Takamatsu, capital of Kagawa Prefecture with 420,000 residents, serves as Shikoku's primary gateway city, connected to Honshu by Seto Ohashi Bridge enabling road and rail access to mainland. The city's position on Seto Inland Sea creates scenic harbor views while mild climate and island-dotted seascape characterize regional landscape. Ritsurin Garden, Special Place of Scenic Beauty covering 750,000 square meters, ranks among Japan's finest strolling gardens with six ponds, thirteen landscaped hills, and Mount Shiun backdrop creating composition often considered deserving "three most beautiful gardens" designation alongside Kenrokuen, Kairakuen, and Korakuen. The garden represents Edo-period landscape architecture perfected over century-long development for feudal lords, opening to public in 1875.

Contemporary Takamatsu balances modern urban functions with historic garden preservation, serving as administrative, commercial, and transportation hub for Kagawa Prefecture. The economy depends on services, manufacturing, agriculture producing Sanuki udon (regional thick noodle specialty), and modest tourism visiting Ritsurin Garden and art islands in Seto Inland Sea. Challenges include Shikoku's geographic isolation limiting economic growth, aging population, and competition from larger Honshu cities attracting young people. Yet Takamatsu maintains livability through garden beauty, udon culture, island art destinations accessible via ferry, and coastal scenery creating relaxed atmosphere. The city represents provincial Japanese urbanism—historic gardens, regional cuisine, island connectivity, and administrative functions sustaining moderate-sized city serving broader regional needs.