Beyond the Crowds: Discovering Peace in Takamatsu’s Gardens and Kotohira

Beyond the Crowds: Discovering Peace in Takamatsu’s Gardens and Kotohira

Just 1 Hour from Okayama! Takamatsu & Kotohira: Gardens, Arcades, and 785 Sacred Steps. Japan is a popular destination right now, but there are still so many peaceful places waiting to be discovered. Today, we’re heading to Takamatsu in Shikoku, the gateway to island hopping and home to some of Japan’s most spiritual and beautiful spots.

In this video, I’ll show you how to escape the crowds and enjoy a deep, authentic Japanese experience. We’ll explore the vibrant shopping arcades of Takamatsu, the world-class beauty of Ritsurin Garden, and take on the challenge of climbing 785 steps to the sacred Kotohira Shrine (Konpirasan).

If you’re looking for a perfect side trip from Okayama or Tokyo (via the Sunrise Seto sleeper train!), this is it.

Travel Esesntials

▶︎ Klook Shinkansen Tickets
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Use promo code **TOKYOKENCHAN** or **KENCHAN**
(Code that works are different depends on your country. Discount rate depends on Klook’s campaign)

✈️Travel Insurance
▶︎ Safety Wing: https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26512775&campaign=youtube-description&utm_campaign=youtube-description&utm_source=26512775&utm_medium=Ambassador

▶︎ Pocket WiFi by Japan Wireless (20% OFF Code: tokyokenchan20): [https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=tokyokenchan]

📲 eSIM
▶︎ Japan Wirelss eSIM: https://www.japan-wireless.com/esim?via=kenchan]
▶︎ Holafly Unlimited data 5% off : https://holafly.sjv.io/9LQLNE
▶︎ Sakura Mobile : https://sakuramobile.pxf.io/n4XdZM
▶︎ Mobal (Japan Phone Number option): [https://www.mobal.com/japan-sim-card/?t=st&source=3434

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About me:
I enjoy making videos and oranizing information for travelers visiting Japan. My dream is to open a small boutique hotel and cafe in Japan—a place where I can welcome you all and where every traveler can feel at home in Japan.

Video Series 🎥
TOKYO
▶︎Day Trips from Tokyo: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDxt6zoPFvTaQF8yiVa0l0NUaI6OyKAqC&si=ymjKa37_mZ-lEKl5
▶︎Tokyo Area guide: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDxt6zoPFvTYjqcpisBArCI9uS2YxgQkA&si=-xo3U9wYNYapMqgW
▶︎Unseen Tokyo: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDxt6zoPFvTaOR9pxH6NYUQyQ5PNQO2j_&si=O4utLnnotjnLE2n4

JAPAN
▶︎ Hokkaido & Tohoku: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDxt6zoPFvTZrPqdRdZ5e2UcMmqkFp8lx&si=dQeYHbz_NxDN918U
▶︎ Kyoto & Kansai: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDxt6zoPFvTbd_DsGVdqiUhZ4EEqQinZd&si=VqC8_y14m1qeTTQQ
▶︎ Central Japan: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDxt6zoPFvTZ-vlRoXzP9PIJfN5nr7zka&si=blvR7t_NGxp6PMXU
▶︎ West Japan: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDxt6zoPFvTZksxMGOI6_p0YNwT7qEOmg&si=5PwdkLywz14qaXN7
▶︎ Kyushu: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDxt6zoPFvTaJ2QOaxbTFQZ-2ql_45A3u&si=jQ-sN5gcY98gQ9Pk
▶︎ Okinawa: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDxt6zoPFvTbjaY9lv-gkoKjYCeq953pm&si=ae96012sQY2bRFwY

TRANSPORT
▶︎Transit Journeys: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDxt6zoPFvTaFDoEZRH1lKWpu0GNcsJ0v&si=Aqd96Z5BACqmzQTQ
▶︎Airport & Terminal Navigation: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDxt6zoPFvTa3tdqPWXl4t3si-ByR-XeJ&si=73KEJCfq8bejdmwN
▶︎Shinkansen Guides: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDxt6zoPFvTZq5cvpdaxPTgB2znI5FBud&si=P7VpW41km1B-XAcO
▶︎Transport Hacks: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDxt6zoPFvTYoRY2ZVObGraCrLynmu0gr&si=Um0B-r8M80cX1zma

✈️ Official Travel Information to Japan:
– US Dept. of State: [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Japan.html]
– UK: [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan]
– Australia (Smartraveller): [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/japan]

Note: Some links above are affiliate links. By booking through these links, you help support my channel at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro: Discovering Peace in Shikoku
0:43 Getting to Takamatsu & Logistics
02:06 Hotel I Stayed : JR Clement Inn Takamatsu
03:02 Exploring Takamatsu Shopping Arcades
08:05 Trip to Kotohira (Konpirasan)
10:43 Authentic Kagawa Udon Experience
11:37 Climbing the 785 Steps
16:16 Ritsurin Garden: Japan’s Hidden Masterpiece
19:06 Headed to Matsuyama

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