Yashima (lit. “roof island”) is a flat topped mountain just outside of Takamatsu’s city center. It was the site of an important 12th century battle during the Gempei War between the Taira and Minamoto Clans. Here the Taira were defeated in what was to be the last battle before their final destruction.
Around the flat summit are some attractions related to the mountain’s history as a battleground, including a Monument to the Battle of Yashima and Chinoike (”blood pond”), a pond which is said to have turned red with blood after the victorious Minamoto washed their swords in it.
Yashima offers great views of Takamatsu and of the Seto Inland Sea. Near the many viewpoints around the mountaintop are shops where you can buy small clay discs, which are thrown off the mountain for luck. This is meant to symbolize the victorious Minamoto warriors throwing off their headpieces after defeating the Taira.
Clay discs are thrown from the mountain for good luck
Near the summit’s parking area is Yashima Temple, the 84th of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. In addition to a number of buildings, each seemingly of a different era, the temple also has a modern museum which displays artifacts from Yashima’s history.
About a five minute walk around the summit from Yashima Temple is the New Yashima Aquarium which features dolphin and seal shows. Note however, that it is a fairly small and somewhat neglected aquarium.
At the base of Yashima lies Shikoku Mura, an open air museum exhibiting traditional farmhouses, storehouses, bridges, and other structures from all over Shikoku Island.
New Yashima Aquarium
Yashima Temple
How to get there
The attractions on Yashima are located within walking distance of each other around the mountain’s flat summit. Yashima can be reached from the Takamatsu city center by either Kotoden or JR trains:By Kotoden: take a train from Takamatsu-Chikko Station to Kawaramachi Station (4 minutes, frequent departures) and transfer to the Shido Line. Get off at Kotoden Yashima Station (13 minutes, 3 trains/hour). The entire trip takes about 20 minutes and costs 310 yen. From the station, the Yashima Sanjo Shuttle bus runs once per hour to the summit (10 minutes, 100 yen).
By JR: take a local train from JR Takamatsu Station in direction of Tokushima to Yashima Station (15 minutes, 210 yen, 2 trains/hour). From the station the Yashima Sanjo Shuttle bus runs once per hour to the summit (20 minutes, 100 yen).
If you access Yashima by car, note that the road from Shikoku Mura to the top of the mountain is a toll road (Yashima Driveway). The cost for a passenger cars is 610 yen.
There used to be a cable car serving the mountain, however, it discontinued service in 2004.
Hours and Fees
Yashima Temple Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Temple Grounds: Free
Temple Museum: 500 yen
New Yashima Aquarium
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 1200 yen
Information by http://www.japan-guide.com