Yashima Plateau: Genpei Battlefield, Kagawa

Yashima in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, is a table-shaped lava plateau about 290 meters high, jutting into the Seto Inland Sea. Its name comes from the distinctive flat shape like a roof, and it is known as the ancient battlefield of the Battle of Yashima in 1185. It is also the stage of the famous scene in which Nasu no Yoichi, a master archer of the Genji side, splendidly shot a fan target raised on a Heike ship swaying on the sea, a popular spot where you can savor historical romance and Seto Inland Sea scenery at once.

Highlights: The Summit and Yashimaru

On the summit stands Yashimaji, the 84th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temples, along with a treasure house and the enshrined Minoyama Daimyojin (a tanuki deity) cherished as a god of prosperous business. Yashimaru, an exchange hub opened in 2022, features a glass-walled corridor architecture curving in a wide arc and has become a new landmark overlooking the Sanuki Plain and the Seto Inland Sea. You can enjoy the architectural beauty itself and feel the openness of walking across a rooftop. From the observation decks you can take in central Takamatsu and the surrounding islands at a glance, a majestic view unique to Yashima.

Shishi no Reigan and Kawarake Throwing

From the western observation point Shishi no Reigan, the many-island beauty of central Takamatsu and the Seto Inland Sea comes into view at a glance. A specialty here is kawarake throwing, casting small unglazed clay plates over the cliff with a wish, said to bring protection from misfortune. Tossing a plate toward the sea and islands below is exhilarating and makes for a perfect travel memory. It is also known as a superb sunset spot, and the sight of the sun setting over the Seto Inland Sea, dyeing the sea and islands crimson, is exceptional.

Shikoku Mura Museum

At the base of Yashima is the Shikoku Mura Museum, an open-air museum where old private houses from across Shikoku have been relocated and restored. You can experience life and rural culture from the Edo to Taisho periods, with precious structures such as a sugar-pressing hut and a rural kabuki stage scattered across the wide grounds. A cafe designed by architect Kengo Kuma is also attached, so you can take a break alongside your historical stroll. Its location makes it convenient to visit as a set with Yashima sightseeing.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, and the beautiful sunsets from summer through autumn, are especially recommended. Spring brings cherry blossoms on the summit and at the base, early summer a lush plateau, and autumn clear-air island views, each season a different face. Yashima is known as a sunset landmark, and dusk views are popular year-round. In summer, guard against midday heat; the summit catches the wind, so depending on the season an extra layer adds comfort.

Access and Basic Information

The usual way is to take a shuttle bus to the summit from Kotoden Shido Line Yashima Station or JR Yashima Station. It is close, about 20 to 30 minutes by car from central Takamatsu, so access by drive is convenient, and parking is available on the summit. There is also a walking pilgrimage path from the base to the summit, so the fit can enjoy climbing as a hike. Combining Yashimaji, kawarake throwing, Yashimaru, and the Shikoku Mura Museum makes for a full half-day to a day.

Practical Travel Notes

• Shuttle bus or car is convenient to the summit. It is a distance from the nearest station to the summit. Check shuttle times or access by car.
• Mind your timing for sunsets. Dusk views are popular. Check the sunset time and allow for return-bus and road congestion when planning.
• Kawarake plates cost money. Kawarake throwing at Shishi no Reigan requires buying unglazed plates. Bring coins to be safe.
• Comfortable shoes. The summit and Shikoku Mura have slopes, all the more so if you walk the pilgrimage path. Non-slip shoes are best.
• Tour as a set. Yashimaji, Yashimaru, kawarake throwing, and the Shikoku Mura Museum are close together for efficient touring.
• Weather and wind. The plateau has great views but can be windy on some days. Depending on the season, an extra layer adds comfort.

A Word of Advice

Yashima is one of Takamatsu's finest viewpoints, bringing together the historical romance of the Genpei War, a grand panorama over the Seto Inland Sea, and the new landmark Yashimaru. A shuttle bus or car is convenient to the summit, and if aiming for the sunset, confirm the sunset time and your return transport in advance. Combine Yashimaji, kawarake throwing, and the Shikoku Mura Museum at the base to enjoy history and stunning scenery to the full.

📚 Sources

Information on the shuttle bus to the top of Yashima, Yashimaji temple, the Yashima-ru hub, the kawarake disc throwing at Shishi-no-Reigan, and the Shikoku-mura Museum can be checked in the tourism guidance of Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture and each facility's official information. The historic sites linked to the Battle of Yashima in the Genpei War are also introduced on the on-site information boards. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please confirm the latest details on official sources before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: Combining Yashimaji, Yashima-ru, kawarake throwing, and the Shikoku-mura Museum makes a half- to full-day visit.
• What to bring: The hilltop and Shikoku-mura have slopes, so wear non-slip shoes, especially if you walk the pilgrimage path. For kawarake throwing you buy earthenware discs, so bring coins.
• Suggested route: Go to the top by shuttle bus or car, see Yashimaji and Yashima-ru, throw kawarake and enjoy the island views at Shishi-no-Reigan, then visit the Shikoku-mura Museum at the base.
• Sunset: Dusk is popular, so check the sunset time and factor in crowded return buses and roads.