Shukkei Garden

You step through a grand red gate. The first thing you see is a traditional Japanese garden, surrounded by a low stone wall, with a curved roof, an old-fashioned lantern standing near the entrance. This is Shukkei Garden. You are in Hiroshima, Japan. The name Shukkei Garden means “shrunken scenery garden” in English. Each part of the garden is a miniature version of a different landscape, like valleys, mountains, and forests. The garden was built in 1620 by Ueda Soko, a famous tea master, for the daimyo Asano Nagaakira. These daimyos were powerful feudal lords. They ruled most of Japan from the 10th century to the mid-19th century. The garden was designed after the West Lake in Hangzhou, China. In 1940, the Asano family donated Shukkei-en to Hiroshima Prefecture. Sadly, it was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. But after 30 years of restoration, Shukkei Garden is as beautiful as ever. This garden is a place of peace and tranquility. The garden is also a place of remembrance. A small statue of a young boy sits on a hill overlooking a river. It’s a memorial to the victims of the atomic bomb. The garden is a popular place for Japanese newlyweds to have their pictures taken. There are several tea houses in the garden where you can sit and have tea. You can see beautiful koi fish swimming in the pond. You might see a few couples taking photos on the bridge known as Rainbow Bridge, which connects the earth and heaven. The garden is truly a sight to behold with its vivid colours, meticulous landscaping, and an atmosphere of calm. You can visit this majestic garden in Hiroshima and learn about the history of this fascinating city.