Ritsurin Garden
Shikoku Region
Ritsurin Garden, located in Takamatsu, Japan, is one of the largest and most celebrated strolling gardens in the country. Completed in 1745 after a century of development by successive feudal lords, it spans approximately 750,000 square meters and features a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese garden design and later Western influences. The garden lies in a former riverbed on the east side of Mt. Shiun, incorporating numerous ponds, streams, and small artificial hills that enhance its natural beauty. The southern section preserves the traditional Japanese style with historic teahouses like the Kikugetsu-tei, dating back to the early Edo period, and meticulously cultivated black pine trees known as Hakomatsu, shaped into geometric forms. The northern area, redesigned in Western style after the garden became public in 1875, includes a museum and folk craft galleries. Visitors can enjoy viewing koi-filled ponds and exploring landmarks such as the Wild Duck Hunting Moat and the artificial mountains Hiraiho and Fuyō-ho. Ritsurin Garden remains a major cultural and scenic attraction, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, inviting visitors to experience its serene landscapes and historic charm.
Plan your trip to Japan with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Ritsurin Garden is during spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for colorful foliage. Advance reservations are recommended for guided tours and boat rides on the Southern Lake. The garden offers discounted admission for seniors and groups. Visitors should allocate at least 90 minutes to explore the main areas comfortably. Accessible by public transport via Ritsurin-Kōen-Kitaguchi Station (JR) or Ritsurin-Kōen Station (Kotoden), the garden provides coin lockers and wheelchair rentals for convenience.
Interesting facts
- •Ritsurin Garden covers an area of approximately 750,000 square meters, making it one of Japan's largest strolling gardens.
- •The garden features the Kikugetsu-tei teahouse, built around 1640 during the early Edo period.
- •Its black pine trees, called Hakomatsu, are carefully trimmed into geometric shapes, a traditional horticultural art.
- •Ritsurin Garden was once home to a zoo and swimming pool, which have since been removed.
- •The garden has several artificial mountains, including Hiraiho and Fuyō-ho, enhancing its landscape design.
History
Construction of Ritsurin Garden began in 1625 under Ikoma Takatoshi, the feudal lord of Takamatsu, who designed the garden around the South Pond using Mt.
Shiun as a scenic backdrop.
Successive lords, including Matsudaira Yorishige and the fifth lord Yoritaka, contributed to its expansion and refinement, culminating in its completion in 1745.
Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the garden was requisitioned by the government and opened to the public in 1875 as a prefectural garden.
Over time, the northern section was redesigned with Western influences, and the garden was designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1953, preserving its cultural and historical significance.
Place Guide
Kikugetsu-tei (Moon Scooping Pavilion)circa 1640
A historic teahouse in the southern part of the garden, built around 1640, offering traditional tea ceremonies and views of the garden's ponds and greenery.
Hakomatsu (Black Pine Trees)
These black pine trees are meticulously cultivated and trimmed into intricate geometric shapes and figures, showcasing traditional Japanese gardening techniques.
Artificial Mountains Hiraiho and Fuyō-ho
Man-made hills within the garden that add depth and variation to the landscape, designed to complement the natural scenery of Mt. Shiun.
Southern Lake (Nan-ko) and Western Lake (Sai-ko)
Large ponds stocked with koi fish, where visitors can enjoy feeding the fish and boat rides on the Southern Lake, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere of the garden.
Contact
Phone: 087-833-7411