Shukkeien
Shukkeien, A Small Stroll Garden Of Ponds, Bridges And Miniature Mountains In Central Hiroshima Laid Out In 1620, Damaged By The Atomic Bomb And Restored, A Quiet Place Of Tea Houses And Carp Near The Peace Memorial Area. · Hiroshima, Hiroshima
Shukkeien is a small stroll garden in central Hiroshima, a few minutes on foot from Hiroshima Castle and the tram stop at Shukkeien-mae. It was laid out in 1620 as a garden for the Asano family, the lords of Hiroshima, and is credited to the chief retainer Ueda Soko - confirm. The name is usually translated as the shrunken-scenery garden, because it imitates a mountain landscape in miniature. A central pond with islands, bridges and tea houses is the heart, with carp, paths and clipped trees around it. The atomic bomb of 1945 damaged the garden badly, and it was restored after the war. It suits anyone who wants a calm hour after the Peace Memorial sites, and photographers in spring and autumn. It is worth a visit in good weather and when the trees are in blossom or colour; it is less rewarding on a grey winter day or if you have little time. Cash is handy at the gate, and the cafe stops nearby are small, so plan your meals.
2-11 Kaminobori-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, a short walk from the Hiroshima Castle area or the tram stop at Shukkeien-mae, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
The garden usually opens from about 9am and closes in the late afternoon, earlier in winter, with last entry shortly before closing - confirm the season. It is normally open every day apart from the New Year holiday, though occasional closures occur for events and weather. From Hiroshima Station it is about 15 to 20 minutes on foot or a short tram ride to Shukkeien-mae. The garden is small and needs no booking. Cash is required at the gate in most cases, and a tea house inside may serve matcha and sweets for a separate fee - confirm hours.