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When people think of sightseeing in Hiroshima, famous spots like the Atomic Bomb Dome or Miyajima likely come to mind first. But if you’re looking for something a little more serene and less traveled, Shukkeien Garden is a must-visit. Tucked away in central Hiroshima, this Japanese garden offers a peaceful retreat from the city bustle.
Originally built in the early Edo period, this garden is a beautiful blend of seasonal nature and calm atmosphere. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, which makes it the perfect place to enjoy a slow-paced, deeply soothing experience.
In this article, we’ll dive into the history of Shukkeien, its highlights, seasonal beauty, access info, and more. If you’re planning a trip to Hiroshima, be sure to add it to your list.
Shukkeien Garden was created in 1620 by Asano Nagaakira, the feudal lord of Hiroshima. Inspired by Chinese scenic landscapes, its name “Shukkeien” literally means “shrunken scenery.”
Within the garden, you’ll find ponds, artificial hills, and traditional teahouses, all of which have been beloved by cultural figures and domain lords for centuries. Though it suffered devastating damage from the atomic bombing, it has since been restored and now sits beside the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, serving as a beloved cultural spot for both locals and visitors.
| Adults | ¥350 |
|---|---|
| University Students | ¥150 |
| High School and Under | Free |
Shukkeien is a garden where you can fully feel the changes of the seasons. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, fresh green leaves sway in summer breezes, autumn colors light up the grounds, and snow brings a quiet stillness in winter.
This changing beauty across seasons is one of the garden’s greatest charms. Let’s take a look at what each season has to offer.
In spring, Shukkeien bursts into bloom with colorful plum trees and around 130 cherry trees. One of the best sights is the contrast between the blooming trees and the fresh green foliage around the central pond.
During cherry blossom season, the garden holds a “Sakura Festival,” and the grounds are illuminated at night. These glowing nighttime scenes offer a dreamy, magical experience that’s unique to Shukkeien.
Wrapped in gentle light and soft hues, it’s a moment that truly captures the essence of peace and healing that Shukkeien provides.
In summer, Shukkeien is covered in vibrant green. Maples, pines, and other trees flourish, casting cool shade throughout the garden, making it a comfortable escape even on hot days.
Hydrangeas also bloom, their petals glistening in the rain, adding a quiet elegance to the stone pathways. The sound of flowing water and rustling leaves makes it a sensory haven — perfect for those seeking solitude and serenity.
In autumn, the trees in Shukkeien turn vivid shades of red and orange. Whether around the pond or on the hills, you can enjoy breathtaking foliage that wraps the entire garden in seasonal beauty.
The best viewing time is typically mid to late November. A “Momiji Festival” is held, and the garden is lit up at night. Reflections of maple leaves and lights on the pond create an enchanting nighttime view.
From the peaceful scenery of the day to the dazzling displays at night, autumn at Shukkeien offers two beautiful faces of the same season.
Winter brings the quietest time to Shukkeien. Visitor numbers drop, and the silence becomes part of its charm. On lucky days, snow lightly covers the hills and lanterns, turning the entire garden into a delicate winter wonderland.
The crisp air, white-tipped stones and trees, and still pond water create a refined winter atmosphere that highlights the garden’s tranquil soul.
The beauty of Shukkeien isn’t just about the seasons. Throughout the garden, you’ll find spots filled with history and artistic detail, each with its own charm.
Let’s explore some of the must-see highlights that add depth and elegance to your walk through the garden.
The Koko Bridge is a symbolic arched stone bridge at the heart of Shukkeien. Its graceful arc represents a rainbow connecting heaven and earth. It was built in the late 1780s under the order of the 7th feudal lord Asano Shigeakira by Kyoto gardener Shimizu Shichiroemon.
Having withstood the atomic bomb blast, this 240-year-old bridge remains a symbol of the garden’s resilience and elegance, naturally drawing visitors to pause and admire.
Seifukan is a traditional teahouse built in the sukiya-zukuri architectural style, which embodies simplicity and refined beauty. It harmonizes perfectly with the quiet atmosphere of the garden.
During the First Sino-Japanese War in 1894, Hiroshima Castle served as the Imperial General Headquarters, and Seifukan was used as the temporary residence of Emperor Meiji — a little-known historical fact.
The interior is usually closed to the public but is sometimes open during tea ceremonies and special events.
One of the most tranquil areas in Shukkeien is its bamboo path. The tall, straight bamboo rises toward the sky, muffling surrounding sounds and creating a serene space.
Unlike seasonal changes, the bamboo remains elegant year-round. In summer, it brings a refreshing breeze, and on rainy days, it adds a moist, atmospheric charm.
Visit during quieter hours, and you’ll hear only the rustling leaves and footsteps on gravel — as if time has paused. It’s an ideal retreat for anyone seeking peaceful solitude.
We especially recommend visiting during the illuminated Sakura Festival. The contrast of bamboo green and cherry blossom pink is truly stunning.
Shukkeien is designed in the traditional “chisen-kaiyu-shiki” style, which centers around a pond with paths for strolling.
Source: Garden Map – Official Shukkeien Site
The scenery changes with every step, offering new views like pages in a picture scroll — one of the pleasures of this garden style.
Carefully arranged hills, bridges, and teahouses guide your eyes and steps through ever-evolving scenes. Shakkeien also uses “shakkei” or borrowed scenery, incorporating distant mountains to create an expansive feeling within the compact space.
If you’re interested in garden design and aesthetics, take a slow walk to appreciate these subtle shifts and compositions.
The full garden map is also available in multiple languages on the official pamphlet (Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese, and French).
A full loop around the garden takes about 40–50 minutes. A shorter half-loop takes about 20–30 minutes.
Shukkeien stands apart from flashy tourist spots. It’s a place of quiet elegance where seasonal beauty, historical structures, and serene bamboo groves come together in harmony.
Stepping away from the hustle of daily life and surrendering to the garden’s gentle flow of time will leave a lasting impression on your journey.
If you’re visiting Hiroshima, make sure to stop by Shukkeien. What you’ll find here is true beauty — and a quiet sense of awe that lingers.
