Shukkeien Garden

HIROSHIMA CULTURE

This garden was built in 1620 as a villa by the chief retainer—famous as a master of tea ceremonies—of the feudal lord Asano. Inside the garden, the view of mountains and rivers, the elegance of the kyoto, and the remoteness of the deep mountains are miniaturized in the garden, which is reflected in its name, which literally means "shrunken scenery garden." Small and large islands float in the pond dug up at the garden's center, Takuei Pond, and since visitors can walk in a circuit while enjoying the skillfully placed valleys, bridges, and arbors, this style of garden is called a circular-tour garden. From January to early March, plum flowers can be viewed, as well as other flowers throughout the changing seasons.