Red leaf season at Ritsurin garden in Kagawa, Japan
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In Takamatsu, Kagawa province, Ritsurin garden is considered one of the typical traditional Japanese gardens. With a history of nearly 400 years, this place has been recognized as a special cultural heritage and has become a destination to attract a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.
Stretching on an area of more than 16 hectares, Ritsurin has a Japanese ornamental garden style with a system of water ponds, small hills and harmonious natural space.
Visitors can leisurely walk on winding roads, see trees, lakes and traditional architectural works interwoven, creating a picture of landscape rich in art.
In particular, from the end of November to early December, the garden entered the red leaf season. The trees simultaneously wear yellow, bright red, turning this place into a “meeting place” to feel the Japanese autumn atmosphere.
During this time, visitors can experience many activities such as traditional boats watching the red leaves shine on the lake surface, enjoy matcha tea and Wagashi cake right in the garden campus, or admire the sparkling space when the whole garden is lit at night.
Not only the landscape, the tour of Ritsurin is even more complete when associated with local cuisine. Kagawa is famous for Sanuki Udon – a traditional noodle with a tough fiber, combined with a rich broth. For tourists, enjoying a original Udon bowl at the restaurant around the garden is an experience not to be missed.
The Ritsurin garden is open all year round, from the time the sun rises until the sun set. In the fall, the visiting time is longer in night lighting events.
From Okayama Station, visitors can go to the JR Seto-Ohashi route to Takamatsu Station, then move to the JR Kotoku route and get off at Ritsurin Koen-Kitaguchi Station, just a few minutes walk from the garden gate.
According to Jnto
