Takamatsu is on the island of Shikoku, Japan and not too far from Okayama and Osaka on the ‘mainland’. I first visited Takamatsu after a weekend of training and loved it so much I knew I had to return again in the future if given to chance. Chance arrived 8 months later when I was working living in Okayama and working in Kurashiki for a month. I took a weekend break away to explore more of the island. 
I have a great memory about visiting Demon Island and going on a self-guided tour of the man-made pirate caves. There were areas that were not blocked or roped off and you could fall down into nowhere if you weren’t careful. The caverns were huge and it was like navigating through a maze. I was enjoying my experience, and being the only one in the cave, until… the lights went out and I was in complete and total darkness! After taking a big breath, keeping my calm, and being patient, my eyes adjusted and I was soon able to barely make out just the tiniest amount of light over to the left. I gingerly made my way over toward the lighter shadow, one foot at a time, and around a couple of bends before I did find my way out of the Demon cave. What happened that day, I do not know! But I did purchase a little key chain flashlight that week! 
I still loved visiting Demon Island, and it’s on my top 10 list of things to do with kids in Takamatsu and area.
As part of the Kids Activities Blog 10 Things To Do In…series, I’m sharing with you my list of our top 10 things to do Takamatsu, Japan and the surrounding area. If you’re interested in travel ideas with children, you can see our other posts in this series:
- Regina, Canada
- Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
- Toyama, Japan
- Kanazawa, Japan
- Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
- Newcastle, Northern Ireland, UK
- Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, UK
Or see our Multicultural Activities for Kids page where you’ll find all of our multicultural ideas in one place.
Carolyn Wilhelm says
Great information! If I ever get to Japan I’m reviewing all your posts!
Crystal McClean says
You’re so sweet, Carolyn! You should plan a trip with your daughter and have her show you the sights!
David says
The lights are controlled by the man who sells the tickets at the entrance. He must have forgotten that you were there and thought you had gone out already. Whoops.
Did you also visit Ogijima?
Crystal McClean says
Hi David, I thought the lights may have been controlled that way…but my voice wouldn’t have travelled far enough to be heard. It made for an eventful day and great memories though! Unfortunately I didn’t get to Ogijima as time was short 🙁 I was just passing by from training in Okayama and headed back to Toyama. I keep telling my children they need to study so they can make lots of money so they can take us all there and I’ll show them all the sights 😉 Thanks for following, I love to keep up on Japanese culture and happenings. I’m sure we’ll chat again, have a great weekend!
Tess says
I always thought it would be neat to visit Japan or China. I know my son wants to go there so if I ever have the chance, I know who to bring.
Crystal McClean says
I would very highly recommend Japan! It’s so beautiful, clean, safe and friendly, I’d go back in a flash (and if I hadn’t met my husband there was a high chance I’d have been back teaching there again). I love the way they’ve been able to hold onto their traditions while yet moving with the modern world and adapting the best of the best in their own way. I’ve always felt out of place, but in Japan it was obvious I was an outsider, and strangely I felt right at home! Good luck getting there, have fun!