Shukkei-en Plum Garden

Overview

Adjacent to the main Shukkeien Garden, this plum garden section features dozens of Japanese plum trees (ume) that create one of Hiroshima's earliest spring floral displays.

Highlights

• Early Blooms: Plum blossoms appear in February, weeks before cherry blossoms, signaling the first arrival of spring.
• Fragrance: Unlike cherry blossoms, plum blossoms are intensely fragrant, perfuming the surrounding garden.
• Photography: The gnarled plum tree branches against winter skies create dramatic photographic compositions.

History

Plum trees have been cultivated in Japanese gardens for over a thousand years, originally imported from China. The Shukkeien plum collection dates to the garden's original 1620 design.

Visitor Tips

• February Visit: Peak bloom is typically mid-to-late February.
• Free Access: This area is accessible without the main garden admission fee.
• Duration: 15–30 minutes.