Ritsurin-koen Garden, Takamatsu

Nature sculpted to perfection

Peter Sidell Nov 27, 2012 - 1 min read

<p>One of the ponds in the south garden</p>

<p>A view from a hill in the south garden</p>

<p>Another of the south garden's lakes</p>

<p>Even more peaceful than walking, some people tour the garden by boat</p>

<p>The garden is designed to present different views in every season: in autumn, the changing colors cast a warm atmosphere over its paths</p>

<p>The lily pond in the north garden</p>

<p>The north garden is also home to a store and craft center, housed in a preserved classical building</p>

<p>A stream connecting the ponds in the north garden</p>

<p>The north garden is home to the largest pond</p>

Japan's largest garden might also be its most beautiful: constructed over a hundred years, Ritsurin-koen is a blissfully peaceful landscape of shady groves, tree-lined paths, and hills providing views of still, tranquil lakes dotted with islands planted with exquisitely manicured trees. Languorously wandering its paths for an hour or two is a complete escape from the city's crowds and noise, and will leave you totally relaxed and refreshed.

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Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.