Michelin ⭐⭐⭐: Ritsurin Garden #japan #travel #naturelovers
Ritsurin Garden, covering 75 hectares with Mount Shiun as its stunning backdrop, is the largest garden designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
It features six ponds, thirteen artificial hills, and over 1,400 pine trees, pruned into bonsai-like forms over three centuries. Its serene atmosphere transports visitors to the elegance of the Edo era.
Designed in the stroll garden style, Ritsurin Garden invites visitors to explore its paths, where the scenery transforms with each step—a concept known as ippo ikkei (“one step, one view”).
The garden features the “borrowed scenery” technique (shakkei), incorporating Mount Shiun as a natural backdrop to enhance its beauty. Highlights include the serene South Pond (Nanko), the crescent-shaped Engetsukyo Bridge, and the Kikugetsu-tei Teahouse, where visitors can savor matcha tea while immersed in the tranquil surroundings.