Admire outstanding Japanese style landscape Garden of Ritsurin Park
A Special Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan, Ritsurin Park is a must for garden lovers and those in search of a traditional Japanese garden without encountering the crowds as other famous gardens. Situated in the city of Takamatsu with the lush Mt. Shiun (Purple Cloud Mountain) as a backdrop, this scenic park was completed in 1745 over a period of one hundred years by the local feudal lords, then opened to the public in 1875. It spreads out a large area of 75 hectares with 13 man-made hills, 6 ponds, numerous picturesque bridges and many special spots, like Hanashobuen, home to around 4,000 irises, or Kikugetsutei teahouse with front ponds filled with colorful koi fish, making a tour through the garden last one to two hours. Ritsurin also boats plenty of facilities including a folk museum, shops and a few resthouses where visitors can take a break and enjoy some refreshments. A Japanese wasen boat ride is available as well in Sai-ko (Western Lake) and Nan-ko (Southern Lake).
