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Shukkei-en Garden: A Miniature Paradise

Discover Hiroshima's tranquil Shukkei-en Garden, a meticulously restored landscape offering a serene escape and a glimpse into Japanese history.

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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 bridges, all designed to be explored along a circular path. Despite suffering damage from the atomic bomb, it has been lovingly restored as a symbol of peace and resilience.

A brief summary to Shukkeien Garden

Local tips

  • Take your time to stroll along the winding paths and fully appreciate the miniature landscapes and carefully designed features of the garden.
  • Consider visiting during different seasons to experience the unique beauty of the garden, such as the cherry blossoms in spring or the colorful maple leaves in autumn.
  • Check the schedule for seasonal tea ceremonies held in the garden's tea houses for a unique cultural experience.
  • Purchase carp feed to enjoy the sight of the large koi carp in the central pond.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum for a richer cultural experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Shukkei-en Garden is approximately a 15-minute walk from Hiroshima Station. Exit the station and walk north, following the main road. The garden will be on your left, adjacent to the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum.

  • Public Transport

    From Hiroshima Station, take tram line 1, 2, or 6 to Hatchobori, then transfer to tram line 9 and get off at Shukkeien-mae. The fare is 240 yen. From the Shukkeien-mae stop, it is a short 2-minute walk to the garden.

  • Bus

    Take the Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus (Meipuru-pu) from Hiroshima Station and get off at the Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of Art bus stop, which is next to the garden. The fare is 240 yen per ride, or 600 yen for a 1-day pass.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Hiroshima Station. A short taxi ride to Shukkei-en Garden will cost approximately 820-1620 JPY, based on the initial fare of 620 JPY plus roughly 500 JPY per kilometer. Note that traffic conditions may affect the final fare.

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Discover more about Shukkeien Garden

Shukkei-en Garden, whose name translates to "shrunken-scenery garden", is a meticulously crafted landscape garden located in the heart of Hiroshima. Created in 1620 by Ueda Soko under the order of Asano Nagaakira, the garden was designed to recreate famous natural landscapes in a compact space, offering visitors a serene escape from the city. The garden features a central pond dotted with islands, artificial hills, miniature valleys, and carefully placed rocks and trees. Winding paths connect tea houses and gazebos, providing varied views of the surrounding scenery. The design incorporates elements of traditional Japanese aesthetics, creating a harmonious balance between nature and art. Shukkei-en is designed in the kaiyu-style, inviting visitors to explore its beauty along a circular path. Shukkei-en has a rich history, serving as a villa for the Asano family and even briefly housing Emperor Meiji. Although the garden suffered extensive damage during the atomic bombing in 1945, it was reopened in 1951 after undergoing renovations and stands as a symbol of Hiroshima's resilience. Today, visitors can experience seasonal tea ceremonies and appreciate the tranquility of this meticulously maintained garden.

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