Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Botanical Gardens

Ritsurin Garden

Takamatsu, Japan

  1. WORLD’S BEST BOTANICAL GARDENS WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 33 2026
Ritsurin Garden

A daimyo strolling garden in Takamatsu, built over a century by the lords of the Takamatsu Domain and covering about 75 hectares. Six ponds and thirteen artificial hills are set against Mount Shiun as borrowed scenery, with around 1,400 sculpted pine trees.

Highlights

  • Wasen boat ride on the ponds
  • South Lake from Hiraiho hill
  • Kikugetsutei teahouse

Good to know

  • Admission 500 yen for adults
  • Allow one to two hours
  • Gravel paths with slopes; wear walking shoes

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