Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima - Highlights, Seasonal Events And Access

Shukkeien - A Beautiful Garden in Hiroshima

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Shukkeien is a Japanese garden located in Hiroshima. The garden is designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Historical Parks and a National Scenic Spot. “Shukkei” indicates the tight packing of picturesque scenery from various areas in one place. Just as its name describes, the garden has a pond and islet at its entrance and is characterized by its structure, from which you can sense the splendor and beauty of nature.

The garden was ordered to be constructed in 1620 by a daimyo (feudal lord) by the name of Nagaakira Asano, once a lord of Hiroshima Castle. Following its construction, it was maintained by the Asano family, but was destroyed by the dropping of the atomic bomb in 1945. It was reconstructed in 1970.

The garden has now become a popular sightseeing spot as a place where you can enjoy flowers from each season. These include cherry blossoms, azaleas, and the autumn leaves.

Landscape Gardening Method: Chisenkaiyushiki

Photo by Pixta
Shukkeien is structured using a method called chisenkaiyushiki. This style of garden is characterized by a pond at its center. In the pond is a small, artificially made islet meant to represent an island located in the ocean.

Gazing at the garden scenery while strolling around the pond is a way to enjoy this style of garden.

Information

Shukkeien’s business hours vary depending on the season.

April 1st – September 30th 9:00 – 18:00 (entry until 17:30)

October 1st – March 31st 9:00 – 17:00 (entry until 16:30)

The entrance fee is 260 yen for adults, 150 yen for high school and university students, and 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students.

Going To Shukkeien

Here is how to access Shukkeien from JR Hiroshima Station.

It is useful to utilize Meipuru-pu (Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus) while sightseeing within the city of Hiroshima. Take the orange route bus (via Peace Memorial Park and Museum) from Hiroshima Station and exit at the Prefectural Art Museum (Shukkeien-mae) bus stop.

Meipuru-pu comes once every hour and is 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children. One-day unlimited ride tickets are also sold for adults at 400 yen. For more details, please check the official website.

For details on how to travel to Hiroshima from Tokyo, please read “How To Travel From Tokyo To Hiroshima: A Thorough Comparison”.