Yashima
屋島
A table-shaped lava plateau northeast of Takamatsu, the battlefield of the Genpei War, with the 84th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, Yashima-ji, and panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea on top.
Yashima is a lava plateau northeast of Takamatsu, rising about 290 m, with a flat top that resembles a rooftop, which gives it its name. In 1185, the Minamoto and Taira clans fought the 'Battle of Yashima' here. Stories such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune's surprise attack on the Taira and Nasu no Yoichi shooting the fan have been passed down. The Yashima-ji temple at the summit is the 84th stop on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. It is traditionally said to have been founded by the monk Ganjin, and its main hall is an Important Cultural Property of the nation. The temple also has a famous tanuki (raccoon dog) guardian. Observation decks around the summit overlook Takamatsu city and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, making them good places to watch the sunset and the night view, with the Lion Rock observation deck offering the best views. Yashimaaru, a community hub opened on the mountain in 2022, presents panoramic views through a winding, corridor-style building and also houses exhibitions and a café. Viewing is free. Getting there: take the Kotoden Kotoden-Yashima Station or JR Yashima Station, then the Yashima mountain shuttle bus, which takes about 10 to 20 minutes to the top. At the foot of the mountain is Shikoku Mingei Village, an open-air museum of folk houses, which can be visited along with Yashima.
Opening hours
Open all day (Yashima-ji Temple approx. 07:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Shikoku Mura Open-Air Museum
- Kitahama Alley
- Tamamo Park (Takamatsu Castle)
- Megijima (Onigashima)
- Ritsurin Garden
- Ogijima
- Les Archives du Coeur
- Teshima Art Museum