Shukkeien, Hiroshima
last update: September 30, 2022
The Shukkeien Garden (縮 景園) is one of the most beautiful in the region, and undoubtedly the most beautiful garden in the city of Hiroshima. A recommended place to walk to find relaxation and serenity after having been probably troubled by the visit of the Peace Park and having learned all those atrocities and sufferings that characterize the memory of the city of Hiroshima.
Practical information, hours and fees
- Admission:: 260¥
- Opening hours: 9:00-18:00, until 5pm from october to march
- Closing days: From 29 to 31 December
- Other useful information: a combined ticket (610 ¥) allows you to visit the garden and the nearby Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum
All the details on the Shukkeien Garden
The garden dates back to 1620, shortly after the construction of the city castle, and was built as the personal garden of the powerful
Asano clan. In 1940, the descendants of the ancient noble Asano family donated the garden to the local government. It still looks almost the same today as 400 years ago: despite being severely hit over time by some fires and then also by the atomic bomb, it has been restored each time. The last time was in 1951, after having repaired the damage caused by the bomb.
The original idea of those who built the garden seems to have been to create a miniature reproduction of the landscape of the
Lake Xihu area in
Hangzhou in China, however very few similarities are observable today. The landscapes in the different corners of the garden still represent valleys, forests and mountains in miniature.
The garden landscape is decorated with various trees and seasonal flowers. In particular, cherry and peach blossoms in spring, green trees in summer, colorful leaves in autumn and plums and camellias in the winter months. In addition, during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage season, several special events are organized and after dark the lights are also turned on. Around the main garden pond there are several tea houses (no longer in operation) with ideal views of the surrounding landscape. Occasionally, for example after seasonal events,
tea ceremonies are organized, open to visitors.
Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum
(admission 510¥, opening hours 9-17, closed on mondays)
This museum, founded in 1968, is located right next to the entrance to the Shukkeien Garden, and with a combined ticket (610¥) you can visit both. In 1996 it was completely rebuilt in a modern way and today it has a large atrium at the entrance with sofas where you can rest for a moment. The collection includes approximately 3,500 works of art associated predominantly with Hiroshima prefecture, and to a lesser extent with other Japanese or Asian artists. In addition, it is home to several special exhibitions throughout the year (check out the calendar).
How to get to Shukkeien Garden
The entrance to the Shukkeien Garden is easily accessible on foot from the main areas of the city. It is located 800 meters from Hiroshima station and 600 meters from the Castle. The Peace Park is a little further away, about 2 km.
The nearest tram stop is
Shukkeien-mae station, served by
line number 9. You can take this line at
Hatchobori station, in turn reachable via lines 1, 2 and 6 from Hiroshima station or via lines 2 and 6 from
Genbaku Dome-mae station (near the Peace Park).
Map of the Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima
Guided tours, activities and other things to do
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