Hiroshima｜From Izumi Yashiki to Shukkeien, a garden recreated 400 years ago after the atomic bomb tragedy

In 1620, Asano Nagamori, the first lord of Hiroshima Domain, started building a garden. At that time, it was actually called Izumi-yashiki. His retainer, who was also a tea ceremony master, Ueda Muneko, planned and built this garden for the lord. He used the rainbow bridge to divide the water of Zhuoying Pond into two areas, east and west. He built a rockery on the north, west and east sides, named Zongge Mountain, Futaba Mountain and Mishan, and used borrowed scenery to create an elegant atmosphere for the courtyard. It is rumored that it was built in imitation of China's West Lake. After several generations of reconstruction and renovation by the Asano domain lords, it has reached its current size. A fire in the Edo period destroyed most of the buildings. After the reconstruction was completed, the Asano family donated Shukkeien to the Hiroshima City Government. Five years later, the atomic bomb hit, and the daimyo garden, which was magnificently crafted, became a ruin. Those who unfortunately died there were all buried in this garden. Reconstruction began in 1970, and only three of the 4,000 trees planted that year remain. Now the garden is full of flowers and trees, which complement each other beautifully. They were all renovated later. It was not until the renovation after World War II that Izumi Yashiki or Izumi Residence was given the official name of Shukkeien, which was taken from a poem by the second-generation feudal lord: The mountains and sea are contracted to this land, and the scenery is gathered in this building, so it is called Shukkeien. An early cherry blossom is in full bloom at the main entrance, while a whole row of plum trees on the south side are also in full bloom, emitting a light and elegant fragrance. The elegance of the feudal lords in the past, the prosperity after several generations, and the sorrow of disasters, Shukkeien has now become a part of Hiroshima's history, allowing tourists from all over the world to appreciate and relive the historical stories. There is a teahouse next to the main entrance, selling simple rice balls and kitsune. Enjoying simple meals amidst the fragrance of flowers and beautiful scenery will satisfy your soul. 📍Address: 〒730-0014 Hiroshima Prefecture Hiroshima City Naka District Kamita Town 2-11 Open from 9 am to 5 pm 🚗Walk for 12 minutes from Hiroshima Station, or take the train to the Shiratori Line at Hatchobori and get off at Shukkeien-mae Station. If you take the sightseeing loop bus, get off at the Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of Art. #MarchGoodPlaces2025