Shukkei-en Garden, Hiroshima (must see)
Shukkei-en Garden is a historic and exquisite Japanese garden with a rich and fascinating history. Its construction began in 1620 during the Edo period, under the orders of Asano Nagaakira, the daimyo (feudal lord) of Hiroshima Han.
To create this magnificent garden, the seventh lord of the Han summoned a skilled expert in Japanese garden construction from Kyoto. With their expertise, Shukkei-en was meticulously designed and crafted to embody the essence of traditional Japanese landscaping and aesthetics.
During the Meiji period, the garden served as a tranquil retreat and villa for the Asano family. However, its significance expanded when Emperor Meiji's Imperial General Headquarters were relocated to Hiroshima, and the emperor briefly stayed at the villa. Following this historical event, the garden was opened to the public, allowing visitors to appreciate its serene beauty and harmonious design.
The garden's journey took a significant turn during World War II when Hiroshima became the target of the first atomic bomb used in warfare. Shukkei-en Garden, unfortunately, lay in close proximity to Ground Zero of the nuclear attack. The bombing inflicted extensive damage on the garden, devastating its carefully curated landscapes and structures.
In the aftermath of the bombing, the garden served as a place of refuge for victims of the war, providing solace amidst the chaos and destruction. Despite the challenges faced during this dark period, the resilience of the people and their dedication to preserving their cultural heritage allowed for the rehabilitation and restoration of Shukkei-en Garden.
Following renovations and reconstruction efforts, the garden triumphantly reopened its gates to the public in 1951, presenting once again a haven of tranquility and beauty amidst the bustling city of Hiroshima. The carefully tended landscapes, picturesque ponds, graceful bridges, and traditional structures all contribute to the charm and allure of Shukkei-en.
Today, visitors from all over the world can experience the profound historical significance and the serene ambiance that envelopes Shukkei-en Garden. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Japanese people, symbolizing their ability to rebuild and heal even after facing immense adversity.
To create this magnificent garden, the seventh lord of the Han summoned a skilled expert in Japanese garden construction from Kyoto. With their expertise, Shukkei-en was meticulously designed and crafted to embody the essence of traditional Japanese landscaping and aesthetics.
During the Meiji period, the garden served as a tranquil retreat and villa for the Asano family. However, its significance expanded when Emperor Meiji's Imperial General Headquarters were relocated to Hiroshima, and the emperor briefly stayed at the villa. Following this historical event, the garden was opened to the public, allowing visitors to appreciate its serene beauty and harmonious design.
The garden's journey took a significant turn during World War II when Hiroshima became the target of the first atomic bomb used in warfare. Shukkei-en Garden, unfortunately, lay in close proximity to Ground Zero of the nuclear attack. The bombing inflicted extensive damage on the garden, devastating its carefully curated landscapes and structures.
In the aftermath of the bombing, the garden served as a place of refuge for victims of the war, providing solace amidst the chaos and destruction. Despite the challenges faced during this dark period, the resilience of the people and their dedication to preserving their cultural heritage allowed for the rehabilitation and restoration of Shukkei-en Garden.
Following renovations and reconstruction efforts, the garden triumphantly reopened its gates to the public in 1951, presenting once again a haven of tranquility and beauty amidst the bustling city of Hiroshima. The carefully tended landscapes, picturesque ponds, graceful bridges, and traditional structures all contribute to the charm and allure of Shukkei-en.
Today, visitors from all over the world can experience the profound historical significance and the serene ambiance that envelopes Shukkei-en Garden. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Japanese people, symbolizing their ability to rebuild and heal even after facing immense adversity.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hiroshima. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Shukkei-en Garden on Map
Sight Name: Shukkei-en Garden
Sight Location: Hiroshima, Japan (See walking tours in Hiroshima)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Hiroshima, Japan (See walking tours in Hiroshima)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Hiroshima, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Hiroshima
Creating your own self-guided walk in Hiroshima is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Tour
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park stands as a solemn testament to one of the darkest chapters in human history. This park is a haunting reminder of the catastrophic impact of nuclear warfare during World War II. Its grounds, marked by heart-wrenching attractions, bear witness to the immense suffering and loss that occurred on August 6, 1945.
Within this place of sorrow, the attractions etch the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Within this place of sorrow, the attractions etch the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Hiroshima Introduction Walking Tour
Tucked away within the contours of Japan's southwestern expanse, the green and picturesque city of Hiroshima emerges as a profound testament to history's arc and an unwavering beacon of hope for a world united in harmony.
Composed of two kanji characters: "hiro", which means "wide" or "broad," and "shima", which means "island," the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Composed of two kanji characters: "hiro", which means "wide" or "broad," and "shima", which means "island," the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles