This garden was constructed in 1620 as the garden of a villa of the Asano clan who reigned over Hiroshima. It was designed after the model of the famous scenic lake, Xi Hu (West Lake), of China. In the center of the garden, there is a pond with about ten islets of various sizes. There are valleys, bridges, teahouses and an arbor beautifully arranged in this strolling-style garden surrounded by artificial hills. The garden appear larger than it actually is, this garden is constructed with a variety of landscapes such as valleys, ravines and a seashore. It is also famous for its cherry blossoms. Shukkeien is visited by 30,000 people a year, and cherished as a beautiful scenic garden.

• Open: 9:00-18:00; 1 Oct-31 Mar, 9:00-17:00
• Closed: 29 Dec-3 Jan
• Admission: 250 yen
• Access: 15 minute walk from JR Hiroshima Station.
• URL: Shukkeien

There is a huge collection of rare plants from all over the world. Ninety-five thousand plants are cultivated and exhibited in this flower park. There are numerous facilities in which to enjoy the beauty of flowers throughout the year, including a large green house abounding with tropical and subtropical flowers, a plaza with a fountain and a small waterfall, a rest house and a flower shop. Various events are held all year round. You can see the Seto Inland Sea from the park. From Shigeinishi Port, take a bus for 5 minutes, and get off at Flower Center-mae.

• Open: 9:30-16:00; 1 Jul-30 Sep, 9:30-16:30
• Closed: Tue and 27 Dec-1 Jan
• Admission: 500 yen
• Access: From JR Onomichi Station take an express bus 2km, get off at the innoshima Inta entrance. Or get off at Oniiwa and take a city bus bound for the Flower Center.

Tomonoura is located at the end of the Numakuma Peninsula. This was a prosperous port town where people waited for favorable tides and winds. Even today, there are many spots in town reminiscent of those days. Peddlers, who sell fresh local fish and shellfish by the roadside, evoke a nostalgic atmosphere. Such a scene has almost disappeared in Japan. There are also many places of historic interest relating to the Korean envoys of the Edo period, and to the Meiji Restoration.

• Access: 30 minutes by bus from JR Fukuyama Station.