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Shukkei-en Garden: A Miniature Paradise in Hiroshima

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

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Shukkei-en Garden, meaning 'shrunken-scenery garden,' is a traditional Japanese garden in Hiroshima that recreates famous landscapes in miniature. With its serene pond, historic tea houses, and meticulously crafted scenery, it offers a tranquil escape from the city.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Shukkeien Garden

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

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2-11 Kaminoboricho, Hiroshima, Kaminoboricho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0014, JP
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

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    Getting There

    Walking

    From Hiroshima Station, Shukkei-en Garden is a pleasant 15-minute walk. Exit the station and head north, following the main road. The garden will be on your left, next to the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum. No costs are involved for this final approach.

    Public Transport

    Take the Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus (Meipuru-pu) from Hiroshima Station to the Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of Art bus stop, a 3-minute walk to the garden. Alternatively, take tram line 9 from Hatchobori (accessible from Hiroshima Station via tram lines 1, 2, or 6) to Shukkeien-mae stop, a short walk to the garden. The tram journey from Hiroshima Station takes about 15 minutes and costs 240 yen. A single ride on the Loop Bus costs 220 yen.

    Local tips

    Allow at least one to two hours to fully explore the garden's winding paths and hidden corners.
    Visit during spring or autumn for the most vibrant seasonal colors.
    Purchase fish food at the entrance to feed the koi in the central pond.
    Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum using a combined ticket.
    Take a moment to reflect at the memorial dedicated to the atomic bombing victims who sought refuge in the garden.

    Discover more about Shukkeien Garden

    Shukkei-en Garden, a designated national place of scenic beauty, offers visitors a serene escape into a meticulously crafted miniature world. Constructed in 1620 by Ueda Soko for Lord Asano, the garden embodies the aesthetics of the Edo period, reflecting a desire to capture famous landscapes in a compact space. The name 'Shukkei-en' translates to 'shrunken-scenery garden,' a fitting description of its design.The garden's central feature is a pond dotted with islands representing those in the Inland Sea, connected by winding paths, bridges, and traditional tea houses. These elements create a circular-tour garden, inviting visitors to stroll and discover new perspectives. The Kokokyo Bridge, with its elegant rainbow shape, is a prominent landmark.Shukkei-en has a poignant history, having been almost entirely destroyed by the atomic bombing in 1945. It was lovingly restored and reopened in 1951, becoming a symbol of resilience and peace. A memorial stands within the garden, commemorating those who sought refuge here after the bombing but succumbed to their injuries. Today, Shukkei-en is a beloved destination where visitors can appreciate the beauty of nature, experience Japanese garden design, and reflect on history.Throughout the year, Shukkei-en offers seasonal beauty, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and plum blossoms in winter. Tea ceremonies are held in the tea houses, providing an immersive cultural experience.
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