Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima.

Shukkeien Garden was begun in 1620. Its name literally means shrink-scenery garden which expresses the idea of collecting and miniaturising many scenic views.

In the centre is Takuei Pond containing more than ten islets, large and small. Around its circumference, mountains, valleys, bridges, tea cottages and arbors are skilfully arranged, all connected by a path.

In 1945 the garden was destroyed by the atomic bomb. It has been fully restored.

A 200 year old ginkgo tree with a height of 21m and a trunk circumference of 3.50m was tilted by the blast. One-third of the trunk is keloid-like due to the atomic bombing, but buds are growing out of it.

Seeds from this tree have been collected and distributed worldwide…Read more