Living in Takamatsu City


, (Takamatsu), meaning "High Pine Tree", is in the central part of Kagawa Prefecture, in north-eastern Shikoku, Japan. This city has a community of 331,084 as of December 1993 and covers an area of 194.03 km2. It faces the Seto Inland Sea National Park and is surrounded by hills and small mountains in the suburbs. Takamatsu City is blessed with mild weather, characterized by little change in temperature and very dry climate except for heavy rainfalls during the rainy and typhoon seasons, which combine to make it comfortable to live throughout the year. A dense fog peculiar to the Seto Inland Sea region, often sets in spring through early summer. The annual average temperature is 16.3C (Average in January: 5.8C, Average in August: 27.0C) and humidity is 72%.

Takamatsu National College of Technology is situated in the suburban area of Takamatsu City, 15 minutes away from the JR Railway Station Takamatsu by bus or by taxi. Students live nearby the college or in the dormitory which is just a stone's throw away from the lecture halls.

Takamatsu has many historic sites. In 1588, Takamatsu Castle, the castle of a feudal lord was built. It became the 40th city of Japan in 1890 and has since enlarged its municipal area and grown in population by incorporating towns and villages around the city. On July 4th, 1945, the city was damaged by an air-raid by the Allied Troops.

Every year in mid-August, domestic and international tourists come to enjoy Takamatsu Festival. Ritsurin Park is one of the famous tourist spots here. This landscape garden used to be a villa of the feudal lord of Sanuki Province (the old name for Kagawa Prefecture). The harmonious arrangement of rocks, water and greenery, with refined teahouses, artistically laid out in the park, is bound to purify visitors' souls.

Another must-see for a tourist in Takamatsu would be the Yashima Plateau. The top of the hill commands a superb view of the Bisan Seto Inland Sea, which boasts the beauty of numerous islands. This is also the historical sight of the battle fought between the Taira clan and the Minamoto clan in the 12th century. There is also a temple with a treasure museum attached where scrolls depicting the battle between the clans are displayed. A potential tourist can either choose to go to the top of the hill by cable car or by private transport via the Yashima Rollaway. Hikers take note that a path up the hill is also available.

Tamamo Park used to be the home of feudal lords whose castle was protected by the water filled moats on three sides. The park has an abundance of trees and flowers in every season which makes it a pleasure for visitors enjoying the sea breeze.

Unlike busy Tokyo, Takamatsu offers a more natural and calm environment without the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan city. Therefore, visitors to Japan do drop by this city the next time you're here!


Last modified: 1996/12/02
by H'ng Gaik Teong (graduated in March 1999)
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