The most famous historical garden in Japan.

Ritsurin is a historic garden in  Takamatsu, north Shikoku, it was built by the local feudal lords during the Edo period (1625) and it took almost 100 years to complete. The garden is today considered one of the best gardens in Japan, it is often suggested that Ritsurin Koen deserves a spot on the list of the “three most beautiful gardens of Japan”. The large garden features many ponds, hills, historic trees and beautiful pavilions divided into a Japanese style garden in the south and western style garden in the north. The gardens are set with both Mt. Shiun and the city of Takamatsu as background.

Inside the park are a number of facilities including a museum, shops and a few resthouses where you can take a break and enjoy some refreshments. We stopped by a small shop/restaurant south in the park, just west of the entrance, a great place for noodle soup and vintage kimono shopping.

The park itself is beautiful destination for both Japanese greenery at its finest as well as a perfect small city break.