Port of Takamatsu: Ferry Access, Terminal Guide & Kagawa Gateway

Takamatsu Port: Gateway to the Seto Inland Sea Islands

Takamatsu Port (高松港) is the main ferry terminal for reaching the art and nature islands of the Seto Inland Sea from the Shikoku side. From here, ferries run to Shodoshima (小豆島, the olive island), and to Uno Port on the mainland side — the connection point for Naoshima and Teshima, Japan's famous art islands.

The port sits within walking distance of both JR Takamatsu Station and Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station (ことでん高松築港駅), making it straightforward to reach by train from anywhere on Shikoku or from the mainland via the Seto-Ohashi Bridge line from Okayama. According to the Takamatsu City official site, the terminal includes a waiting room, shops, and a tourist information center.

For island-hopping travelers, Takamatsu Port is the starting point — understanding which ferry goes where, how to buy tickets, and the last departure times will prevent the kind of logistical mistakes that can derail an island day trip.

Ferry Routes at a Glance

Destination	Operator	Time	Adult Fare (one-way)	Frequency
Shodoshima (Tonosho Port)	Shodoshima Ferry	35-60 min	¥700 (~$5)	~15/day from 6:30
Uno Port (for Naoshima)	Shikoku Ferry	~1 hour	¥1,170 (~$8)	Multiple daily from 7:00

Foot passengers can buy tickets at the terminal window — no advance booking required for walk-on travelers. However, during the Setouchi Triennale (瀬戸内国際芸術祭, held every three years), ferry demand explodes and you should arrive at least 1 hour before departure to secure a spot.

Vehicle reservations are recommended for any route if bringing a car.

Prices shown are from 2025 data and may change. Check official ferry sites for current fares.

Shodoshima: Olive Island by Ferry

Shodoshima is the most direct ferry route from Takamatsu Port. According to the Shodoshima Ferry official site, the crossing to Tonosho Port (土庄港) takes 35 minutes to 1 hour depending on the vessel, with approximately 15 departures per day starting from around 6:30 AM.

Tonosho Port is the main arrival point on Shodoshima and is close to Angel Road, the famous tidal sandbar. The island is known for olive groves, soy sauce production, and the Kankakei Gorge — one of Japan's three most beautiful gorges.

For a day trip, take an early morning ferry (before 8:00) and plan to return on one of the afternoon or evening services. Check the return schedule before leaving Takamatsu — the last ferry back is typically around 20:00, but this varies by season.

Naoshima and Teshima: Art Islands via Uno Port

There is no direct ferry from Takamatsu to Naoshima. The route from Takamatsu involves taking the Shikoku Ferry to Uno Port (宇野港) on the Okayama (mainland) side — approximately 1 hour, ¥1,170 (~$8) one-way. From Uno Port, a separate short ferry runs to Naoshima (about 15-20 minutes).

This routing means most travelers approaching Naoshima from the Takamatsu side need to factor in the connection at Uno. An alternative is to reach Naoshima from the Okayama side directly, which avoids the longer crossing from Takamatsu.

Teshima access is similarly indirect from Takamatsu — most routes go via Naoshima or Uno Port. If the art islands are your primary goal, consider whether approaching from Okayama (mainland side) might be more efficient than from Takamatsu.

Many visitors on Reddit note that the connection logistics between Takamatsu, Uno, and Naoshima require careful timetable planning. Check ferry schedules for all legs before committing to a route.

Terminal Facilities and Ticketing

Takamatsu Port's international terminal building includes:

• Waiting room with seating and air conditioning
• Tourist information center with maps and island guides (some English-language materials available)
• Small shops selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs
• Coin lockers for luggage storage — useful if doing an island day trip and returning to Takamatsu. Lockers fill up during Triennale periods.
• Restrooms

Tickets for foot passengers are purchased at the terminal counter windows. According to visitor reports on TripAdvisor, English-language ticket menus are available at the window, though staff may have limited English. Point to your destination and the number of passengers.

Bring cash — not all ticket windows accept credit cards. IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) are not accepted for ferry tickets.

Getting to Takamatsu Port from the Station

From JR Takamatsu Station

Takamatsu Port is approximately a 5-10 minute walk from JR Takamatsu Station. Exit from the station's north side and follow signs toward the port — the route is straightforward and well-signed.

JR Takamatsu Station connects to:

• Okayama: JR Seto-Ohashi Line, approximately 1 hour
• Tokushima: JR Kotoku Line, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
• Matsuyama: via transfer at Tadotsu

From Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station

Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station (ことでん高松築港駅) is the closest station to the port — just a 1-minute walk. The Kotoden local railway connects to Ritsurin Garden and other Takamatsu city attractions. If you are coming from central Takamatsu, Kotoden may be more convenient than JR.

Parking is available at the port for drivers, though public transport is recommended during the Setouchi Triennale when parking demand spikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Takamatsu Port from JR Takamatsu Station?

A 5-10 minute walk from the station's north exit. Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station is even closer — just 1 minute walk to the ferry terminal. Follow signs from either station; the route is straightforward.

Which ferry do I take for Naoshima from Takamatsu?

There is no direct Takamatsu-Naoshima ferry. Take the Shikoku Ferry to Uno Port (¥1,170, approximately 1 hour), then a separate short ferry from Uno to Naoshima (15-20 minutes). Alternatively, approach Naoshima directly from the Okayama side via Uno Port.

Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?

Foot passengers can buy tickets at the terminal window on the day — no advance booking required. During the Setouchi Triennale art festival, arrive at least 1 hour early as ferries fill up quickly. Vehicle reservations are recommended for all routes.

What time is the last ferry back to Takamatsu?

Typically around 20:00, but varies by route and season. Check the specific ferry operator's schedule before your island departure — missing the last ferry means an unplanned overnight stay on the island. Plan your return with a buffer.

How much does the ferry to Shodoshima cost?

¥700 (~$5) one-way for adult foot passengers from Takamatsu to Tonosho Port. The crossing takes 35-60 minutes with approximately 15 departures per day starting from around 6:30 AM. Prices shown are from 2025 — check the official Shodoshima Ferry site for current fares.