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Getting around Takamatsu by Kotoden.
The Kotoden is Takamatsu’s local railway. From Matsushima-Nichome Station, a 4-minute walk from YOI NO HOSHI, you can reach Ritsurin Garden, Konpira-san and Yashima with one change at most.
Checked on the official Kotoden, Kotoden Bus and Ritsurin Garden websites on 22 September 2026.
Three lines, one interchange: Kawaramachi
The Kotoden has three lines: the Kotohira, Nagao and Shido lines. Matsushima-Nichome is on the Shido Line, two stops from Kawaramachi. For Ritsurin Garden and Konpira-san, change to the Kotohira Line at Kawaramachi.
From Matsushima-Nichome Station
| Destination | How to get there |
|---|---|
| Ritsurin Garden | Change to the Kotohira Line at Kawaramachi and get off at the next stop, Ritsurin-Koen. About a 7-minute walk from the station. |
| Konpira-san (Kotohira-gu Shrine) | Change to the Kotohira Line at Kawaramachi and ride to the end of the line, Kotoden-Kotohira (about 1 hour from Kawaramachi). 785 stone steps up to the main shrine. |
| Yashima | Stay on the Shido Line for four stops to Kotoden-Yashima, then take the shuttle bus to the summit (about 10 minutes). |
| Takamatsu Castle (Tamamo Park) / JR Takamatsu Station | Change to the Kotohira Line at Kawaramachi and ride two stops to the terminus, Takamatsu-Chikko. |
Tickets and IC cards
- Ten nationwide transport IC cards, including Suica, ICOCA and PASMO, work on Kotoden trains and buses.
- The local IC card is called IruCa. It is not part of the nationwide system, so it cannot be used on trains in other regions.
- Fares change on 1 October 2026 and rise by about ¥50 on most journeys (the minimum fare becomes ¥230).
Tips
- Konpira-san means a long climb up stone steps — wear comfortable shoes.
- The Yashima shuttle bus does not run often. When you reach the top, check the time of the bus back first.
- From the airport, take the limousine bus to Kawaramachi and change to the Shido Line — just one change to Matsushima-Nichome. See “From Takamatsu Airport into the city”.
Back to YOI NO HOSHI
YOI NO HOSHI is a 4-minute walk (about 300 m) from Matsushima-Nichome Station. After a day out, spend the evening in a room with a table tennis table and a projector. Free parking for one car.
Heading to the islands? See “From Takamatsu Port to Naoshima, Teshima and Shodoshima”.
Our four stays in Takamatsu
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