Takamatsu Station Guide: JR Lines, Facilities & Connections

Takamatsu Station: Your Gateway to Kagawa and Shikoku

Takamatsu Station (高松駅) is the main transport hub in Kagawa Prefecture and the first stop for most travelers entering Shikoku from Honshu. If you are crossing from Okayama on the Marine Liner express — the train that carries you across the Seto Ohashi Bridge over the Inland Sea — this is where you arrive.

The station area is actually two stations in one. JR Takamatsu Station handles long-distance rail connections to the rest of Shikoku and back to Honshu. Right next to it, Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station (高松築港駅) serves the private Kotoden railway for local city transport and the line to Konpira-san. A 5-minute walk east brings you to Takamatsu Port, where ferries depart for Naoshima and other art islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

This guide covers the station layout, rail systems, ferry connections, and facilities to help you orient yourself on arrival. For more on Kagawa's station connections, see our hub guide.

JR Takamatsu Station and Kotoden at a Glance

Understanding the difference between the two stations saves confusion on arrival:

Feature	JR Takamatsu Station	Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko
Operator	JR Shikoku	Kotoden (private railway)
Main routes	Okayama, Matsuyama, Tokushima, Kochi	Ritsurin Garden, Konpira-san, local city
JR Pass	Covered	NOT covered
IC Cards	Suica, ICOCA, etc.	Suica, ICOCA, etc.
To Takamatsu Port	~5 min walk	~5 min walk
Location	Adjacent — separated by a short walkway	Adjacent — separated by a short walkway

The two stations sit side by side with a short covered walkway between them. You do not need a bus or taxi to transfer — just follow the signs.

JR Lines: Marine Liner and Shikoku Connections

From Okayama via the Seto-Ohashi Line

The Marine Liner (マリンライナー) rapid service on the Seto-Ohashi Line (瀬戸大橋線) is the standard route from Honshu to Takamatsu. According to Japan Experience, the journey from Okayama Station takes approximately 60 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day.

The ride across the Seto Ohashi Bridge is one of the scenic highlights of Shikoku rail travel — the train crosses high above the Inland Sea with views of the islands below. Consider sitting on the left side (heading toward Takamatsu) for the best vantage.

JR Pass Coverage and Shikoku Services

All JR services at Takamatsu Station are covered by the Japan Rail Pass, including the Marine Liner and limited express trains to Matsuyama (Yosan Line), Tokushima (Kotoku Line), and Kochi (Dosan Line). Regional JR Shikoku passes are also available for travelers focusing on Shikoku only.

For a detailed breakdown of all JR lines, platform layout, and coin locker information, see our detailed JR Takamatsu Station guide.

Kotoden: City Lines and Konpira Access

Kotoden (琴電, formally Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad) operates three lines from Takamatsu-Chikko Station:

• Kotohira Line: Runs south to Kotoden-Kotohira Station for Konpira-san shrine access, approximately 1 hour. This is the main line and the most used by visitors
• Nagao Line: Runs east toward the Sanuki coast
• Shido Line: Runs northeast, useful for some residential areas

According to the Kotoden official guide, trains run every 15-30 minutes on the main lines and accept IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA). The railway is not covered by the JR Pass — fares are paid separately.

The Kotohira Line also stops at Ritsurin-Koen Station (栗林公園前駅), the nearest stop to Ritsurin Garden — one of Takamatsu's top attractions. The ride takes about 5 minutes from Takamatsu-Chikko.

Takamatsu Port: Ferries to Naoshima and the Art Islands

Takamatsu Port sits approximately 5 minutes on foot east of both JR Takamatsu Station and Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station. According to Experience Takamatsu, the port is the departure point for ferries to several Seto Inland Sea islands:

• Naoshima: For the Benesse Art Site, Chichu Art Museum, and Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin sculptures
• Teshima: For the Teshima Art Museum
• Shodoshima: Japan's olive island, with approximately 15 round trips daily according to Jumbo Ferry

Ferry schedules vary by season, with additional services in summer. The last return ferries from the islands depart in the late afternoon — check current schedules at the port or the tourist information center at the station before heading out. Reservations are generally not required for passenger ferries.

Station Facilities and Getting Oriented

Coin Lockers and Luggage Storage

Coin lockers are available at JR Takamatsu Station in various sizes. This is useful if you want to explore Takamatsu, visit Ritsurin Garden, or take a day trip to Konpira-san without carrying luggage. Lockers can fill up during peak travel periods (Golden Week, Obon), so arrive early if you need one.

Tourist Information and Nearby Essentials

The tourist information center is located inside JR Takamatsu Station and offers English-language assistance, free maps, and ferry schedule information. The staff can help with onward travel planning, including island ferry connections and bus routes.

The station area includes convenience stores, restaurants, and a shopping zone. JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu connects directly to the station — convenient for late arrivals or early departures.

For travelers heading straight to the old town or Ritsurin Garden, the walk from the station takes about 20-25 minutes, or you can take the Kotoden one or two stops for a quicker arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Takamatsu Station to the ferry terminal for Naoshima?

Takamatsu Port is about a 5-minute walk east from both JR Takamatsu Station and Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station. Follow signs toward the port area. Ferries to Naoshima depart from the Takamatsu Port terminal. Check current schedules at the station's tourist information center before heading to the port.

Does the JR Pass cover the train from Okayama to Takamatsu?

Yes. The Marine Liner rapid service on the Seto-Ohashi Line from Okayama to Takamatsu is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The ride takes approximately 60 minutes. Note that the Kotoden private railway, used for Ritsurin Garden and Konpira-san access, is not covered by the JR Pass.

What is the difference between JR Takamatsu Station and Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station?

They are adjacent but separate stations run by different operators. JR Takamatsu handles long-distance connections to Okayama, Matsuyama, Tokushima, and Kochi. Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko serves the local Kotoden railway for city routes and the Konpira-san line. Both accept IC cards like Suica and ICOCA. A short covered walkway connects them.

Are there coin lockers at Takamatsu Station?

Yes. Coin lockers are available at JR Takamatsu Station in small, medium, and large sizes. They are located near the ticket gates. Lockers can fill up during holiday periods, so plan accordingly if traveling during Golden Week, Obon, or New Year.