Autumn Color in Sankeien Garden @ Hiroshima Airport

Sankeien Garden is very near to Hiroshima Airport and Hiroshima Airport Hotel in Mihara. Since we stayed in Hiroshima Airport Hotel, we pay a visit to Sankeien in the evening, before our departure the next morning.  We didn’t have to drive but only walk from our hotel to Sankeien Garden.

Sankeien 三景園 literally meaning three views

Sankeien 三景園 literally meaning three views so the garden is divided into three sections which represent “countryside,” “mountains,” and “ocean.”.

Ocean – Seto Inland Sea

Upon entering you are on a platform extending out into the large body of water which represent the Seto Inland Sea. (Seto Inland Sea is the water separating Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.).

When is the best season to visit?

One of the best season to visit in autumn to check on the maples trees leaves turn red.  I was lucky to be able to view the red maple trees finally as I could not catch the maple trees turn red when I was in Tenryuji Arashimaya Kyoto and Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu Shikoku Island a week ago.

Autumn Color in Japan – Koyo Season 紅葉

The timing for red maples turning red usually in November but it also depending on the regions in Japan. The Timing of the maple leaf season can vary by a few days to one or two weeks. If you are into autumn color in Japan, do choose your timing wisely and well, sometimes, it depends on some luck too.

Japanese Garden

The common things to spot in a Japanese garden are water, rocks, arch bridges, stone lantern, trees and flowers, and koi fish.  Yes, don’t forget the tea-house too.

The Japanese garden is considered one of the most important elements of Japanese art. It is similar to Chinese Garden as it was inspired by ancient Chinese style. There are similarities but you also able to spot the difference if paying enough attention to the details.  For example, Chinese garden usually has buildings in the center of the garden.

Arch Bridge is a common feature

Arch Bridge either in wood or stone is a common feature in the Japanese garden, originated in China. The arching structure will allow boats to pass beneath the spans. Some called this type of bridge as “Moon Bridge”.

Cute plants with colorful fruits

Toro

Spotted another feature of Japanse garden, the lantern also called toro in Japanese. There are haning metal toro and stone toro in standing version.

Other Sankeien in Yokohama

There is another Sankeien Garden in Yokohama but the Japanese writing is 三溪園. Do not get confused with the one in Yokohama.

Koi Fish

There are hundreds of Koi Fishes and appeared to be very hungry.  You can purchase the food for the fishes and feed them.  Very colorful and huge.

Have you wondered why Koi fish were found in the pond of Japanese & Chinese garden? Koi symbolizes many good qualities for example, they are known to swim against the current and overcome great obstacles, therefore koi symbolize strength and perseverance. These babies can grow very big and live for up to 35 years, very long life compare to other fish. Koi also bring in good luck and prosperity so some businessmen like to koi pond in their house.

Final thoughts:

If you are staying in Hiroshima Airport Hotel do pay a visit to Sankeien as it is only located next to the hotel. You can walk over from the hotel.  If you have an extra hour to spend while waiting for your flight, you may want to kill some time here at Sankeien Garden.  Truly beautiful and many photo opportunities.