HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > The Autumn Beauty of Ritsurin Garden
Stroll among the golden colors of the surrounding foliage of Ritsurin Garden
Kagawa Prefecture
Ritsurin Garden, a feudal strolling garden over 100 years in the making, was said to have been finally completed in 1745. The beauty of the garden is celebrated in the Japanese phrase ippo ikkei (“one step, one view”), which describes how, while walking through the garden, you can enjoy a change of scenery with every step.
At Ritsurin Garden, you can enjoy the beauty of the seasons all year round. Every fall, when the garden is filled with autumn colors, Ritsurin Garden holds a magical illumination event for approximately ten days that is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike. Stroll along garden paths lined with maple trees, or take a ride in a traditional Japanese boat—there are so many ways to enjoy this event. On days when there is little wind, the surface of the water in the pond becomes like a mirror, reflecting the golden colors of the surrounding foliage. The Japanese boat that elegantly carves its way through the golden waters of the pond is especially popular. As you watch this enchanting scene while relaxing in Kikugetsutei Teahouse, time will pass by before you know it.
How to get there
To Takamatsu Airport: about 1 hour 25 minutes from Haneda Airport by plane.
From Takamatsu Airport: 30 minutes by car.
From Kotoden Ritsurin-Koen Station: a 7-minute walk.
From JR Ritsurin-Koen-Kitaguchi Station: a 3-minute walk.
From Kotoden Ritsurin Koen Mae Bus Stop: a 1-minute walk.
1-20-16 Ritsurin-cho, Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa-ken
