Takamatsu ~ Ogijima ~ Marugame

Ritsurin Garden

Takamatsu

Our first stop in Takamatsu was Makoto Udon restaurant. Takamatsu is in Kagawa Prefecture which is known for its udon. We had cold udon, and the prices were quite affordable. After getting a bite to eat, we walked to Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園, Ritsurin Kōen). It is a Japanese cultural property and was completed in 1765 by local feudal lords. It lives up to its status, it was beautiful to walk around the garden and enjoy the borrowed scenery.

Makoto Udon 17-14 Kameokacho, Takamatsu Kagawa Prefecture

Ogijima - Ogi Island

The next day we went to Ogi Island by ferry from Takamatsu. One of the spots we went to on the small island was the lighthouse. The path to get there was covered in spiderwebs and spiders! Blake went first clearing a path to reach the lighthouse.

Ferry from Takamatsu and lighthouse at Ogijima (Ogi Island)

On the island there is the Toyotamahime no Mikoto shrine and she is worshipped as the "goddess of safe childbirth.'' It is said that if you drink alcohol with the "Koyasumi'', a sacred tool handed down at this shrine, you will have an easy delivery. 

The Legend of Princess Toyotama and Yamasachihiko was that they fell in love at first sight. Toyotamahime eventually became pregnant and gave birth on Kohama Beach. Yamasachihiko broke his promise not to look at her during delivery. The princess turned out to be a crocodile (shark) and she was so embarrassed when he looked that she returned to the sea, leaving the boy behind. The boy is said to be related to Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan.

Toyotamahime no Mikoto shrine

 

It's quite a small island, for lunch we stopped by Bakery Cafe in Ogi. They had some nice outdoor seating you could look out to the sea. We sat and enjoyed our sandwiches before heading down to catch the ferry back to Takamatsu. 

 

 

The port in Takamatsu left us close to Takamatsu Castle! We took the opportunity to visit the castle grounds. It was nice because we didn't think we were going to be able to make it on this day.

 

 

Takamatsu Castle

 Marugame

The next day we went to Marugame. Mostly to see the castle there and include it in our 100 Castles in Japan stamp book! It was windy up in the keep, but we walked inside of it. There were a handful of other tourists as well.