Photo: 663highland / CC BY 2.5Shikoku Mura is an open-air museum at the foot of Mount Yashima, built from 33 buildings moved and restored from all four Shikoku prefectures, in the village's own count. It is the best place to see how people in this part of Japan lived before the bridges and the cars, and it is one of the few stops on the Takamatsu side that is a full day in itself rather than a photograph.
On the grounds are a Tadao Ando-designed gallery, theatre buildings among the relocated structures, a cafe in a former foreign-style house from Kobe, and an udon restaurant, Waraya, in a renovated old farmhouse. The gallery's seasonal exhibitions change, and it is closed from 5 to 15 October 2026. The village is at the foot of Mount Yashima, and the Yashima summit shuttle bus stops at the village stop, about 8 minutes below the summit, if you want the view.
The catch is the price and the trains. At ¥2,200 with no senior rate it is the dearest ticket on this side of town, and you change trains at Kawaramachi to get there. The village closes on Tuesdays, and during weather warnings it may shut and ask visitors to leave without a refund. If Ritsurin and the castle are still on your list, they cost less and take less time.
Five things the plaques won't tell you
- Do not go on a Tuesday; the village is closed. Check the weather as well, because it closes for warnings.
- The Ando gallery is closed 5 to 15 October 2026 for an exhibit changeover.
- The direct shuttle bus from Takamatsu Station runs on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and school-holiday periods only: ¥500 to the village, 9:43, 11:13 and 14:03 from stop 7 at the station; confirm the day with Kotoden Bus on 087-821-3033.
- Waraya, the udon house, is on the grounds, but its own hours are not published on the village's information page.
- The village says it is about 5 minutes on foot from Kotoden-Yashima station, but a computed street route comes out longer, so allow up to 15 minutes if you walk along the road.
The village is at the foot of Mount Yashima, and the Yashima summit shuttle bus stops at the village stop, about 8 minutes below the summit, if you want the view.
Guided days from Takamatsu
Booked before you sail — there is no tour desk at the pier. Booking through these links supports the site.
More in Takamatsu
Questions people ask here
How much is Shikoku Mura and is there a senior discount?
Adults pay ¥2,200 and the village says plainly there is no senior discount. University students pay ¥1,000, high and junior high school students ¥600, and primary children are free. It is open 9:30 to 17:00, last entry 16:30, closed Tuesdays.
How do I get from Takamatsu cruise port to Shikoku Mura?
Walk about 10 minutes to Takamatsu-Chikko station, ride the Kotoden to Kawaramachi, change to the Shido Line for Kotoden-Yashima (17 minutes) and walk about 5 minutes. The through fare is ¥410. On weekends and holidays a direct shuttle bus runs from Takamatsu Station for ¥500.
Is Shikoku Mura open every day?
No. It is closed on Tuesdays (the next day if Tuesday is a holiday), and it may close for weather warnings or maintenance. The gallery is closed 5 to 15 October 2026.