Shukkei-en Garden Guide
Miniature Landscapes, Timeless Beauty: Discover Shukkei-en Garden Guide
Shukkei-en Garden, meaning "shrunken scenery garden," is a stunning traditional Japanese garden located in Hiroshima. This meticulously crafted landscape is designed to represent famous natural landmarks in miniature, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling city. With its serene ponds, picturesque bridges, and carefully arranged flora, Shukkei-en is a perfect place to relax, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of Japanese garden design. The garden was originally constructed in 1620 by Ueda Soko, a renowned tea master and garden designer, for Asano Nagaakira, the lord of Hiroshima Castle. It served as a private retreat for the Asano family for centuries. Sadly, the garden was largely destroyed by the atomic bombing in 1945, but it has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience of Hiroshima and the enduring appeal of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Visitors can stroll along the winding paths that meander through the garden, admiring the meticulously manicured trees, the serene ponds teeming with koi fish, and the charming teahouses that offer a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture. The garden is particularly beautiful during the spring cherry blossom season and the autumn foliage season. While there are no specific culinary traditions within the garden itself, the surrounding area offers a variety of restaurants serving Hiroshima's local specialties.
Transportation
From Hiroshima Station, take the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) streetcar lines 5 to the Shukkei-en-mae stop. The garden is a short walk from the streetcar stop.
Opening Hours
9:00 to 18:00 (April to September), 9:00 to 17:00 (October to March). Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Ticket Price
Adults: 310 yen, High school and university students: 150 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 100 yen