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The Highest-Ranked Park in the French Travel Guidebook, Michelin Green Guide Japan
Used as a villa by the Matsudaira clan of Takamatsu, Ritsurin Garden was completed nearly 300 years ago by successive generations of feudal lords who renovated it.
While the sprawling strolling garden covers 16 hectares, the total area of this park, including Mount Shiun in the background, extends to an impressive 75 hectares!
Designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty among Japanese Cultural Property Gardens, this park holds the honor of being the largest in Japan.
With 6 ponds and 13 landscaped hills, this strolling garden is said to offer a new view with each step, allowing visitors to see beautiful scenery as they stroll. Of special note is the splendid view from Hirai-ho hill, often introduced as the representative scenery of Ritsurin Garden.
What’s more, about 1400 pine trees are spread out within the park grounds. Many of them, such as the Neagari Goyo-matsu Pine, a bonsai tree that has grown since the Edo era (1603-1868), are highly praised for their stunning visual beauty.
Receiving the highest ranking of three stars from the Michelin Green Guide Japan, Ritsurin Garden has been introduced in many foreign media outlets.
Spend a moment of luxury savoring matcha while gazing at the gorgeous garden from Kikugetsutei, a teahouse loved by generations of feudal lords.
The view from Hirai-ho Hill
Kikugetsutei Teahouse
Neagari Goyo-matsu, a pine grown from an Edo-era bonsai tree
Autumn foliage
Autumn foliage
Autumn foliage
Autumn foliage
Autumn foliage
Autumn foliage
Autumn foliage
Autumn foliage
Morning rice porridge
Morning rice porridge
Morning rice porridge
Some reviews are AI-translated.
While in Takamatsu, Kagawa, I made a special trip to stroll around Ritsurin Garden. The grounds have expansive greenery, ponds, and Japanese garden scenery, and the overall atmosphere is very relaxing.
Walking slowly along the garden paths, you can see pine trees, ponds, and traditional Japanese landscaping, with different scenery appearing every few steps. The pond water and surrounding trees create an especially layered view, and it looks beautiful no matter where you take a photo.
I arrived at Higurashi-tei in Ritsurin Garden just before evening, as the light in the garden was gradually growing softer, making it especially pleasant to walk around.
The maple leaves had also turned red, and as I walked along the pond, I occasionally saw broad stretches of red reflected on the water. I couldn't help but stop and take a few extra moments to look. Together with the pine trees and traditional buildings in the garden, it naturally created an autumn atmosphere.
I wasn't in any particular hurry to get anywhere, so I just strolled slowly through the garden, took photos, and enjoyed the scenery in front of me. By evening, Ritsurin Garden had become much quieter, which made it even easier to appreciate the character of the garden.
Walking among the meticulously trimmed pine groves, this historic daimyo garden perfectly captures the charm of a new view at every step. The lotus pond and Engetsu-kyo Bridge reflect on the clear water, and the harmony and tranquility of the scene are simply breathtaking.
A wonderful garden. If you have time, you can book a kimono experience at the Kacho-tei inside the garden, with everything included from the outfit to hair and makeup. Walking through the Japanese garden in a kimono feels completely natural and full of Japanese charm.
The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a beautiful garden. No matter where you wander, it’s picturesque, and every view makes you want to stop and take it in for a while. It’s the kind of place you don’t want to leave.
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