Kikugetsutei Teahouse: A Timeless Retreat

Kikugetsutei Teahouse, nestled within the renowned Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu, offers a tranquil experience steeped in history and natural beauty. This iconic teahouse, whose name translates to 'scooping the moon pavilion,' has been cherished for generations, particularly by the lords of the Takamatsu domain. Constructed in the early Edo period, the sukiya-style architecture exemplifies a design that seamlessly blends with its environment. Kikugetsutei was designed to provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The open design allows visitors to feel connected to the garden's ponds, meticulously arranged hills, and verdant foliage. Inside, guests can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, complete with matcha and seasonal wagashi sweets. The experience evokes a sense of harmony and appreciation for Japanese aesthetics. The teahouse's design is inspired by a classical Chinese poem, embodying the feeling of touching the surface of the lake. The low platform flooring enhances this sense of unity with nature. Kikugetsutei offers unique perspectives of Ritsurin Garden, considered one of Japan's finest stroll gardens. The garden itself was developed over a century by successive feudal lords, featuring six ponds and thirteen landscaped hills set against the backdrop of Mt. Shiun.