Ritsurin Garden

Overview

Ritsurin Garden is a approximately 75-hectare Japanese garden constructed during the Edo period by Matsudaira Yorishige, the lord of Takamatsu. Featuring six ponds, thirteen artificial hills, and approximately 500 pine trees, it offers a rich tapestry of landscapes showcasing traditional Japanese aesthetics. The meticulous details are evident in the waterways, bridges, and teahouses that weave throughout the garden. The garden's beauty unfolds with the seasons, offering vibrant cherry blossoms in spring and stunning autumn foliage, ensuring that each visit is a unique experience. The view from the artificial hill, "Hiryuho," is particularly breathtaking, considered the garden's finest viewpoint. The petrified wood stonework near the summit is believed to have served both to prevent landslides and represent the snow on Mount Fuji. The view from the summit overlooking the Engetsu Bridge and the Kugekutei teahouse nestled on the west side of Nan-ko Pond, with Mount Shiun in the background, is an iconic Ritsurin Garden scene. The "Kugekutei" teahouse, a beloved spot for generations of feudal lords, offers a unique atmosphere. Sitting on the low floor, one feels as though they could almost touch the lake's surface, creating a serene environment for a leisurely tea ceremony. The impressive "Ne-agari Go-yo Matu" (root-rising five-needle pine) standing beside Kugekutei is a giant pine tree approximately 8 meters tall and 3.5 meters in circumference. Legend says that the ninth lord of Takamatsu, Matsudaira Yoroshige, received this bonsai as a gift from the eleventh Tokugawa Shogun, Ienari, in 1833, and planted it in the garden, where it grew into its present size. This is the only five-needle pine among the many pines of Ritsurin Garden. Ritsurin Garden's beauty has been recognized worldwide, earning it a three-star rating in the 2009 Michelin Green Guide as a place "worth a special trip." This popular destination attracts many domestic and international tourists, providing them with a chance to experience the beauty of traditional Japan.