Kagawa Castle Tour Day 1: Conquering Flight Delays with “Rescheduling” Skills, Marugame Castle Views, and Dormy Inn Comfort

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[Kagawa Castle Tour Day 1] Neutralizing Flight Delays with “Rescheduling”! Marugame Castle Views and a Night at Dormy Inn

The Start: A 2-Hour Flight Delay “Baptism”

The journey began with an unexpected two-hour flight delay. After being stranded in the Haneda Airport departure lounge, by the time we finally touched down at Takamatsu Airport, we were significantly behind our original schedule.

However, the moment we stepped out of the airport, we were greeted by the “Slowpoke Bus” covered in Pokémon prints! Realizing we had finally arrived in the “Udon Prefecture” (also known as the Slowpoke/Yadon Prefecture), the fatigue from the delay instantly softened.

In the airport, I also spotted someone who looked remarkably like Yuichiro Tamaki, the leader of the Democratic Party for the People. I wondered if it was really him, and after checking later, I confirmed he is from Kagawa. It was certainly a high-profile “welcome” to the prefecture!

Gazing at Japan’s Tallest Stone Walls with “Composure”

Under normal circumstances, I might have panicked. But at this point, I made the executive decision to “give up on touring Takamatsu Castle (Tamamo Park) thoroughly on the first day.”

By immediately accepting this reschedule, I was able to face the massive stones of Marugame Castle with complete composure.

• Japan’s Tallest Stone Walls: The “Ogi-no-Kobai” (Fan Slope) curve is a work of art too magnificent to rush past.

• Steep Stairs of the Original Keep: I climbed the internal stairs—which are basically ladders—savoring every step of this authentic “Genzen Tenshu” (original surviving tower).

• Father-Son Siege Simulation: We used the “Ishi-otoshi” (stone-dropping windows) at the Ote-mon gate to run a castle defense simulation with my son.

Being able to enjoy these moments without checking my watch was the direct result of deciding to reschedule early.

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Lunch: Post-Castle Fuel at the Local Favorite “Momoyama-tei”

After conquering the steep stairs of Marugame Castle, we were exhausted but starving. For lunch, we headed to “Momoyama-tei,” a spot beloved by locals.

I ordered the “Niku Udon” (Beef Udon). The sweet seasoning was exquisite, tasting almost like a luxury Sukiyaki. For a body that had just been through a workout, the sweetness and savory dashi broth were the ultimate reward.

Glancing around, I noticed the locals unhesitatingly ordering “Kake Udon” and piling on free toppings like green onions and tempura scraps (age-dama). Their confident movements made me truly feel the depth of the local udon culture.

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Evening: Strategic “Divide and Conquer” in Takamatsu City

After Marugame, we moved to Takamatsu City. With the castle gates closing soon for the stamp rally, I utilized my “Dad Mobility” to support the family.

1. West Gate Drop-off: I first dropped off my wife and son at the West Gate of Takamatsu Castle (Tamamo Park). I wanted them to at least experience the atmosphere of the castle.
2. Solo Check-in: I drove alone to our hotel, “Dormy Inn Takamatsu,” secured a parking spot, and handled a quick check-in.
3. The Emotional Reunion at the Pokémon Center: I walked from the hotel, while my wife and son walked from the castle, to meet up at the “Pokémon Center Pop-up Store in Takamatsu.”

Seeing my son’s smile as he took photos with the Slowpoke and Wooper statues and picked out merchandise, I knew the trip was finally on the right track.

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Tonight’s Stay: Dormy Inn Takamatsu “Tamamo-no-yu”

Supporting our first-day recovery was the “Mecca of Saunas,” Dormy Inn. This is where my “Strategic Sauna Time Procurement” truly shines.

The Perfect Flow: Manga and Ice Cream are a Dad’s Best Friends

Here is the winning strategy for a dad to secure solo sauna time during a family trip: utilize the “Free Ice Cream” and “Extensive Manga Corner” located right next to the baths.

• The Tactic: After enjoying the large public bath with my son, I tagged out with my wife at the exit.
• Synergy of Rewards: In the manga corner, my son found the popular soccer manga “Aoashi.” Interestingly, the protagonist of this story is from Ehime Prefecture—exactly where we are headed next! Deep in his “pre-study,” my son was more than happy to let Dad go back in.
• The Result: While my son was immersed in the world of manga, I hit the sauna without a care in the world. Between the aromatic sauna and the natural hot springs, I perfectly reset the chaos of the first day.

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21:30: Birth of a “Little Rebel”

Normally, my son would be dreaming by 9:00 PM, but tonight was special.

Past 9:30 PM, he slurped down Dormy Inn’s famous “Yonaki Soba” (nighttime ramen) and washed it down with a jet-black Cola.

Late-night ramen plus a carbonated drink—for a child, it’s the ultimate unhealthy double punch. Having broken all the taboos of “staying up late,” “soda,” and “midnight snacks,” my son had the look of a “little rebel” on his face, grinning with pure satisfaction.

Perhaps this sense of “guilty pleasure” is the best spice that travel provides.