1. What is the main shopping area in Takamatsu?
The main shopping area in Takamatsu is Marugamemachi Shopping Street.
2. Are there any traditional markets in Takamatsu?
Yes, there are several traditional markets in Takamatsu where you can find fresh produce, local specialties, and handmade goods. Some popular options include the Sunport Takamatsu Market, which is held every Sunday at the port area, and the Takamatsu Marugamemachi Market, which is a covered market known for its seafood and local snacks. There are also smaller neighborhood markets scattered throughout the city that offer a variety of products.
3. What kind of products are typically sold at these markets?
Farmers’ markets typically sell fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, as well as other products such as honey, dairy products, meat, eggs, baked goods, herbs, and plants. Some farmers’ markets may also offer artisanal crafts or handmade goods.4. How crowded does the market get on weekends?
–It depends on the specific location and type of market. Some markets, like farmers’ markets, may be more crowded on weekends due to increased availability of vendors and customers having more free time. Other markets, like flea markets, may also see increased crowds on weekends as it tends to be a popular leisure activity for many people. However, some markets may not see much of a difference in crowd size between weekdays and weekends.
5. Are there any local specialties that are only available in Takamatsu?
The most famous local specialty in Takamatsu is Sanuki udon, a type of thick wheat-flour noodle. It is often served cold with a dipping sauce and various toppings such as tempura or green onions. Another popular local dish is Oiri, which is a steamed rice cake wrapped in bamboo leaves.Other unique specialties include wasanbon, a type of fine-grained sugar used for confectionery, and kashiten, deep-fried tofu topped with grated radish and soy sauce.
6. What are some recommended restaurants in Takamatsu?
– Ajitsukasa: Known for their delicious Sanuki udon dishes.
– Asahi Sushi: A popular sushi restaurant with fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea.
– Kadoya: Specializes in Takamatsu’s famous dish, Oiri.
– Taikouen: This yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant offers high-quality beef from Kagawa prefecture.
– Furusato-mae Italia Osteria VICINO: A cozy Italian restaurant with locally-sourced ingredients.
7. How can I get around Takamatsu?
Takamatsu has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses and trains. The Kotoden train line connects the major areas of the city, while bus routes cover more remote areas and tourist spots. Taxis are also readily available.
8. Are there any recommended day trips from Takamatsu?
Yes! Here are a few options:
– Naoshima Island: Known as the “art island,” Naoshima is home to several contemporary art museums and installations scattered across the island.
– Shodoshima Island: Another nearby island that is known for its olive groves and production of olive-based products.
– Kotohira-gu Shrine: One of Japan’s major shrines dedicated to the god of wealth. It can be reached by train or bus from Takamatsu.
– Ogijima Island: A small island known for its quaint traditional fishing village and scenic hiking trails. Ferries from Takamatsu’s port can take you there in about 30 minutes.
9. What are some recommended accommodations in Takamatsu?
– Dormy Inn Takamatsu: A comfortable and affordable hotel with convenient access to transportation.
– Kawaramachitei Ryokan: A traditional Japanese inn with tatami rooms and hot spring baths.
– Hotel Limani: Located on the waterfront, this hotel offers beautiful views of the harbor and Seto Inland Sea.
– Rihga Hotel Zest Takamatsu: This stylish hotel has modern amenities and a central location.
– Guesthouse Wakabaya: A budget-friendly option with a friendly atmosphere, located near popular tourist spots in Takamatsu.
6. Is bargaining expected at markets in Takamatsu?
Not specifically, but bargaining is a common practice in most markets in Japan. It is important to remember to be respectful and polite during the bargaining process.
7. Are there any popular shopping malls or department stores in the city?
A few popular shopping malls and department stores in Los Angeles are The Grove, Beverly Center, Westfield Century City, and The Americana at Brand.
8. Are there any open-air street stalls selling unique items?
Yes, there are typically open-air street stalls in various cities and towns that sell unique items. These items can include handicrafts, local artwork, clothing, jewelry, and traditional foods. They are often found in popular tourist areas and markets.
9. Is there a specific area known for its trendy fashion shops?
Yes, many major cities around the world have a specific area known for its trendy fashion shops. Some examples include SoHo in New York City, Omotesando in Tokyo, and the Marais in Paris. These areas often attract fashion-forward shoppers and feature a mix of high-end designer stores and smaller independent boutiques.
10. Are there any store discounts for tourists or foreigners in Takamatsu?
Yes, there are some store discounts available for tourists and foreigners in Takamatsu. Here are a few examples:
1. Tax-free shopping: Many stores in Takamatsu offer tax-free shopping for tourists who spend a certain amount of money in their stores. You will need to show your passport at the time of purchase to receive this discount.
2. JR Shikoku Rail Pass: If you are planning to travel around Shikoku region, including Takamatsu, you can purchase a discounted rail pass called the JR Shikoku Rail Pass. This pass is only available for foreign tourists and allows unlimited use of local and express trains on designated routes.
3. Department store discounts: Some department stores, such as Marugame Seibu in Takamatsu, offer special discounts or coupons for foreign shoppers. These offers may include discounts on selected items or additional perks such as free gifts with purchase.
4. Setouchi Triennale Passport: If you are interested in visiting the art islands surrounding Takamatsu during the Setouchi Triennale art festival, you can purchase a Setouchi Triennale Passport which gives you discounted access to all participating islands.
It’s always best to ask about any available discounts at individual stores and attractions during your visit to Takamatsu.
11. Are credit cards accepted at most shops and markets, or is cash preferred?
Credit cards are widely accepted at most shops and markets in developed countries. However, cash may still be preferred for smaller purchases or at local markets and street vendors. It is always a good idea to have some local currency on hand for these types of transactions.
12. Is it common for shops to offer tax-free shopping for international visitors?
It depends on the country and the specific shop. Some countries offer tax-free shopping for international visitors as a way to encourage tourism, while others do not. In countries that offer tax-free shopping, it is common for larger retailers and tourist areas to participate in the program. It is always best to check with individual shops or with local tourism offices to confirm if tax-free shopping is available.
13. How late do most stores stay open in Takamatsu?
It depends on the store, but most stores in Takamatsu stay open until around 8 or 9pm. Some larger stores may stay open until 10pm or later, while smaller local shops may close earlier at around 6 or 7pm. Convenience stores are generally open 24 hours a day.
14. Can you recommend any local souvenirs that make good gifts from Takamatsu?
Some local souvenirs that make good gifts from Takamatsu include:1. Sanuki Udon: One of the most famous food specialties of Takamatsu, you can find various packaged udon noodles and related products as souvenirs.
2. Kagawa-Gyu Beef: Kagawa Prefecture is known for its high-quality beef and Takamatsu has several shops that sell pre-packaged cuts of beef that make great gifts.
3. Shikoku Mandarins: These sweet, juicy mandarin oranges are a popular souvenir from Takamatsu.
4. Rikyucha Green Tea: Enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, Rikyucha is a fragrant and flavorful green tea unique to Shikoku.
5. Kutani Ware: This traditional Japanese pottery originated in Kanazawa but can also be found in some shops in Takamatsu. It makes for a beautiful and practical gift.
6. Tsuntsuji Cosmetics: Made with natural ingredients grown on the island of Shodoshima, these cosmetics are a popular souvenir among tourists.
7. Yuzu-Infused Products: Yuzu is a citrus fruit grown in abundance on Shikoku Island and you can find yuzu-infused sweets, condiments, and toiletries that make for unique gifts.
8. Handmade Crafts: There are several craft workshops in Takamatsu where you can buy one-of-a-kind handmade items such as pottery, woodwork products, and textiles.
9. Marugame Nori Seaweed: Produced in nearby Marugame City, this high-quality roasted seaweed makes for a nutritious and tasty souvenir.
10. Kumano Brushes: These traditional handcrafted brushes are made exclusively in Kumano Town which is located less than an hour away from Takamatsu by train.
11. Osento Misaki Sake: Made using brown rice cultivated on the small island of Osento, this locally produced sake is a popular gift among sake lovers.
12. Mingei Goods: Takamatsu has a rich mingei (folk art) culture, and you can find various handicrafts and goods such as pottery, lacquerware, and textiles that make for great souvenirs.
13. Indigo Products: Takamatsu is home to several indigo dye studios where you can find a variety of products such as clothing, accessories, and homeware dyed using traditional techniques.
14. Shikoku Saburo Ningyo Dolls: These dolls, known for their humorous expressions and caricatures of famous figures, are handmade in Takamatsu and make for quirky souvenirs that will surely make someone smile.
15. Can I find international brands and products at the shopping centers?
Most shopping centers around the world will have a mix of both local and international brands. It depends on the location and target market of the shopping center. Some centers may have a higher concentration of local brands, while others may cater more to international brands. It is always best to do some research beforehand and check out the list of retailers at the shopping center to get an idea of what to expect.
16. Is it easy to find public restrooms while shopping around Takamatsu?
It is relatively easy to find public restrooms while shopping around Takamatsu. Most shopping malls and department stores have restrooms available for customer use, and many convenience stores and restaurants also have restrooms that can be used by customers. In addition, there are also public restrooms available at train stations and other public areas throughout the city. However, some smaller stores or street markets may not have readily available restrooms, so it is always best to plan ahead and use the restroom before heading out to shop.
17. Are there many convenience stores scattered around the city?
Yes, there are many convenience stores scattered throughout the city. They can be found in almost every neighborhood and are open 24 hours a day. Some popular convenience store chains include 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson. These stores offer a variety of products such as snacks, drinks, basic groceries, toiletries, and even hot food items.
18. Do markets and shops have English-speaking staff available?
It depends on the location and type of business. In major tourist areas and popular international cities, it is likely that you will find English-speaking staff at markets and shops. However, in more remote or local areas, it may be less common to find English speakers. It can also vary depending on the size and type of the shop – larger stores and chain retailers may have more English-speaking staff than small independent shops. It is always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in the local language to help communicate with non-English speaking staff.
19.Define the difference between a supermarket and a convenience store.
A supermarket is a large retail store that sells a wide variety of goods, such as groceries, household items, and sometimes electronics and clothing. Supermarkets usually have multiple aisles and departments, with a large selection of products to choose from. They are typically open for longer hours and carry larger quantities of items.
On the other hand, a convenience store is a small retail store that offers a limited selection of items for easy and quick purchase. They are typically located in residential areas or along highways and are open 24 hours or for extended hours. Convenience stores mostly sell basic necessities such as snacks, drinks, toiletries, and some household items. They also offer services like fuel, lottery tickets, and ATM machines.
The main difference between a supermarket and a convenience store is their size, selection of products, and operating hours. While supermarkets offer a wider range of options for customers to choose from, convenience stores focus on providing quick access to everyday necessities for customers on-the-go.
20 .Where is the best place to shop for traditional Japanese pottery or crafts in Takamatsu?
The best place to shop for traditional Japanese pottery and crafts in Takamatsu is at the Jubako Mingei Kan, a museum and gallery that specializes in showcasing and selling high-quality local crafts. The museum also offers pottery making classes and workshops for visitors. The Takamatsu Tamagoen Maedin Shop is also another popular spot for purchasing traditional ceramics, as they sell a wide variety of products from different kilns and artists in the area. Other recommended shops include Michiko Ogura, which carries handmade ceramics with unique glazes, and Eichizen Kiln Gallery, which features works by renowned ceramists from Takamatsu’s surrounding areas.