Ritsurin Garden

Author: Richard Perkins
Photos/Videos Taken: 2025/05/12
Address: Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa,
Ritsurin-cho 1-20-16【760-0073】
Admission Fee: Adult  ¥500・(group)  ¥400 |
Elementary/Middle School Student  ¥170・(group)  ¥140

Across Japan, one will find many traditionally landscaped Japanese gardens. Some of these gardens are small-scale, tucked away on the grounds of Buddhist temples. Some of these gardens are quite large and well-known worldwide. One large and grand Japanese garden that one could easily spend the day wandering around is Ritsurin Garden in Kagawa Prefecture. This garden was originally cultivated in the late 16th century by the Satō clan, a powerful clan of this area. Initially, it was a small Japanese garden, nowhere near as big as it is today. However, in 1631, the retainer to the Ikoma family, Hachihei Nishijima, expanded the overall size of the garden when improving the flood control (reducing or preventing the effects of flood waters) of the lakes here. In 1953, Ritsurin Garden was designated as a “Special Scenic Spot”. In 2009, this garden also received three Michelin stars in the “Michelin Green Guide Japan”. At 162,000 square meters, this is the biggest traditionally landscaped Japanese garden designated as a cultural asset. This is one garden that’s worth spending the time to wander around slowly.

This garden is centered around several ponds. Utilizing the 池泉回遊 (chisenkaiyū) style, which features a footpath surrounding a pond, Ritsurin Garden is known as a 大名庭園 (daimyō-teien)—a type of Japanese garden constructed by feudal lords either in the capital or their hometowns. There are four ponds here: 南湖 (nanko), 北湖 (hokko), 箱木池 (hakogi-ike), and ひょうたん池 (hyōtan-ike). This garden has beautiful plants and carefully arranged stones that frame the lakes. Visitors can enjoy feeding the carp in the ponds while taking in the picturesque scenery.

It’s not just the garden itself—there are also several enjoyable facilities here. One is the 花園亭 (hana-zono-tei), where visitors can savor local food and locally brewed alcohol while taking in the scenery. Another is the 商工奨励館 (shōkō-shōreikan), a museum constructed during the Meiji period (1868-1912), which showcases various aspects of Kagawa Prefecture. From Ritsurin Garden to the region’s famous うどん (udon—thick white noodles made from flour, salt, and water) and other highlights, you'll find various displays about the prefecture here.

Without a doubt, the most appealing part of this garden is the 和船 (wasen—Japanese-style wooden boats). Visitors can take a thirty-minute boat ride across the 7,890-square-meter Nanko pond. While gently rocking back and forth on the water, one can admire Ritsurin Garden from a new perspective. During the ride, the boat navigator shares interesting facts about the garden. Please note that an extra charge is required for the boat rides; they are not included in the garden’s admission fee. However, few, if any, other Japanese gardens offer such a special experience. Reservations can be made in advance for those interested.

Another appealing feature of Ritsurin Garden is its gift shop. At the Kagawa Bussankan Ritsurinan, visitors can find virtually any specialty product from Kagawa Prefecture. The variety here is impressive, ranging from Kagawa lacquerware to the famous udon. Many visitors will likely want to take home a souvenir for themselves or someone else, and the diverse selection means one won’t have to search multiple stores. This shop is definitely worth visiting.

Also known as the "pine tree garden”, Ritsurin Garden boasts 1,400 pine trees—more than any other Japanese garden in the country. This unique garden is a must-visit throughout the year: cherry blossoms bloom in spring, fresh green leaves appear in summer, and the foliage turns a deep red in autumn, offering stunning seasonal views. In winter, if there’s snowfall, the garden transforms into a mystical landscape beyond description, becoming even more enchanting.

Few Japanese gardens can compare in size or beauty. In addition to its remarkable scenery, Ritsurin Garden offers a variety of experiences, making it enjoyable for everyone. When traveling in Japan, don’t miss the chance to visit this exceptional garden and discover all it has to offer.