones (toishi) used for sword polishing, making Takamatsu an essential node in the culture of sword-finishing craft. The former daimyō garden and several surviving turrets remain within the castle park.
Connection to Swords
Sanuki Province (Kagawa) has been Japan's premier whetstone-producing region since ancient times. The high-quality toishi (whetstones) from this area were indispensable to sword polishers (togishi) across Japan, who used them to bring out the full beauty of the hamon, jitetsu, and sori. The Takamatsu Matsudaira lords were also discerning sword collectors who patronized the region's polishing industry. The Takamatsu domain's protection of whetstone production made it an essential node in the entire Japanese sword-finishing trade.
Highlights
- Seawater moat (Japan's Three Great Sea Castles) — unique tidal moat connected directly to the Seto Inland Sea
- Hiunkan palace and daimyō garden (nationally designated scenic site)
- Tsukimi turret, Minato gate, and connecting turret (Important Cultural Properties)
- Castle tower platform — tower reconstruction plans underway
- Yashima — site of the famous Genpei War Battle of Yashima
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.
Nearby Castles
高知城
Important Cultural Property (extant tower) / National Historic SiteKōchi Castle
Lord: Yamauchi Kazutoyo / Yamauchi clan
丸亀城
Important Cultural Property (extant tower) / National Historic SiteMarugame Castle
Lord: Ikoma Chikamasa / Kyōgoku clan
宇和島城
Important Cultural Property (extant tower) / National Historic SiteUwajima Castle
Lord: Tōdō Takatora / Date clan (Uwajima)
松山城
Important Cultural Property (extant tower) / National Historic SiteMatsuyama Castle
Lord: Katō Yoshiaki / Matsudaira clan