Autumn Vibes and Pine Breezes | Stroll Under the Maple Trees in Ritsurin Garden

In early December, the red maple leaves and green pine trees in Ritsurin Garden complement each other beautifully. The garden is filled with pine trees, with around 1,400 in total, of which about 1,000 have been pruned by artisans. After 300 years, the branches of these artisan-pruned pine trees have become as beautiful as bonsai. The unique shape of the short box pines in the park, which have been pruned by artisans for over 300 years, left a deep impression on me. Kikugetsu-tei offers Japanese tea snacks. It is a square tea room-style elegant building and the central building of the circular daimyo garden. For JPY 700, you can enjoy matcha while admiring the garden by the lake. ⏱️Opening hours: 9:00–16:30 🌈Garden Guide 📷Flying Peak - Best Photography Spot Looking south from Flying Peak towards the South Lake, you can see Kikugetsu-tei with Mount Shiun in the background, the nearby Engetsu Bridge, and other famous attractions. It is the best viewing platform in the park, but if you want to take a solo photo, you must enter the park early. 🚣South Lake Boat Tour Take a boat tour of the South Lake for JPY 620 per person. Ends at 16:30. Enjoy the garden while listening to the boatman's commentary. The beautiful scenery that can only be appreciated by boat is unique. 🏯Reward Hall Formerly a museum, this is now a place to display and demonstrate the production of Kagawa Prefecture's specialties, as well as live carving by artists. Ritsurin Garden Ticket: 🎫JPY 410 🕘5:30–19:00, open daily You can collect stamps when entering the park from the east gate. Interested friends can check in and exchange for small gifts.