Best Time To Visit Shukkeien Garden

Best Time to Visit Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima, Japan

Shukkeien Garden, in Hiroshima, is picturesque throughout the year, but the best time to visit is arguably during the spring and autumn seasons. Springtime, particularly from late March to early April, transforms the garden into a breathtaking spectacle with its cherry blossoms (sakura) in full bloom. Visitors during this time can enjoy the traditional Japanese custom of hanami, which means 'flower viewing,' where friends and families gather under the blossoms for picnics and celebrations. The climate is also mild and pleasant, creating an ideal setting for leisurely strolls along the garden's meandering paths, past koi ponds and tea houses, amidst the delicate hues of pink and white.

Autumn presents a similarly stunning visual display, when the foliage turns to vivid shades of orange, red, and yellow from late October to November. This is the season for momijigari, or 'autumn leaf hunting', an activity cherished in Japan. Shukkeien's maple trees, ginkgoes, and other deciduous species offer a vibrant palette of fall colors, reflected in the tranquil waters of the central pond, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Cooler temperatures and less precipitation compared to the hot and humid summers make autumn an equally comfortable time for exploring every nook of this historic garden, established in 1620 as a villa for the daimyō of Hiroshima han (feudal lord).