A Chill Spot in Hiroshima City!? A Complete Guide to the Highlights of Shukkeien Garden

The famous spot Shukkeien, located in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is—as its name suggests—a garden created by gathering and compressing numerous scenic landscapes into one. With its central large pond, teahouses, bridges, gazebos, and the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, every corner is a picturesque “chill spot”—a place of healing. In this article, you’ll find information about how to access Shukkeien, opening hours, and even lunch recommendations. Please use it as a guide for your sightseeing.

1. What is Shukkeien? The highlight is autumn foliage

The history of Shukkeien dates back about 400 years. In 1620 (the 6th year of the Genna era), it was constructed by the chief retainer Ueda Sōko as the garden of the villa of Asano Nagaakira, the feudal lord of Hiroshima at the time. Around the central pond, valleys, mountains, gazebos, bridges, and teahouses were created, forming what is known as a “strolling garden,” where visitors can walk along paths and enjoy different views.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom; in summer, irises and hydrangeas; in winter, plum blossoms. But the most popular season is autumn, when the vividly colored maples reflect beautifully on the surface of the pond. Many tourists come to capture this breathtaking scene with their cameras.

2. Popular events and attractions at Shukkeien

Shukkeien hosts tea ceremonies several times a year, timed with the seasonal highlights of plants and flowers. These are open to the general public. Visitors can enjoy delicious matcha and sweets while appreciating the blossoms or autumn leaves.
At night, illumination events are held, lighting up the cherry blossoms in full bloom or the fiery red autumn leaves. This enchanting spectacle attracts many visitors every year during the light-up season.

■ Tea Ceremony

Seasonal tea ceremonies are held, such as the Cherry Blossom Viewing Tea Ceremony, Chrysanthemum Viewing Tea Ceremony, Maple Viewing Tea Ceremony, and Plum Blossom Viewing Tea Ceremony. The photo shows Seifukan, one of the tea ceremony venues.

■ Light-up

The illuminated autumn leaves are so stunning that cheers can be heard from all around. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is the garden’s most breathtaking highlight.

3. Recommended Lunch Spots Around Shukkeien

Here we will introduce a light meal shop inside Shukkeien as well as a restaurant with the best view of the garden.

■ Sensuitei

This is a light meal shop located inside Shukkeien. You can enjoy sweets such as zenzai (sweet red bean soup) and shaved ice, as well as light meals like rice balls and udon. Perfect for when you’re a little hungry or just want to take a short break.

■ Zona ITALIA in Centro

This is a restaurant located inside the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum. From the elegant interior, you can enjoy close-up views of Shukkeien’s seasonal flowers and autumn foliage. Recommended for those who want to escape the everyday and spend a luxurious time.

4. Access and Parking Information for Shukkeien

Here is access information for Shukkeien.
[On Foot]
15 minutes on foot from JR Hiroshima Station
[By Bus]
From JR Hiroshima Station South Exit, take the No. 26 Asahimachi Line (via Hatchobori) and get off at the Shukkeien Entrance
Travel time: about 5 minutes
[By Streetcar]
From JR Hatchobori Station, take the Hiroshima Electric Railway and get off at Shukkeien-mae
Travel time: about 4 minutes
[By Car]
Shukkeien Parking: 360 yen for the first hour for passenger cars, 180 yen for every additional 30 minutes
Hours: 9:00–18:00

[Nearby Parking Lots]
Anabuki Park Kaminobori-cho 325
4-15 Kaminobori-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City
ASAHI PARK Kaminobori-cho No. 3
5-19 Kaminobori-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City

5. Basic Information About Shukkeien (Admission / Required Time)

[Opening Hours]
April 1 – September 30: 9:00–18:00
October 1 – March 31: 9:00–17:00
Admission is allowed until 30 minutes before closing
[Admission Fees]
Adults: 260 yen
High school & university students: 150 yen
Elementary & junior high school students: 100 yen

◎ Nearby Hiroshima City Sightseeing Spots Worth Visiting Together

If you are visiting Shukkeien, why not also stop by the nearby museum? The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum is located just a short walk from Shukkeien. It features a rich collection of paintings from Japan and abroad, especially Japanese and Asian crafts. The museum also regularly holds original planned exhibitions with unique themes, making it a valuable spot where not only locals but also visitors from outside the prefecture can experience Hiroshima’s art scene.
Be sure to enjoy both the beauty of the garden and the beauty of the artworks for a truly luxurious day.

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A Chill Spot in Hiroshima City!? A Complete Guide to the Highlights of Shukkeien Garden