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Shukkeien
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · JP

Shukkeien

Getting around: About a 15-20 minute walk from Hiroshima Station, or take the streetcar to Shukkeien-mae stop.
Hours: Typically 9am-6pm (shorter in winter), open daily; paid admission.

Shukkeien is a traditional strolling garden built in 1620 by a retainer of the Asano clan, designed around a central pond meant to evoke miniature mountain and valley scenery, with the name translating roughly to 'shrunken-scenery garden.' Like much of central Hiroshima, it was devastated by the 1945 atomic bombing and later restored, with some original trees and stones from before the war still identifiable.

It's a compact, quiet garden well suited to a shorter visit, with a small teahouse and views that change with each turn along the winding paths around the pond.

Shukkeien FAQs

Is Shukkeien original or rebuilt?

It was heavily damaged in the 1945 atomic bombing and subsequently restored, though some original elements survive.

Is there an entrance fee?

Yes, a modest paid admission.

How long does a visit take?

About 30-45 minutes.

Is it near Hiroshima Castle?

Yes, both are within a similar area northeast of Peace Memorial Park, reachable by streetcar or a longer walk.

What does the name Shukkeien mean?

Roughly 'shrunken-scenery garden,' referring to its miniature recreations of natural landscapes.

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