Special place of scenic beauty

Another travel adventure today with an early start to visit Takamatsu. There is plenty to keep the day trippers busy but my favourite was this garden.

Ritsurin is a traditional stroll garden. Despite being ten or fifteen days too early for Sakura season it was easy to see why it's considered to be one of the best traditional gardens in Japan.  It was also very quiet which was a huge bonus - I hate crowds! 

The garden cafe boasted a wonderful menu that at first glance appeared to be vegetarian. Fortunately I checked before I got carried away and negotiated for the Garden Vegetable Salad to come without the layer of lardons!

Long but lovely day.