Ritsurin Garden, Feudal garden in Takamatsu, Japan.
Ritsurin Garden is an extensive garden in the Ritsurinchō district of Takamatsu, classified as a daimyō garden and designated a special scenic beauty site. It spreads across gentle hills with ponds, gravel paths and stepping stones, as well as carefully shaped trees that group around several connected bodies of water.
The site began taking shape in the early 17th century on the orders of a local feudal lord, who had the area transformed into a private garden. Later rulers added new sections and refined the design over more than a century.
The name translates roughly to "Garden of Chestnut Grove", though today ancient pines dominate the view. Guests may stop at several teahouses and gaze across still water surfaces with islands and stone lanterns.
The entrance sits centrally and paths are mostly level, making the site suitable for longer walks. Guests should wear sturdy shoes and allow enough time to reach the different viewpoints.
The pines are pruned using traditional techniques where gardeners guide branches with ropes and shape them over decades. Some of the trees bear names that describe their form or position in the landscape.
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