“Elementary schools. How many does Takamatsu have?” Here in Tokyo stands Takamatsu Elementary School. It is one of 48 public elementary schools in Takamatsu operated by the city government. Takamatsu is the capital city of Kagawa Prefecture in Japan.
Takamatsu is located in central Kagawa Prefecture. It sits on the island of Shikoku. The city lies in the Takamatsu Plain, part of the larger Sanuki Plain. The northern part of Takamatsu faces the Seto Inland Sea. This forms a semicircular urban area around Takamatsu Port and Takamatsu New Port.
The western part of Takamatsu includes an alluvial fan. It was formed by the sedimentation of the Koto River. The eastern part is a flooded plain. It was formed by the Kasuga River and Shinkawa River. Yashima, a table-shaped plateau, juts into the Seto Inland Sea. It is in the northeastern part of the island. Cape Takei, the northernmost tip of Shikoku, is also nearby. Parts of Takamatsu are within the Setonaikai National Park. The city also includes small inhabited islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
Takamatsu has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid. Winters are cool. Rain falls throughout the year. The months from May to September have the heaviest rainfall.
The area of Takamatsu was once part of Sanuki Province. It was a transportation center during the Heian and Kamakura periods. Pilgrims used it as a gateway to the Kotohira Shrine. Ikoma Chikamasa built the first Takamatsu Castle in 1588 during the Sengoku period. Matsudaira Yorishige received the Takamatsu Domain in 1642. His descendants ruled it until the Meiji restoration.
The city of Takamatsu was established on February 15, 1890. This followed the Meiji restoration. The castle tower, once the city’s symbol, was destroyed. Takamatsu expanded by annexing neighboring villages and towns.
During World War II, the United States targeted Takamatsu. The city was a key point in Shikoku’s transit systems. It also had industries vital to the war effort. On July 3, 1945, bombers dropped incendiary bombs on Takamatsu. This destroyed 78% of the city and killed 1,359 people.
Takamatsu recovered quickly after the war. It continued to grow. It gained increased local autonomy on April 1, 1999. The town of Shionoe merged into Takamatsu in 2005. In 2006, Takamatsu absorbed several other towns.
Takamatsu has a mayor-council government. The city council has 40 members. Takamatsu contributes 15 members to the Kagawa Prefectural Assembly.
Takamatsu is the largest municipality in Shikoku. Many nationwide companies have branch offices there. These offices play a significant role in the local economy. The Symbol Tower, completed in 2004, is a new symbol of Takamatsu. It is the tallest building in the city.
Besides its 48 elementary schools, Takamatsu has 22 public middle schools. It also has one public high school. The Kagawa Prefectural Board of Education operates other schools as well.
The main train station in Takamatsu is Takamatsu Station. Trains run to destinations around Shikoku and to Okayama Station on Honshu. The Kotoden railway connects much of Takamatsu. It has a hub at Kawaramachi Station.
Ritsurin Garden is a local attraction. It is a Japanese garden designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Takamatsu Castle is known for using seawater in its moat. Yashima plateau offers various sightseeing spots. Takamatsu also provides access to islands of the Seto Inland Sea. These islands include Naoshima and Shodoshima. Since 2010, Takamatsu has hosted the Setouchi Triennale art festival.
As you explore Takamatsu Elementary School remember its place in this dynamic city. The school helps shape the future citizens of Takamatsu. It contributes to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.