Kagawa｜Kuribayashi Park, where the chestnut trees were cut down for hunting, is said to have been completely destroyed. From a noble mansion to a feudal lord’s secret garden

It is called Ritsurin Park, but there are no chestnut trees in it. Instead, there are a lot of pine trees, more than 1,400 in total. It is said that the chestnut trees were cut down in order to hunt wild ducks. With Ziyun Mountain as its backdrop, Lilin Park covers a total area of ​​75 hectares, which is roughly half the size of the Xinyi Planning Area. The Michelin Guide once listed it as a three-star must-visit attraction. More than 400 years ago, it was the villa of the distinguished Sato family. Later, the lord of Sanuki Province, Ikoma Takatoshi, built a garden in the Nanhu area. Unexpectedly, the Ikoma family later suffered internal strife and their territory was taken away. Later, Matsudaira Yoshizune of the Mito Tokugawa family became the lord of the domain and began to renovate the garden. After a hundred years and five generations of lords, it finally took shape as Ritsurin Park. The park was not opened to the public until the Meiji period, when feudal domains were abolished and prefectures were established. It rained heavily on the day of the visit. The emerald green Ziyun Mountain looked even more mysterious against the backdrop of the mountain mist. Hiding under the eaves to listen to the sound of rain and looking at the scenery in the courtyard, I couldn't help but admire the elegance and wealth of the famous family back then. Six ponds and thirteen rockeries form the overall picture of the strolling garden. Ritsurin Garden is divided into two routes: the South Garden and the North Garden. It takes at least an hour and a half to visit both. The most famous of them are the Yanyue Bridge, Juyue Pavilion and Feilai Peak. You can also take a boat tour of the park and experience the elegance of how the dignitaries of the past spent their leisure time. It is worth mentioning that the Industrial and Commercial Incentive Hall is a place where you can carefully appreciate Kagawa's local pottery, lacquerware and other specialties in the ancient ruins. 📍Address: 1-chome-20-16 Ritsurincho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0073 Japan Take the Kotoden bus to Ritsurin Garden, or take the Kotoden to Ritsurin Garden Station and walk for ten minutes #2月好去地方2025