What Is Ritsurin Garden?
Ritsurin Garden (Ritsurin Kōen) is one of Japan’s daimyo gardens located in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, and is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government.
Garden construction began in the late 16th century by local feudal lords, and over the next 100+ years it was completed by successive lords of the Takamatsu domain, the Matsudaira family, giving it a long and distinguished history.
With Mount Shiun (Shiun-zan) as borrowed scenery, this vast garden covers about 75 hectares and features six ponds and 13 artificial hills, along with around 1,000 carefully pruned pine trees and seasonal flowers and trees that captivate visitors year-round.
It is also well known for receiving a three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, and is highly regarded both in Japan and overseas.
Its “one step, one view” (ippō-ikkei) beauty means the scenery changes as you walk, and the garden’s elegance is likely to leave a deep impression on you after just one visit.
Top Highlights of Ritsurin Garden
1. Stunning Scenery Showcasing the Beauty of a Japanese Garden
Ritsurin Garden is divided into two areas, the “South Garden” and the “North Garden,” each offering a different atmosphere.
The South Garden in particular is a representative example of an Edo-period strolling pond garden, and you can discover something new each time you visit.
The view of the South Pond (Nanko) from the hill “Hiraihō” is known as one of the best scenic viewpoints in the garden.
The North Garden is an area that was modernized after the Meiji period, and while retaining the atmosphere of a former duck hunting ground, it offers a different style of garden beauty.
2. Seasonal Flowers and Trees Throughout the Year
Ritsurin Garden is famous for spectacular scenery shaped by nature in every season.
- Spring (late March to early April): Around 300 cherry trees and azaleas come into full bloom, creating a vibrant landscape.
- Summer (June to August): Bright greenery stands out beautifully, while lotus and irises add color to the ponds.
- Autumn (late November to early December): Autumn leaves turn brilliantly, and nighttime illuminations may be held during this season.
- Winter (January to February): About 140 plum trees begin blooming in the North and South Plum Groves, creating a quiet and elegant atmosphere.
3. A Special Tea House Experience at Kikugetsu-tei
The tea house “Kikugetsu-tei” inside the garden is known as a place where successive feudal lords once enjoyed moon-viewing gatherings.
While enjoying matcha and Japanese sweets (tea house fee charged separately), you can spend a luxurious moment overlooking the South Pond garden spread out before you.
It features a rare architectural style called shihō-shōmen, allowing beautiful views from every direction.
4. The Scale of a Cultural Heritage Garden
As a cultural heritage garden designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, Ritsurin Garden is large in scale and full of things to see.
It is sometimes mentioned alongside Japan’s Three Great Gardens (Kenroku-en, Kōraku-en, and Kairaku-en), and is highly appreciated in Japan and abroad.
Its scale and high level of completion will likely convince you of its appeal once you visit.
5. South Pond Japanese Boat Ride and Night Illumination
On the South Pond, you can enjoy the garden from the water aboard the traditional Japanese boat “Senshūmaru,” which recreates Edo-period boating culture.
The approximately 30-minute ride with commentary from the boatman is a special experience that lets you appreciate the garden from a different perspective than on land.
In addition, nighttime illumination may be held in spring (late March to early April) and autumn (late November to early December), when the ponds and trees are wrapped in a magical glow.
How to Get to Ritsurin Garden
Access by Car
- About 15 minutes from central Takamatsu
- Accessible from the Takamatsu Nishi IC or Takamatsu Chūō IC on the expressway.
- Please use nearby parking lots.
- About 1 hour 30 minutes from central Okayama
- Use the Seto Chūō Expressway to access Takamatsu City.
Access by Public Transportation
- From JR Ritsurin-Kōen-Kitaguchi Station
- About a 3-minute walk to the North Gate.
- From Kotoden Ritsurin-Kōen Station
- About a 10-minute walk to the Main Gate (East Gate).
Best Things to Do at Ritsurin Garden
1. Stroll Through the South and North Gardens
Take your time and enjoy a relaxed walk around the garden.
A full circuit typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
In the South Garden, the scenery around Hiraihō and Engetsu-kyō Bridge is especially worth seeing.
2. Enjoy Matcha at Kikugetsu-tei
At Kikugetsu-tei, you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets while overlooking the garden.
It is an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture.
3. Cruise the South Pond by Traditional Boat
Ride the traditional Japanese sightseeing boat on the South Pond and enjoy the beauty of the garden from the water.
With a boatman’s guide, you can learn about the garden’s history and highlights during the approximately 30-minute cruise.
4. Enjoy Local Gourmet Food
There are many udon restaurants near the park serving Kagawa Prefecture’s famous noodles.
Inside the garden, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine at “Hanazono-tei” and light meals at “Café de Ritsurin.”
It is also recommended to enjoy local flavors after your walk.
5. Make Use of Guides
Guidance and guide services may be available inside the garden.
If you want to learn more about the garden’s history and highlights, check the on-site information.
Useful Travel Information for Visitors
- Opening Hours
- Hours vary by month (for example: January 7:00–17:00; April and May 5:30–18:30; July and August 5:30–19:00).
- Hours may be extended during special events.
- Admission Fee
- Adults: 410 yen; children: 170 yen.
- Group discounts (20 or more people) and annual passes are also available.
- Admission is free on New Year’s Day (January 1) and the garden’s anniversary (March 16).
- Facilities and Services
- Coin lockers (near the East Gate and North Gate) and free wheelchair/stroller rentals are available.
- Wi-Fi is available in the garden.
- What to Wear
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- In summer, bring a hat and drinks.
- Notes
- There are few trash bins in the garden, so please take your trash home.
- Pets are not allowed, except assistance dogs for people with disabilities.
- Running and drone flights are prohibited.
Summary
Ritsurin Garden is one of Kagawa Prefecture’s most iconic sightseeing spots, featuring vast grounds with Mount Shiun as borrowed scenery and beautiful landscapes that change with the seasons.
In addition to strolling through a Japanese garden, many visitors are drawn to experiences that showcase Japanese culture, such as the traditional boat cruise and matcha at Kikugetsu-tei.
When you visit Kagawa, be sure to spend a relaxing and restorative time at this celebrated garden!
