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Guide
Takamatsu, Japan π―π΅
#2023
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Takamatsu is a city located in the Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku Island. It is known for its beautiful gardens and proximity to art museums on the Setouchi coast. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 420,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 60 Mbps, with fiber optics widely available in urban areas. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 JPY β 0.0067 USD. Major banks include Sumitomo Mitsui, Mizuho, and MUFG, with ATMs widely available. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable |
π Power | 100V, 50Hz, π Type A/B sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Popular providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and AU. Prepaid SIM cards are available at local electronics stores. |
π³ Banking for Expats | International cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. Mobile payment options include PayPay and Line Pay. |
π Accommodation | Options include traditional Ryokans, serviced apartments, and modern hotels. Airbnb is also widely available. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted in shops and restaurants. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and HomeAway offer numerous short-term rental options in Takamatsu. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Takamatsu, which offers dormitory-style rooms starting at Β₯2,500. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Center and near Ritsurin Garden for easy access to attractions. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The areas around Takamatsu Station are convenient for coworking spaces and cafes with good internet. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Takamatsu Coworking Space, located near the city center, offers a vibrant work environment. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Coffee no Kuni, known for its good ambiance and free Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Regular meetups are hosted at Takamatsu City Hall for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expat Meetups organized through local Facebook groups. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi and Uber operate in the area. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available through Kagawa Rent-a-Cycle. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Yashima Beach, approximately 30 minutes away by public transport. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | JAL (Japan Airlines) operates flights from Takamatsu Airport. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | All Nippon Airways (ANA) and JAL have international flights from Takamatsu. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access to the Takamatsu Expressway connects to the rest of Shikoku. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Takamatsu Station serves as the primary hub with connections to Okayama and Hiroshima. |
π Public Transport Passes | Kagawa Prefecture offers a variety of passes for unlimited bus and train travel. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Takamatsu to nearby cities like Matsuyama and Kochi. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Kagawa Prefectural Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogaterie offers classes with a variety of styles and levels. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Gold's Gym are popular choices among locals. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Coin laundries are widely available, such as Coin Laundry Chame. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Demae-can are popular for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Sanuki Udon, a thick wheat noodle dish native to Kagawa Prefecture. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Takamatsu has several vegetarian-friendly cafes like Cafe Hachikuzai. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Yaki Imo ya, known for its delicious sweet potato desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Takamatsu's Matsuya Department Store for budget shopping. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Mercari and Rakuten are well-used online marketplaces in Japan. |
π Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores provide delivery services; major options include Aeon and Gyomu Super. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Nishi Takamatsu is a popular area for nightlife, with many bars and izakayas. |
π» Local Brewery | Kagawa Brewing Co. offers a variety of local craft beers. |
π· Wine Bars | Wine Bar Kongo, known for its selection of local and international wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Local festivals often feature street food stalls selling takoyaki and yakitori. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Spaghetti House Mamma Mia serve Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Ritsurin Garden, a traditional Japanese garden dating back to the Edo period. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Kagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History hosts various exhibitions. |
π° Historical Sites | Takamatsu Castle, a historic site with beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea. |
π Religious Sites | Cherry Blossom Temple, a notable local temple with stunning gardens. |
π Annual Events | Takamatsu Sanuki Festival, celebrating local culture every summer. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The Takamatsu Art District features numerous galleries and artist studios. |
π Theater Venues | Kagawa Prefectural Cultural Hall hosts performances and events. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Kagawaβs Omotesando Street offers local food products and crafts. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music venues like Tsubaki Hall host local bands and performances. |
π¨ Street Art | Various murals around the city contribute to its vibrant urban landscape. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Takamatsu Cooking School offers classes focused on local cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Shikoku Gallery showcases local artists and crafts. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Old Takamatsu Bank is an architectural landmark in the city. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The Sanuki Folk Museum highlights the region's traditions and crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Shikoku Karst offers stunning views and hiking trails. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Setonaikai National Park is accessible and showcases beautiful coastal scenery. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Shikoku Pilgrimage route is popular with hikers and cyclists. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Yashima provides panoramic views over Takamatsu and the Seto Inland Sea. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The shores of Takamatsu are great for observing migratory birds. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Yashima is known for its open areas suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Japan Post and Yamato Transport provide reliable delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local stores like Kakaku provide good tech repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | The Takamatsu Table Tennis Center is a popular hangout. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Language schools like JCLI offer Japanese language courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Takamatsu City Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Takamatsu International Exchange Center organizes events for expats. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Konami Arcade offers a variety of gaming options. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are in the immediate vicinity; several gaming halls exist. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯250,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯10,000,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯180,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯7,200,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯230,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯13,800,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯160,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯9,600,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯220,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯17,600,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯150,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯12,000,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for non-residents. |
π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income, with progressive rates. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for high-income earners. |
π§Ύ VAT | 10% consumption tax. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, with regulations for controlling corporations in foreign jurisdictions. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on assessed value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 6% standard rate. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Japan has bilateral tax treaties to avoid double taxation for digital nomads. |