RITSURIN GARDEN
Ritsurin Garden is a famous, historic and beautiful Japanese garden which is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty". Ritsurin Garden is the main attraction in the city of Takamatsu (Shikoku Island).
Ritsurin Garden features bridges, tea house, ponds with koi, paths, small hills and is set against the background of Mt Shiun. Ritsurin Garden was established in 1625 under orders of Ikoma Takatoshi, the feudal lord of Sanuki. Initally construction started around what is today the South Pond and used the greenery on Mt Shiun as a background. In 1642 Matsudaira Yorishige took over Ritsurin Garden and continued the development of the garden. In 1875 the Meiji Government took control and proclaimed the Ritsurin Garden a prefectual garden and opened it to the public. In 1953 Ritsurin Garden was designated a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty".
Tea House and pond in Ritsurin Garden
Ritsurin Garden is one of, if not the greatest attraction in Takamatsu.
Ritsurin Garden - Pond with Mt Shiun in background
Ritsurin Garden - Pine Trees and Stream