Hiroshima Prefecture

If you haven’t been to Shukkeien Garden in central Hiroshima City, now is your best chance. Although beautiful in any season, the night autumn foliage illumination running from November 19th to the 28th is the perfect opportunity to explore the garden. The original garden was built in 1620 by Ueda Soko, master of the tea ceremony, and Asano Nagaakira, the feudal lord of Hiroshima’s primary retainer. The name, ‘Shukkeien,’ literally means ‘shrink scenery garden,’ and refers to the Japanese concept of recreating miniature landscapes to enjoy. This garden is, in fact, a tiny version of Xihu (West Lake) in Hangzhou, China. The atomic bomb almost totally destroyed Shukkeien in 1945, but it was restored to its former glory and is now a popular place for tourists and locals to visit. You will often see wedding photos being taken or young women in traditional kimonos posing for professional pictures. It is an excellent place to take a few photos yourself as there are countless amazing shots to be had.  The garden is open until 9 PM during late November, with the autumn leaves illuminated for visitors to enjoy. Many people take the opportunity to go a bit earlier and eat a…