SHUKKEIEN GARDEN

Shukkeien Garden Hiroshima sometimes known as Bridges in Shukkeien is one of the great Japanese gardens. Shukkeien Garden is also significant for its roll in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Shukkeien (縮景園) Hiroshima, is not officially one of Japan's Top 3 Japanese gardens, nor is it a National Treasure, but it could qualify as the former and I cannot understand how it is not a National Treasure. Shukkeien Garden is a compact and beautifully landscaped Japanese garden that is well worth a visit. Despite the occasional high-rise peeping over the trees, it feels like an entirely different world, little paths crossing ponds on bridges and winding their way around graceful teahouses and waterfalls. Shukkeien Garden is a very popular attraction with 180,000 visitors annually.

Bridges Shukkeien Garden

Shukkeien Garden Concept

Construction of Shukkeien was begun in 1620, the year following Asanu Nagaakira’s installation as Daimyo (feudal lord) of Hiroshima. It was built by his principal retainer, Ueda Soko, a famous master of the Japanese tea ceremony, as the garden of Nagaakira’s villa. Shukkeien's name literally means “shrink-scenery garden”, which expresses the idea of collecting and miniaturizing many scenic views. As is tradition, the miniaturized landscape is modelled on a real life landscape, in the case of Shukkeien, Xihu (West Lake) in Hangzhou, China.

Islet - Shukkeien Garden

In the center of Shukkeien is Takuei Pond, which contains more than 10 islets (small rock island) large and small. Around the edge of Takuei Pond are mountains, valleys, bridges, tea cottages and arbors are skilfully arranged, and joined by a path which one can stroll around. Japanese gardens of this type are known as circular-tour gardens. They first, appeared in the Muromachi Era (1336-1568). By the early stages of the Edo Era (1600-1867) they were refined to a classical form. The main gardens of most daimyo conform to the circular tour style.

To make the land allocated to Shukkeien seem many times larger than its actual size, every part of the garden is rich in variety: here a remote mountain and solitary valley, here a broad seashore blended with the moods of the seasons are a concentrated spectacle and a diversity that truly make the garden worthy of its name.

Koko-kyo over Takuei Pond - Shukkeien Garden

The bridge which spans the center of the pond, Koko-kyo (lit. ‘straddling rainbow bridge”), was first built differently, then demolished and reconstructed in its present form at the order of Shigeakira, seventh lord of the clan, by a famous builder from Kyoto. Koko-kyo clearly displays a free command of the bold and novel technique reminiscent of both Engetsuhashi in the Korakuen of Koishikawa in Tokyo and Chitnsebashi at Kyoto’s Shügakuin Detached Palace.

Seifukan Tea House - Shukkeien Garden

The main building near the center of the garden, known as Seifukan. Seifukan is built in the sukiyazukuri tea house style, with a shingled roof. The western section of Seifukan is done in the elegant shoinzukuri writing-chamber style, and in the east wall is set a lyre-shaped katomado window which frames a perfect view of Koko-kyo. This cottage was especially beloved by many generations of daimyo of the Aasano clan.

Shukkeien Garden History

Shukkeien Garden is only 1.2Km from the hypercenter of the Hiroshima atomic bomb. All the buildings were destroyed and all the vegetation was burnt or killed with the exception one tree. Many people injured by the bomb took refuge in the grounds of the Shukkeien Garden, however many died in the garden of their wounds. Their remains were interred within the garden.
Chronology

• 1619 (Genna 5) Asano Nagaakira takes up residence at Hiroshima Castle. His fief comprises all of Aid Province and eight counties of Bingo Province, the total area being assessed at a rice-yield of 426,000 koku (1 koku=4.96 bushels).
• 1620 (Genna 6) Nagaakira’s principal retainer, Ueda Soko, begins construction of the garden.
• 1783-88 (Temmei 3-8) At daimyö Asano Shigeakira’s invitation Kyoto landscape gardener Shimizu Shichiroemon comes and makes improvements.
• 1940 (Showa 15) Shukkeien is donated to Hiroshima Prefecture. It is designated a National Scenic Spot.
• 1945 (Showa 20) The buildings and vegetation are destroyed by fire in the Hiroshima atomic bombing.
• 1951 (Showa 26) The garden is opened to the public while restoration is still in progress.
• 1964 (Showa 39) The Seifukan is restored.
• 1974 (Showa 49) The Meigetsutei is restored.

Shukkeien Garden Transport

From Hiroshima Station take the number 9 tram and get off at Shukkeien-mae.

Opening Times
April 1st to September 30th daily 9 AM to 6 PM,
October 1st to March 31st daily 9AM to 5PM
Entry fee ¥250.

Shukkeien Garden Pictures

We have a total of 45 Shukkeien Garden pictures in very high resolution.