The Ritsurin Garden, located in Takamatsu city, is ranked as one of the most stunning historic gardens in Japan, with many travels to Takamatsu visiting purely for this garden. The gardens and some of the buildings within date back to 1625, when the gardens were commissioned by the lord of Takamatsu, Ikoma Takatoshi. Over many years, the gardens continued to be worked on and improved by the successors and other feudal lords who took claim to the area.
During the Meiji restoration, the government took control of the garden, and later made it open to the public in 1875. Since then the gardens have been regarded as a public treasure, and are renowned among garden lovers across Japan.
Within the garden grounds, a Folk Museum is among the many buildings you may come across, featuring art and culture from around 17th century when construction for the gardens began.
The Gardens are spacious with vast ponds, canals which weave through the path, and the beautiful foliage which completes the garden.Surrounding the ponds, many historic tea houses sit pond side, allowing patrons to simply relax, and enjoy themselves while additionally having refreshments. Walking through the Ritsurin gardens really does feel like a brief walk back in time, seeing as many buildings are original 17th century constructions.
In total, the gardens encompass more than 750,000m² of land area.
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Hours and Admission
- Hours: Changes Monthly: December & January: 7:00am-5:00pm February: 7:00am-5:30pm March: 6:30am-6:00pm April, May & September: 5:30am-6:30pm June, July& August: 5:30am-7:00pm October: 6:00am-5:30pm November: 6:30am-5:00pm
- 410JPY (Free on Jan 1, March 16)
- Average Time Spent: 1-2 Hours
- Official Website
Access
Ritsurin Gardens are located a short walk from Ritsurin-koen station, which follows the line which departs to the east of Takamatsu Station from Takamatsu Castle, which then connects to Ritsurin-Koen Station. However, an easier route is to take the JR Kotoku Line from Takamatsu station to Ritsurin-Koen-Kitaguchi Station, and then just following the road to the right after you leave from the station and you will get there in no time.