Takamatsu as Kagawa's Gateway: Ferries, Islands & Connections

Takamatsu Port: Your Starting Point for the Seto Inland Sea Islands

Takamatsu (高松) is Kagawa Prefecture's capital and, more importantly for island-bound travelers, the primary ferry gateway to the Seto Inland Sea art islands. Takamatsu Port — officially Sun Port Takamatsu (高松港) — connects directly to Naoshima (直島), Teshima (豊島), and Shodoshima (小豆島) by regular ferry and high-speed boat.

If you are planning to visit any of these islands from Shikoku, your trip starts here. The port sits in central Takamatsu, walkable from JR Takamatsu Station, and handles multiple departures daily to each island. For what to see and eat in Takamatsu itself, see our comprehensive Takamatsu city guide. This article focuses on the logistics — ferry routes, schedules, fares, and how to plan your connections. Takamatsu is one of many destinations in our Kagawa city guides.

Ferry Routes from Takamatsu: Island by Island

Takamatsu to Naoshima (Miyanoura and Honmura)

Naoshima is the closest and most popular art island from Takamatsu. According to Shikoku Kisen, two routes operate:

Route	Type	Duration	Fare (adult one-way)	Vehicles
Takamatsu → Miyanoura	Regular ferry	~50 min	Varies by boat type	Cars, bikes, passengers
Takamatsu → Miyanoura	High-speed boat	~30 min	~2x regular fare	Passengers only
Takamatsu → Honmura	Ferry/boat	~35 min	¥1,220 (~$8)	Check with operator

According to Teshima Tourism Navigation, the fare from Takamatsu to Naoshima Honmura is ¥1,220 for adults and ¥610 for children. Multiple daily departures operate on both routes. Observed departure times for the regular Miyanoura ferry include 08:12, 10:14, 12:40, 15:35, and 18:05. High-speed boats depart at times including 07:20, 09:20, and 20:30.

The last car ferry from Naoshima back to Takamatsu typically departs around 17:00. Late high-speed boats may run until approximately 20:30 — always confirm current schedules before planning your return. For what to see on the island, see our Naoshima art island guide.

Takamatsu to Teshima (Ieura Port)

According to Teshima Tourism Navigation, the ferry from Takamatsu to Teshima's Ieura Port (家浦港) costs ¥1,450 (~$10) for adults and ¥730 for children, taking approximately 35-40 minutes direct.

A multi-island route also operates: Takamatsu → Naoshima (Honmura) → Teshima (Ieura), stopping at both islands. This is useful if you want to combine islands in one trip, though it adds time.

Teshima ferry schedules vary by day of the week and are tied to whether the Teshima Art Museum is open. Tuesday service is limited — ferries may not run on Tuesdays unless the museum is open that week. The first Tuesday of each month has no service on the Uno-Teshima-Shodoshima route. Plan carefully around these closures. For island attractions, see our Teshima island art guide.

Takamatsu to Shodoshima (Tonosho and Ikeda)

Shodoshima is the largest nearby island and has multiple ferry options from Takamatsu. According to Japan Guide:

Route	Type	Duration	Fare (adult one-way)
Takamatsu → Tonosho	Regular ferry	60-90 min	¥700 (~$5)
Takamatsu → Tonosho	High-speed boat	~30 min	¥1,400 (~$9)
Takamatsu → Ikeda	Regular ferry	~60 min	¥700 (~$5)

Regular ferries to Tonosho run every 1-3 hours; high-speed boats operate approximately hourly. The Ikeda route is less frequent, running every 1-2 hours. Regular ferries carry cars and bicycles; high-speed boats are passenger-only. Shodoshima fares shown are from 2024 data — check current rates before traveling. For what to do on the island, see our Shodoshima olive island guide.

Ferry vs High-Speed Boat: Which to Choose

Factor	Regular Ferry	High-Speed Boat
Speed	35-90 min depending on route	~30 min to most islands
Cost	Lower (roughly half)	Higher (roughly 2x)
Vehicles	Cars, bicycles allowed	Passengers only
Comfort	Open deck, seating areas	Indoor seating
Capacity	Larger, less likely to sell out	Smaller, fewer seats

Choose the regular ferry if you are bringing a bicycle or car, are budget-conscious, or enjoy the open-deck Seto Inland Sea scenery. Choose the high-speed boat if time is tight or you want to maximize hours on the island. For most day-trippers visiting one island, the regular ferry is sufficient and saves money.

Multi-Island Day Trips and Island-Hopping Logistics

Visiting two islands in one day from Takamatsu is feasible but requires careful scheduling. Three islands in a single day is not recommended — ferry connections between islands do not always align, and you will spend most of the day on boats rather than exploring.

A practical two-island itinerary: take the early ferry to Naoshima (arrive by mid-morning), then catch the inter-island ferry to Teshima in the early afternoon, and return to Takamatsu by evening. This works best when Teshima Art Museum is open and ferry schedules align.

For a more relaxed pace, most visitors recommend dedicating a full day to each island. If visiting during the Setouchi Triennale art festival (held every three years), expect higher demand and consider booking accommodation on the islands rather than relying on same-day return ferries.

Tickets are purchased at Takamatsu Port's ticket counters — different ferry operators use different counter locations within the terminal. According to Benesse Art Site, Teshima ferry tickets go on sale 20 minutes before departure. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your planned departure to navigate the terminal and purchase tickets.

Getting to Takamatsu and Onward Connections

From Okayama and Honshu via JR

Takamatsu is connected to Honshu by JR train across the Seto Ohashi Bridge from Okayama. The Marine Liner rapid train runs frequently between Okayama and Takamatsu stations. JR Pass holders can ride without additional charge.

For travelers coming from Tokyo or Osaka, the typical route is shinkansen to Okayama, then transfer to the Marine Liner for Takamatsu. For Takamatsu's broader role as a Shikoku entry point, see Takamatsu as a Shikoku gateway.

Uno Port as an Alternative Gateway

Uno Port (宇野港) in Okayama Prefecture provides an alternative ferry connection to the islands if you are coming from Honshu. According to Japan Guide, direct JR trains run from Okayama Station to Uno Station in approximately 45 minutes for ¥590 (~$4), with service in early mornings, late afternoons, and evenings. Outside peak times, a transfer at Chayamachi station is required.

Uno Port connects to Naoshima, Teshima, and Shodoshima. If you are based in Okayama or traveling east-to-west, Uno may be more convenient than backtracking to Takamatsu. The port is across the street from Uno Station.

Practical Tips for Ferry Travel from Takamatsu

• Arrive early: get to Takamatsu Port at least 30 minutes before departure, especially for high-speed boats with limited seating
• Check the day of the week: Teshima ferry schedules vary by day and museum opening status. Tuesday service is particularly limited
• Last ferry times: missing the final departure means an unplanned overnight on the island. Always confirm return ferry times before leaving Takamatsu
• Weather cancellations: ferries may be cancelled during storms and typhoon season. Have a backup plan, especially in autumn
• Bikes on ferries: regular ferries accept bicycles; high-speed boats do not. If you plan to cycle the islands, take the regular ferry
• Cash: bring cash for ticket purchases. Not all counter locations accept cards
• Setouchi Triennale: during art festival years, ferry demand spikes. Book accommodation and plan schedules well in advance

Ferry fares and schedules shown are from 2024-2026 data. Check operator websites for current information before your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Naoshima, Teshima, and Shodoshima from Takamatsu in one day?

Visiting all three in one day is not recommended — ferry schedules between islands do not always align, and you would spend most of the day on boats. Two islands in one day is feasible with careful planning. Most visitors recommend dedicating a full day to each island for a comfortable experience.

How much does the ferry from Takamatsu to Naoshima cost?

The regular ferry to Naoshima Honmura costs ¥1,220 (~$8) one way for adults and ¥610 for children, taking approximately 35 minutes. The high-speed boat to Miyanoura takes 30 minutes at roughly double the regular fare. Regular ferries to Miyanoura take about 50 minutes.

Should I use Takamatsu Port or Uno Port for the islands?

Use Takamatsu if you are already in Kagawa or Shikoku — the port is central and walkable from JR Takamatsu Station. Use Uno Port if coming from Okayama or Honshu — the JR train from Okayama takes 45 minutes and costs ¥590 (~$4). Both ports connect to Naoshima and Teshima.

Can I bring a bicycle on the ferry from Takamatsu?

Regular ferries accept bicycles and cars on most routes. High-speed boats are passenger-only — no bikes or vehicles allowed. If you plan to cycle the islands, choose the regular ferry service.

What time is the last ferry back to Takamatsu from Naoshima?

The last car ferry from Naoshima typically departs around 17:00. Late high-speed boats may operate until approximately 20:30. Always confirm the current schedule before your visit — missing the last ferry means an overnight stay on the island.