400 years have passed since the creation of Shukkeien, a designated National Scenic Beauty of Hiroshima Prefecture. Various events and exhibits are ongoing to mark this commemorative year and present the garden's attractions, including concerts, guided tours, and introductions to related works of art by curators.
Shukkeien was created in 1620 by renowned warrior and tea master Ueda Soko by order of Asano Nagaakira, daimyo (lord) of the feudal Hiroshima Domain. It was one of the earliest among daimyo gardens built throughout Japan, and it is now a favorite destination for local residents and visitors alike to appreciate the seasonal wonders of nature in the heart of urban Hiroshima.
We welcome you to enjoy the splendor of Shukkeien and feel its 400 years of history.
| Shukkeien | 400 Year Commemorative Concerts Music is performed by a koto - shakuhachi - flute ensemble as well as a string quartet in the fantastically illuminated evening garden. | Online video |
| Guided tours with a garden design artist Garden designer and Shukkeien supervisor Tadakazu Saito introduces the key attractions of the garden. | Online video | |
| Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum | 400 Year Commemorative Exhibit - "Shukkeien and Period Art of Hiroshima" Works of art related to the garden are displayed, including those by Asano Shigeakira, whose mid-Edo period renovation led to the garden's current layout, and those by other artists involved in the garden's history such as Oka Minzan. | Exhibit *This exhibit has ended. |
| Guide to the "400 Year Commemorative Exhibit - Shukkeien and Period Art of Hiroshima" A museum curator talks about Shukkeien and period art in Hiroshima, with emphasis on feudal period paintings of Shukkeien and paintings of China's West Lake landscape which is said to have inspired Shukkeien's design. | Online video | |
| Hiroshima Prefectural Library | "400 Years of Shukkeien Garden - Introduction to Its Many Attractions" On display are panels outlining the garden's transition and related materials. | Exhibit *This exhibit has ended. |
| Introduction to materials pertaining to Shukkeien Librarians introduce three selected books which provide comprehensive understanding of the garden. | Online video | |
| Ninomaru at Hiroshima Castle | Shukkeien and Hiroshima Exhibition (Shukkeien 400th Anniversary Commemorative Event) This exhibit introduced the history of Shukkeien from past to present through panel displays in the restored buildings of Ninomaru at Hiroshima Castle, where the Asano Clan reigned over the feudal Hiroshima Domain. | Exhibit *This exhibit has ended. |
| Guide to Shukkeien and Hiroshima Using paintings, postcards, and other materials, our curator explains the historical background against which Shukkeien developed and evolved. | Online video | |
| Ueda Ryū Wafudō | Video overview of Ueda Sōko Ryū Heritage Tea Equipage Will introduce his toughts for Shukkeien by getting close to the character of Ueda Sōko, warrior and tea master, through Ueda Sōko Ryū heritage tea equipage. | Online video |
