Takamatsu, Japan 🇯🇵
#2023
34.342559, 134.046533
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Takamatsu is the capital city of Kagawa Prefecture, located on the island of Shikoku, Japan. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 420,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps, with fiber options available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD; major credit cards accepted at most locations. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 50/60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and AU, offering prepaid and postpaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include Shinsei Bank and Japan Post Bank, which accept foreign accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, guesthouses, and traditional ryokans. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many stores and restaurants accept cards and mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available, with prices starting around ¥3,000/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel CUBE offers beds from ¥2,800 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Takamatsu Coworking Space, located in the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Paix, known for its quiet atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly Tech Meetups at Takamatsu City Hall. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Takamatsu International Community hosts regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi and Uber are popular for getting around. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Cycle rentals available through Takamatsu Bike Share. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Shibukawa Beach, approximately 30 minutes away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA (All Nippon Airways) offers flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines provide international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Eumer Highway connects Takamatsu with major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Takamatsu Station serves as the main transport hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Kagawa Public Transport offers one-day passes for unlimited travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect to nearby cities like Matsuyama and Okayama. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kagawa Prefectural Hospital provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Shala Takamatsu offers various classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Gold's Gym are popular options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundry available in most neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-can for convenient food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sanuki Udon, known for its thick noodles. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie Cafe offers a menu of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Yamazaki Bakery for traditional Japanese pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Sunshine City Shopping Center has budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Seiyu Grocery provides home delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kawaramachi Street is known for its bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Shikoku Brewery known for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Takamatsu Wine Bar offers local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Nishikikouji Market has a variety of local street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Indian Restaurant Swagat offers authentic Indian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ritsurin Garden is a stunning historical garden and a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Kagawa Prefectural Art Museum showcases local art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Takamatsu Castle, known for its history and scenic views. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Yashio Shrine is a beautiful local Shinto shrine. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Takamatsu Matsuri food and culture festival in summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Nakamura-cho is known for its traditional architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Takamatsu City Theatre hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Takamatsu's morning market, held daily, offers fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues host regular concerts featuring both local and international artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various public murals can be found throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Kagawa Cooking School offers classes on traditional Japanese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Takamatsu Art Gallery exhibits local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Takamatsu Bank building showcases unique architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ritsurin Garden is part of the local heritage, representing traditional Japanese landscape design. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Shikoku National Park offers stunning natural landscapes and hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Iya Valley is a famous national park, about an hour away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastline paths along the Seto Inland Sea. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | View from the Shirotori Park offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Yashima is known for its birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Matsushima Park allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iPhone Repair Takamatsu for gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Club Takamatsu offers facilities for enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Kagawa Language School provides Japanese language classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Takamatsu Library, a quiet place for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Takamatsu International Community Center hosts various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Nasu Game Center offers arcade-style games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Japan; no casinos are available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥12,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥9,000,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥500,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥30,000,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥24,000,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥450,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥36,000,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥350,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥28,000,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Japan has CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3%–4% standard rate for property transactions. |