I had Shukkei-en Garden on my list of things to see in Hiroshima, but at the last moment, I felt lazy, only for about 10 minutes because the heat and humidity were at their peak that day. Then I thought it was too silly to be in Hiroshima and not visit this beautiful garden.
This historic garden, whose name means “shrunken scenery garden,” is a hidden gem in the heart of the city. It’s a place where nature and history meet, offering visitors a unique and calming experience.
A bit of history about Shukkei-en garden
Shukkei-en Garden was created in 1620 by Asano Nagaakira, a daimyo of Hiroshima, under the direction of Ueda Soko, a famous tea master. The garden was designed to recreate in miniature the famous landscapes of China, particularly those of West Lake in Hangzhou.
Over the centuries, the garden has been carefully maintained and restored, despite the destruction caused by the atomic bomb in 1945. As with many places in Hiroshima, there are mentions in the garden of the destruction caused by the 1945 atomic bomb. Photos and information remind visitors of how Shukkei-en was devastated and then meticulously restored.
First impression: a magical entrance
From the moment you enter, you are immediately transported to another world. The contrast between the hustle and bustle of the city and the tranquility of the garden is striking. First, you pass through the wooden gate, then take your ticket, and off you go, letting yourself be enveloped by the inner peace that Japanese gardens are known for.
The winding paths, wooden bridges, and ponds reflecting the trees and flowers create a serene and meditative atmosphere.
The famous miniature landscapes and central pond
As I mentioned in the introduction, Shukkei-en is renowned for its miniature landscapes, a feature that sets it apart from other Japanese gardens. Each section of the garden represents a different landscape, from steep “mountains” to peaceful “valleys.” Following the paths, you discover artificial hills, carefully placed rocks, and precisely pruned trees. It’s almost like being in the setting of one of those Japanese paintings.
There are also many stone bridges and red bridges crossing the pond and streams. Some of these bridges are narrow, others wider, and some have pronounced curves. These structures add a touch of charm and architectural diversity to the garden, while also offering viewpoints of the surrounding landscape.
The diversity of plants is also impressive, with a variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs changing with the seasons.
When I visited this garden in July, everything was green. But I amused myself by imagining the cherry blossoms in spring or the maple trees blazing red and gold in autumn.
And in winter, the snow must certainly bring an almost magical tranquility.
At the heart of the garden is a large pond, the central feature of Shukkei-en. It is dotted with small islands and crossed by stone bridges. It’s the focal point of many perspectives. Walking along its shores, I could see koi carp, turtles, and even a heron. Since you can buy food for them at the entrance for 100¥, fish and turtles rush to meet you when you approach.
Tea pavilions and temples
The garden houses several traditional tea pavilions and small temples where visitors can immerse themselves in the art of Japanese tea. Some pavilions have thatched roofs, others tiles, each bringing its own aesthetic.
The pavilions themselves are architectural works of art, perfectly integrated into the landscape.
What makes Shukkei-en so special is its atmosphere conducive to meditation and reflection. Several times, I sat on a bench simply to admire the landscape and listen to the sounds of nature. These moments of tranquility allowed me to recentre myself and fully appreciate the garden’s beauty.
And I also congratulated myself for getting motivated to come despite the heat. It was definitely worth it.
Tips for visiting
If you plan to visit Shukkei-en, here are some tips to make the most of your experience:
- Take your time: The garden is designed to be explored slowly. Take the time to appreciate every detail and stop often to admire the views.
- Attend a tea ceremony: It’s a unique experience worth the detour. Find out the schedule of ceremonies before your visit.
- Visit in all seasons: Each season offers a different perspective of the garden. If possible, come back at different times of the year to appreciate all the facets of Shukkei-en.
Bon voyage !
