Port information & tips for Takamatsu
Takamatsu is the elegant gateway to Shikoku Island and impresses as a charming port city on the picturesque Seto Inland Sea. The atmosphere is characterized by a harmonious blend of modern architecture and Japanese tradition, offering visitors an experience that is both relaxed and inspiring. Cultural highlights include the magnificent Ritsurin Garden, considered one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens, and the historic Takamatsu Castle in the idyllic Tamamo Park. Cruise ships dock directly at the modern Sunport Takamatsu, located in the heart of the city. Thanks to this prime location, guests can easily reach the central sights, the main train station, and the ferry terminals to the neighboring art islands within a few minutes' walk.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
The cruise port of Takamatsu on Shikoku, Japan, is easily accessible thanks to its excellent transport links and central location directly in the city. The berths in the Sunport Takamatsu area are in close proximity to the city center and the main transportation hubs. Most ships dock at Sunport (Tamamo district), which is only a few minutes' walk from JR Takamatsu Station.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is primarily by plane to Japan. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport (TAK), located about 16 to 18 kilometers south of the city. Shuttle buses run from there to JR Takamatsu Station; the journey takes about 40 to 50 minutes and costs between 700 and 850 Yen (approx. 4-5 Euro). Alternatively, a taxi costs about 4,000 Yen and will take you in around 22 minutes to the ferry terminal, which is located near the cruise terminal. For international flights, a combination with Japan's major airports (e.g. Osaka Kansai KIX or Tokyo NRT/HND) and a subsequent train journey via Okayama is often advisable.
Train
JR Takamatsu Station is a central hub and is only a 5 to 10-minute walk from the cruise berths. From here, there are fast train connections via the Marine Liner to Okayama Station (approx. 55 minutes), a major Shinkansen hub offering direct connections to Osaka and Hiroshima. The local Kotoden Railway also connects Takamatsu-Chikko Station, which is just a short walk from JR Takamatsu Station, with other destinations in Kagawa Prefecture, such as Ritsurin Garden.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight times from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, we recommend arriving in Takamatsu at least one day before embarkation. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise and provides a buffer for potential travel delays. In the city center of Takamatsu, you will find numerous hotels in the immediate vicinity of the port and JR Takamatsu Station, allowing for convenient preparation for your cruise.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Please plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
