Just a short distance from Hiroshima Station, Shukkeien Garden offers visitors a peaceful escape from the city’s busy streets. Walking through the garden, visitors can find stone lanterns, winding paths, traditional tea houses, bridges and beautiful historic gardens that have been enjoyed for more than 400 years.
Originally constructed in 1620 for Hiroshima’s feudal lord, Asano Nagaakira, the garden was designed by tea master Ueda Sōko. According to information from a brochure provided by the garden, the name Shukkeien translates to “shrunken scenery garden” because the landscape creates mountains, valleys, rivers and islands in miniature form. The design allows visitors to experience several different landscapes within a single garden, with each section offering a different perspective of the grounds.
At the center of the garden is Takuei Pond, which has several small islands connected by bridges and walking paths. Visitors can explore the grounds from different angles while passing traditional architecture, stone lanterns and pine trees. The rainy weather added to the garden’s peaceful atmosphere as raindrops collected on lily pads around the pond.
The wildlife offered students another way to experience the garden. Whether watching koi fish gather at the water’s edge or spotting turtles resting near the pond, many students found themselves slowing down and taking in the scenery around them.
For many students, the peaceful setting was one of the more memorable aspects of the visit.
“It’s very tranquil,” said Cayden Perkins, a digital media innovation senior. “We were just talking about how it would actually be a pretty peaceful proposal spot.”
Another student, Mia Saucedo, a digital media innovation senior, said the attention to detail throughout the garden stood out to her.
“Everything here feels intentional,” she said. “Every plant, rock and bridge feels intentional. Everything has a meaning and a reason.”
While the beauty is the first thing visitors notice, its history is also significant. Shukkeien was heavily damaged by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. According to a plaque displayed within the garden, a great number of people came to Shukkeien for refuge after the bombing, but died before receiving medical care. The victims were interred within the garden. Today, a memorial within the grounds commemorates those who lost their lives after seeking shelter here.
A reminder of that history can be found in the garden today. A ginkgo tree that survived the atomic bombing remains standing in Shukkeien. According to the garden, it is one of only two trees that survived the blast.
“The tree just really spoke to me because I found it to be a symbol of resilience,” Celeste Montoya, a mass communication senior, said. “Even though this horrible thing happened, it was still able to survive. They rebuilt around it, and now they’re protecting it. It’s still here.”
More than 80 years later, the tree still stands as a reminder of what the garden and city endured.
Another student, Ellen Nash, digital media innovation junior, said the landscape reminded her of a fairy tale.
“It truly is magical in a way,” she said. “Everything’s so luscious.”
Her comments reflected the reaction of many students, who spent much of the visit taking photos and exploring the grounds at their own pace.
More than 400 years after it was first constructed, Shukkeien continues to attract visitors from around the world. From its winding paths and historic tea houses to its connection to Hiroshima’s past, the garden offers visitors a chance to experience both the beauty and history of the city in one place. Admission costs 350 yen for adults (about $2.40 USD) and 150 yen for college students (about $1 USD), making it an affordable stop for visitors exploring Hiroshima.
Today, Shukkeien remains a popular destination for both tourists and local residents. Located within walking distance of Hiroshima Station, the garden allows visitors to experience a different side of Hiroshima beyond the city’s most well-known historical landmarks.
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