Ritsurin Garden

Ritsurin Garden is a famous traditional Japanese garden that’s been featured in several magazines, and it’s not surprising as to why.

The beautiful Ritsurin Garden is near the center of Takamatsu, the largest city on Shikoku Island in Western Japan off the coast of Honshu, Japan’s mainland. Every three years, this port city becomes the starting point for the exceptionally popular Japanese art festival, the Setouchi Triennale. Deep with cultural intrigue, the city’s shining star its world-famous garden.

Highlights of Ritsurin Garden

It offers a variety of traditional Japanese plants and structures, from bonsai to bridges, and there is a traditional tea house where you can take part in a tea ceremony. The spacious garden has six ponds and 13 landscaped hills — part of the reason it is designated as a “Special Place of Scenic Beauty” by the Japanese government.

There is a large carp pond where you can feed the fish from the shore and delicate stepping stones on the water. Along with scenic bridges and sea of green, you’ll also find a waterfall and lotus pond.

A traditional footbridge over water in a Japanese garden with green water lily, stones and reflection on the water.

While the garden is a special place any time of the year, it is especially beautiful in spring. The cherry and peach blossoms throughout the garden make for a spectacular view.

There is one tree in the garden that stands out above all the rest. It is a simple cherry tree in a field of cherry trees that seem like nothing out of the ordinary until you read the sign that stands next to it. This cherry tree is the cherry tree that indicates when cherry blossom season begins. The tree is monitored throughout spring to determine when cherry blossoms will be at their best.

While you are in Takamatsu, don’t forget that the port city is famous for its hearty udon noodles and they are a total must try while in the area. Most of all, if you are in Shikoku and need a great spot cherry blossoms, check out Ritsurin Park. It provides a spectacular view almost anywhere you go.