Shukkeien Garden, Chugoku Travel Guide

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Discover tranquility in Hiroshima's Shukkei-en Garden, a meticulously crafted miniature landscape with serene ponds, historic tea houses, and seasonal beauty.

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Shukkeien Garden

Shukkei-en Garden, meaning 'shrunken-scenery garden,' is a historic Japanese garden in Hiroshima that recreates famous landscapes in miniature. Built in 1620, it offers a tranquil escape with its meticulously crafted hills, valleys, ponds, and tea houses, providing a serene and meditative atmosphere.

A brief summary to Shukkeien Garden

2-11 Kaminoboricho, Hiroshima, Kaminoboricho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0014, JP
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Monday 9 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
Thursday 9 am-6 pm
Friday 9 am-6 pm
Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Sunday 9 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Shukkeien Garden.

Allow at least one to two hours to fully explore the garden's diverse landscapes and tea houses.
Visit during spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (foliage) for the most vibrant scenery.
Combine your visit with nearby Hiroshima Castle for a full day of sightseeing.
Take your time to stroll around the pond and enjoy the pleasant views.

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Explore Shukkeien Garden on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Shukkeien Garden, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Hiroshima Station, Shukkei-en Garden is approximately a 15-minute walk. Head north from the station, following the main road. The garden will be on your left, a short distance from Hiroshima Castle.
Public Transport

From Hiroshima Station, take tram line 1, 2, or 6 to Hatchobori station, then transfer to tram line 9 and get off at Shukkeien-mae. The entire journey takes about 15 minutes and costs 240 yen. Alternatively, take the Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus (Meipuru-pu) from Hiroshima Station and exit at the Prefectural Art Museum (Shukkeien-mae) bus stop. The Meipuru-pu bus costs 200 yen for adults. A one-day pass for Hiroshima's trams is also an option.
Taxi

A taxi from Hiroshima Station to Shukkei-en Garden takes about 5 minutes. The fare is approximately 700-900 yen.

Discover more about Shukkeien Garden

Shukkei-en Garden, a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty, offers a captivating glimpse into traditional Japanese garden design. Constructed in 1620 by Ueda Soko for Asano Nagaakira, the lord of Hiroshima Castle, the garden served as a relaxing villa for the Asano family. Its name, meaning 'shrunken-scenery garden', aptly describes its concept: a miniature representation of diverse natural landscapes. It is said to be modeled after the scenic West Lake in China.Throughout its history, Shukkei-en has been carefully maintained, even after suffering extensive damage from the atomic bombing in 1945. It served as a refuge for victims and was later restored, reopening in 1951. Today, the garden features a central pond, Takuei Pond, with various islands connected by pathways, bridges, and tea houses. Visitors can stroll along the circular path, enjoying the meticulously arranged mountains, valleys, and diverse plant life that create a sense of immersion in nature. The garden is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring and when the foliage turns vibrant in autumn.Around the garden's main pond, there are a number of tea houses which offer visitors ideal views of the surrounding scenery. The Seifukan and Meigetsu-tei pavilions have been restored. The garden also features a memorial to those who died and were buried here after the atomic bombing. Shukkei-en provides a tranquil oasis in the heart of Hiroshima, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.