Shukkeien Garden dates back to 1620 when Asano Nagaakira, the feudal load, ruled the Hiroshima area and ordered the construction of the garden for his villa. The atomic bomb attack in 1945 extensively damaged the garden. The renovation after the attack took about three decades, and the new peaceful garden is now open for the public.
Both crane and turtle island sit in the center pond, Takueichi, and represent the theme of longevity. The pond’s water is brackish and contains both fresh and sea water, which provides a home for coastal fish, like the flathead grey mullet, and wild birds which gather here to pray on these fish.
Around the pond, there are teahouses and small cottages, as well as artificial mountains, rivers and islands arranged to cleverly present miniaturized sceneries. This is a Japanese strolling garden which offers a variety of viewpoints along a circular trail. You can look upon the entire area from the highest peak in the park called Geikiho, which is a replica of Mt. Fuji.
You can also enjoy the seasonal nature in the park where the cherry trees blossom in spring, lush green trees in summer, fall foliage in autumn, and plum blossoms and Japanese camellia flowers in winter. The illumination during the cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons offers spectacular night views.
Highlights
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Beautiful seasonal nature.
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Illumination in spring and fall.
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The great viewpoint for the park at Geikiho peak, a replica of Mt. Fuji.
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Located in downtown. Easy access.
