Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園, Ritsurin Kōen) is one of Japan’s most celebrated historical gardens, located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture. Dating back to the 17th Century, the Ritsurin Garden is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and exquisite design, and is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government.
The garden originally began construction in 1625 by Ikoma Takatoshi, the daimyo (feudal lord) of Takamatsu at the time, who wanted to build near the base of Mount Shuin for his private retreat. Later, the Matsudaira Clan took control over the Takamatsu domain. Despite the change in daimyo in the 1640’s the Matsudaira clan continued construction of the garden. Work on the gardens and years of improvements finally ceased in the 1740’s. After nearly two centuries of being used by Feudal lords for their private residences or strolling gardens, the garden was openned to the public in 1875.
This expansive park covers around 75 Hectares, featuring several ponds, teahouses, hills and pavilions. The gardens are set in front of Mt.Shuin, which served as excellent cover and has concealed the gardens from attack. The Ritsurin Garden are divided into two main sections: the South Garden and the North Garden. The South Garden is the older and more iconic section, designed in the traditional kaiyū-shiki (strolling garden) style.
One further notable feature of Ritsurin Garden is the Kikugetsu-tei teahouse, found in the southwest part of the gardens. For a small fee, you can enter the Kikugetsu-tei teahouse and enjoy a cup of tea while sitting on tatami mats looking overlooking the ponds.
Ritsurin Gardens are a year round attraction for all garden lovers, with many tourists visiting the gardens from all over Japan and the world. The garden boasts over 1,400 carefully maintained pine trees, vibrant plum and cherry blossoms in spring, irises in summer, and vivid autumn foliage.
Hours and Admission
Hours;
- January – 7:00am to 5:00pm
- February – 7:00am to 5:30pm
- March – 6:30am to 6:00pm
- April & May – 5:30am to 6:30pm
- June, July & August – 5:30am to 7:00pm
- October – 6:00am to 5:30pm
- November – 6:30am to 5:00pm
- December – 7:00am to 5:00pm
Admission Fee;
410JPY
Accessing Ritsurin Garden
The garden is about a 2-kilometer walk or a 10-minute bus ride from Takamatsu Station. Alternatively, there are two train lines that take you within a 5 minute walk of the gardens. From Takamatsu Station, take the Kotoku Line 2 stops to Ritsurin-Koen-Kitaguchi Station. This will take 5 minutes, and cost 240JPY one way (Free with the JR Pass). From Ritsurin-Koen-Kitaguchi Station, it is a 2 minute walk to Ritsurin Garden.
From Takamatsu-chikko, close to Takamatsu Castle, take the Kotohira Line. The trip will cost 200 JPY one way, and take 15 minutes to Ritsurin-Koen Station. This is not covered by the JR Pass. From Ritsurin-Koen Station, it is a 500m walk to the Ritsurin Gardens
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