Takamatsu Castle

Takamatsu Castle, also known as Tamamo Castle, is located in Tamamo-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. It is one of the most iconic castles in the Shikoku region and one of Japan’s rare surviving sea castles, with fortifications built directly along the coast. Today, the castle site is designated as a National Historic Site and has been preserved as Tamamo Park, a scenic park that combines historical heritage with recreational green space.

Takamatsu Castle was constructed in 1587 by Chikamasa Ikoma after Toyotomi Hideyoshi completed his conquest of Shikoku and granted him control of Sanuki Province. The castle was built in the port town then known as Nohara, making full use of the natural geography of the Seto Inland Sea to create a fortress that served both defensive and maritime transportation purposes. During the early Edo period, Yorishige Matsudaira undertook extensive renovations and expansions, establishing the castle layout that largely survives today.

The castle’s alternative name, Tamamo Castle, is believed to derive from the phrase “Tamamo-yoshi” found in the Manyōshū, Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry, where the poet Kakinomoto no Hitomaro used it as a poetic epithet for Sanuki Province. The surrounding coastal waters were also historically known as Tamamo Bay, and over time the castle became widely known by this elegant name.

Takamatsu Castle is especially notable for its unique design as a sea castle. Its fortifications face directly onto the Seto Inland Sea, and its moats are filled with seawater drawn from the ocean, creating a natural defensive barrier while allowing boats to enter and leave the castle grounds directly. It is one of the earliest and largest examples of a modern Japanese castle built in this manner. This coastal castle design is exceptionally rare among Japan’s surviving castles and reflects both the advanced engineering techniques of the period and the strategic importance of maritime transportation.

The castle originally featured a magnificent main keep (tenshu) that incorporated several distinctive architectural elements, including an extended lower structure and an uppermost level built in the elegant Kara-zukuri style. Although the keep was dismantled during the Meiji period, historical photographs and paintings preserve its appearance, providing valuable insight into its former grandeur.

Today, the castle site preserves portions of its impressive stone walls, seawater moats, and several important historic structures, including the Hiunkaku, the Ushitora Yagura (Tsukimi Yagura), the Watari Yagura, and the Asahi Gate. These surviving buildings and fortifications offer an excellent example of Edo-period castle architecture. The seawater-filled moat remains one of Takamatsu Castle’s most distinctive and celebrated features.

Today, Tamamo Park harmoniously blends historic architecture, landscaped gardens, and natural scenery. Its lush grounds offer beautiful seasonal views throughout the year and serve as a favorite destination for both local residents and visitors seeking a peaceful place to stroll and relax. Conveniently located near Takamatsu Station and Takamatsu Port, the park is often included in itineraries alongside Ritsurin Garden and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, allowing travelers to experience the rich history, culture, and maritime heritage of Kagawa Prefecture.