[2026 Latest] Direct flight from Osaka to Takamatsu! Sanuki udon and scenic tour departing from OCAT

[2026 Latest] Direct flight from Osaka to Takamatsu! Sanuki udon and scenic tour departing from OCAT

2026.07.02

From the OCAT bus terminal in Namba, Minami , Osaka , you can reach Kagawa Prefecture, also known as "Udon Prefecture," by express bus without transfers. In about 3 hours and 15 minutes, you will arrive in an area where you can enjoy specially designated scenic gardens, breathtaking scenery related to the Genpei War, and authentic Sanuki udon noodles.

OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal)

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OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal)

One of the largest bus terminals in western Japan. This is a bus terminal for express buses departing to and arriving at Kansai International Airport and Osaka Airport, which offer flights to destinations all over the world, as well as to destinations throughout Japan. As befits OCAT, which has a bus terminal directly connected to the airport, you can enjoy cuisine from all over the world. There are many shops where you can do your everyday shopping, and it is used not only while waiting for the bus, but also on a daily basis by local residents. Located on the first basement floor of OCAT, the "Ponte Plaza" features a large sphere that shines brightly in the sunlight. This open-air space, where you can see the blue sky, is used as a place of relaxation by people of all ages.

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Required time

1 night, 2 days

Transportation
train Train ｜
directions_bus_filled Bus
Location

Access between Osaka and Takamatsu(express bus)

The express bus connecting Osaka and Takamatsu is a comfortable and well-equipped option for long-distance travel. With frequent services operated jointly by multiple bus companies, it's a convenient option for spontaneous trips.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes

Main departure/arrival points: OCAT ⇔ Takamatsu Station Highway Bus Terminal

Joint operating companies: West Japan JR Bus / JR Shikoku Bus / Hankyu Kanko Bus / Shikoku Expressway Bus

The bus is equipped with a toilet, free Wi-Fi, and convenient power outlets or USB ports (Type-A) for charging your smartphone. Enjoy a comfortable journey even on long trips!

*Some vehicles may not be equipped with charging facilities or Wi-Fi.

Flight schedule and timetable [Osaka ⇔ Takamatsu] Timetable

*The express bus schedules are as of the time of creation and are subject to change. Please check the latest timetable.

West Japan JR Bus

Day 1

1
OCAT/Osaka City Air Terminal
OCAT/Osaka City Air Terminal

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OCAT Bus Terminal 7:30 AM Departure → Kuribayashi Park 10:38 AM Arrival Travel time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes one way Amenities: 4-row seating / Toilet / Free Wi-Fi / Charging outlet or USB (Type-A)
*Excludes some vehicles.
Rest stops: 1
Since you can depart from OCAT, which is directly connected to JR Namba Station,
Even with large luggage, travel is smooth. You can start your trip with peace of mind.

[2026 Latest] Direct flight from Osaka to Takamatsu! Sanuki udon and scenic tour departing from OCAT

2
Ritsurin Garden
Ritsurin Garden

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[2026 Latest] Direct flight from Osaka to Takamatsu! Sanuki udon and scenic tour departing from OCAT
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This is one of Japan's most representative daimyo gardens, a special scenic spot where you can enjoy the scenery of each season. In spring, the cherry blossoms and in autumn, the autumn leaves are reflected on the water, making it a very popular photo spot. At the tea house within the garden, you can relax with a cup of matcha while gazing at the garden. You can spend a refined time here (recommended stay: approximately 1 to 1.5 hours).

Opening days: Open all year round Opening hours: Approximately from sunrise to sunset Admission fee: Adults 500 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 170 yen

Ritsurin Garden Homepage

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Udon Ueharaya Honten is a popular self-service udon restaurant loved by locals, located right next to Ritsurin Garden. Here you can experience authentic Sanuki-style udon, where you warm your own noodles, add your favorite tempura and rice balls, and create your own perfect bowl. They pride themselves on their clear dried sardine broth and chewy, firm noodles. The reasonable prices are also a draw, and although there can be a line, the turnover is quick, so don't worry. If you visit Ritsurin Garden, be sure to try authentic Sanuki udon.

[2026 Latest] Direct flight from Osaka to Takamatsu! Sanuki udon and scenic tour departing from OCAT

Ueharaya Main Store Homepage

train
From Ritsurin Garden to Kotohira Shrine, you can take the Kotoden (Takamatsu Kotohira Electric Railway) without changing trains.
Take the Kotohira Line train bound for Kotohira from "Kuribayashi Park Station" (about a 5-minute walk from the East Gate).
Get off at the final stop, Kotoden Kotohira Station.
The fare is 710 yen, the journey takes approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour, and there is a bus approximately every 30 minutes during the daytime.
It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk from the station to the entrance of the shrine grounds.

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Kotohiragu Shrine
Kotohiragu Shrine

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[2026 Latest] Direct flight from Osaka to Takamatsu! Sanuki udon and scenic tour departing from OCAT

Kotohira Shrine Homepage

train
To get from Kotohira Shrine to Takamatsu Station, take the Dosan Line from JR Kotohira Station.
If you take a limited express train (such as the Shimanto or Nanpu), the direct journey takes about 50 minutes, and the fare, including the limited express surcharge, is approximately 1,740 yen.
If you take a local train, you will need to transfer at Tadotsu Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes and costs 980 yen.
If you're in a hurry, the express train is recommended; if you want to save money, the local train is a good choice.

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For dinner, let's enjoy Takamatsu's local cuisine to our heart's content. After a day of exploring the islands of the Setouchi and strolling around Ritsurin Garden and Kotohira Shrine, the flavors unique to Kagawa are the perfect way to end the day.

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Kagawa specialty, bone-in chicken, is a soul food of Kagawa Prefecture, featuring bone-in chicken thigh meat grilled to perfection with a spicy flavor. There are two types: "mature chicken" with a firm texture from being well-exercised, and "young chicken" that is tender and juicy. The garlic-infused spices and overflowing juices are a perfect match for beer. Dipping rice in the remaining juices is also a classic way to enjoy it. Popular restaurants in Takamatsu, such as "Ikkaku" and "Yoridori Midori," often have long lines during dinner time. It's a must-try dish when visiting Kagawa.

[2026 Latest] Direct flight from Osaka to Takamatsu! Sanuki udon and scenic tour departing from OCAT

Ikkaku (Bone-in Chicken) Homepage

A wide Midori of Instagram posts

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In Setouchi , surrounded by the calm Kagawa of the Seto Seto Naikai , you can enjoy fresh seafood year-round. Fish raised in the fast-flowing waters, such as yellowtail, sea bream, octopus, and Spanish mackerel, are characterized by their firm flesh and rich flavor. Among them, "Olive Yellowtail," raised on olive leaves as feed, is a brand fish unique to Kagawa. In the downtown area of ​​Takamatsu, there are many izakayas and seafood restaurants equipped with live fish tanks, where you can enjoy seasonal fish caught that day as sashimi or grilled dishes. It is highly recommended to enjoy them with local sake.

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For the perfect ending to your trip, udon noodles are a must. True to its name as "Udon Prefecture,"Takamatsu boasts numerous renowned restaurants serving authentic Sanuki udon with its firm, chewy noodles. Among them, "Merikenya Takamatsu Ekimae Store" is highly recommended. This self-service udon restaurant is conveniently located within walking distance of the station. Open from 7 am to 8 pm, it's perfect for both breakfast and a late-night meal. Their popular dish is soup udon with grated yam, and they also offer a wide variety of tempura and oden. A final bowl of udon at the end of the day will gently conclude your travel memories.

Merikenya Homepage

Day 2
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From JR Yashima Station to the mountaintop, the Yashima Mountaintop Shuttle Bus is the most convenient option.
The train departs JR Yashima Station at 9:29 and arrives at the top of Yashima Mountain at 9:47, approximately 18 minutes later.
From the top of Yashima Mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful archipelago of the Seto Naikai, and there are also many famous spots known as the site of the Genpei War.
*Bus times are as of the time of creation and are subject to change. Please check the latest timetable.

Yashima Mountain Shuttle Bus

4
Yashima
Yashima

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This is one of Yashima's most spectacular viewpoints, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Seto Naikai's numerous islands. There are many sights to see scattered around, so take your time and explore at your leisure. (Estimated stay: approximately 1-1.5 hours)

・Shishi Reigan Observation Deck - Enjoy the "kawara-nage" experience, where you throw unglazed earthenware plates to wish for good fortune.
Yashima-ji Temple – An ancient temple associated with the Genpei War, and the 84th temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Perfect for historical walks and power spot tours.
・Yashimaru - A corridor-style observation facility that opened in 2022. You can enjoy the beauty of the softly curved architecture and the view of the Seto Naikai at the same time.

Yashima Homepage

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To get from Yashima Mountain to Shikoku Village, take the Yashima Mountain Shuttle Bus.
The bus departs from Yashima Mountain at 11:18 and arrives at Shikoku Village (Shikoku Village Museum) at 11:24, approximately 6 minutes later.
Shikoku Village is an open-air museum featuring old houses relocated from various parts of Shikoku, where you can leisurely stroll through historic buildings and beautiful gardens. It's the perfect spot to visit in conjunction with sightseeing in Yashima.

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Shikoku Village Museum
Shikoku Village Museum

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Shikoku Village Homepage

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For lunch after our stroll, we headed to "Waraya," a udon restaurant located at the entrance to the village.
Located at the foot of Yashima, "Zaigo Udon Honke Waraya" is a charming old farmhouse with a thatched roof, complete with a turning waterwheel.
The restaurant's specialty, "Kamaage Udon," is carefully boiled in a large pot only after an order is placed. When you slurp the steaming udon noodles with the piping hot dipping sauce served in a sake flask, you can truly taste the delicious flavor of the wheat. It's the perfect way to end your Yashima sightseeing.

Waraya Homepage

train
From JR Yashima Station to JR Takamatsu Station, you can take the JR Kotoku Line (bound for Takamatsu) without changing trains.
The journey takes approximately 15-17 minutes and costs 280 yen.
Since the number of trains is limited, it's a good idea to check the departure times in advance after sightseeing in Yashima.

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To conclude your trip, you can choose from two plans depending on how you combine souvenir shopping and sightseeing.

Plan 1 (Shopping-focused)
I leisurely bought souvenirs around Takamatsu Station and then boarded the express bus departing from JR Takamatsu Station at 3:00 PM.
We will arrive at JR Namba at 18:34. This is recommended for those who want to head home early.

Plan ② (Sightseeing Plus)
This tour will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to visit Kagawa Takamatsu Museum, where you can learn about Kagawa 's history and art (the two facilities are adjacent to each other, making travel between them easy).
After that, I chose some souvenirs at Takamatsu Station and boarded the express bus departing at 17:00. I arrived at JR Namba at 20:34.
If you want to fully enjoy Kagawa until the very end, option ② is recommended.

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Takamatsu Castle Ruins
Takamatsu Castle Ruins

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A trip from Osaka to Takamatsu by highway bus.

Taking a highway bus from Osaka to Takamatsu is a convenient and affordable option. Buses depart from Osaka Station, OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal), and Hankyu Sanbangai, crossing the Seto Seto to Takamatsu. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours, and fares start from around 3,000 yen one way, making it more affordable than the Shinkansen (bullet train). Reservations can be easily made through "Highway Bus Net." Overnight buses are also available, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing from the morning. It's a recommended way to get to Takamatsu, the gateway to Shikoku, for activities such as udon noodle tours and visiting Ritsurin Garden.

Japan Expressway Bus Net

OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal)

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OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal)

Osaka

One of the largest bus terminals in western Japan. This is a bus terminal for express buses departing to and arriving at Kansai International Airport and Osaka Airport, which offer flights to destinations all over the world, as well as to destinations throughout Japan. As befits OCAT, which has a bus terminal directly connected to the airport, you can enjoy cuisine from all over the world. There are many shops where you can do your everyday shopping, and it is used not only while waiting for the bus, but also on a daily basis by local residents. Located on the first basement floor of OCAT, the "Ponte Plaza" features a large sphere that shines brightly in the sunlight. This open-air space, where you can see the blue sky, is used as a place of relaxation by people of all ages.

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The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting.

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