The garden was commissioned by the Matsudaira family and took approximately 100 years to complete.
The 'borrowed scenery' technique integrates the natural form of Mount Shiun into the garden's visual horizon.
The garden contains over 1,400 pine trees, many of which are hand-pruned annually into specific shapes.
The Kikugetsu-tei tea house is positioned to offer views of the pond from three directions.
The garden was originally built as a private retreat for the Ikoma clan before being taken over by the Matsudaira lords.
Ritsurin Garden is a sprawling 17th-century landscape garden in Takamatsu, designed as a stroll garden for the local feudal lords. It features six ponds, thirteen landscaped mounds, and an extensive collection of meticulously pruned pine trees. The site is divided into a northern garden, redesigned in a Western style, and a southern garden, which retains a traditional Japanese aesthetic. The garden is backdropped by the wooded slopes of Mount Shiun, which serves as a borrowed scenery element. Visitors navigate the park via a network of paths winding around the water features and tea houses. The garden utilizes the 'stroll-style' design, intended to reveal new vistas at every turn of the path. It remains one of the largest landscape gardens in Japan designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
The view from the top of the Fei-rai-ho mound looking down over the southern ponds.
Purchase a ticket for a traditional wooden boat ride to view the gardens from the water.
Visit the Kikugetsu-tei tea house for a bowl of matcha and local confectionary.
Follow the recommended walking circuits indicated on the park map to ensure you see the main features.
Attempting to see the entire garden in less than two hours, as the paths are extensive.
Open daily throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays.
Refrain from touching the pine trees and stay on designated gravel paths to protect the moss and terrain.
