What other travelers are saying about Shukkeien Garden
Shukkeien Garden is a lush, beautifully landscaped green space in Hiroshima, perfect for a peaceful stroll. The garden features many charming bridges and some stairs, so be ready for a bit of walking. You’ll often spot koi fish and turtles in the ponds, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. There’s a small entry fee to enter, and the facilities, including clean toilets, are well maintained. A lovely spot to relax and enjoy nature in the city.
* Getting here - see below please
This was really one of the highlighs of the visit to Hiroshima. A beautiful and somewhat hidden and underrated Japanese garden. Very serene and condensed, and also extremely romantic. There is the main lake, but also several bridges, a couple of small hills, winding walking path, a central shrine, and finally, in the small lake also fish and water turtles
I suggest you give yourself at least a couple of hours here
Also, getting here, I highly recommend walking the path on the riverbank.
Please see photos
Oh, of course, the wonderful art museum is right close by and the ticket can include both beautiful and highly spiritually satisfying attractions. Weekend a half a day here at the least.
Shukkei-en Garden is a peaceful and charming place that makes you want to slow down and simply enjoy the moment. Every part of the garden has something unique to offer, with beautiful views that feel carefully designed and well cared for.
Although it’s not very large, it provides a refreshing escape from the city and creates a truly calming atmosphere. It’s also a wonderful spot to take lots of photos, as every corner seems picture-perfect.
Overall, a lovely and relaxing garden that’s definitely worth a visit when in Hiroshima.
Very popular garden in Hiroshima. There is an entrance fee but it is less than 1,000 yen with children and students paying a reduced fee.
A decent sized garden with a small shop inside to buy snacks and drinks. A vending machine and tables are next to the shop as well. A restroom is available close by the shop.
Lots of flowers, greenery, and koi fishes in the garden. It was not packed when I visited but definitely had a sizable crowd. Still, there is plenty of space available to walk around and enjoy the garden.
One of the most beautiful garden seen in Japan. A very old one but maintained well; not known for the flowers but the beauty without that too. As per the information available in the sign boards,
'Shukkeien' Garden (literally meaning Shrunken Scenery Park) having a rough area of 10 acres.
It was designed to represent miniature landscapes — valleys, mountains, rivers, and forests — all condensed into one carefully arranged garden. It was inspired by the classical Chinese landscape style.
Landscaped and built by Ueda Soko, the chief retainer of the Hiroshima Domain and well-known tea master, by the order of Asano Nagaakira, the first feudal lord of the domain, as his villa. The construction work began in 1620, the following year he made a triumphal entry into Hiroshima Castle. Even after its completion, several renovations have been made. Eight years were spent, from 1783 to 1791 in the reign of the seventh lord Asano Shigeakira, on large-scale restoration and renovation work directed by Shimizu Shichiroemon, a landscape gardener from Kyoto. Since then the present scenery and layout as a whole has been kept, featuring a large pond in the centre as so called pond stroll garden for feudal lord.
To reach Shukkeien Garden from Hiroshima Station, take a tram and get off at "Shukkeien-mae" stop, directly in front of the garden. The tram ride takes about 5 minutes. Alternatively, it's a 15-minute walk from Hiroshima Station.
Visitors typically spend about 1 to 2 hours in Shukkeien Garden, enjoying its scenic paths and tranquil setting.
Japan boasts many exquisite gardens, but some of the most renowned include Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, Kairakuen in Mito, and Korakuen in Okayama. Each offers unique landscaping and historical significance.
Shukkeien Garden was completed in 1620 by Ueda Soko for Asano Nagaakira, the feudal lord of Hiroshima. It mimics various natural formations in miniature form and has been restored since its destruction in the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
