Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle, or Hiroshimajō, is a stunning reconstruction of the original castle keep that was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. Built true to its original form, which was completed in 1591, in the Azuchi-Momoyama style, Hiroshima Castle now holds an intriguing museum, as well as a stunning lookout over the castle grounds, moat and cityscape. Explore Hiroshima Castle to learn about traditional Japanese feudal architecture and Samurai heritage.
Whichever way you approach the castle, you’ll see its elegant main keep stretching up five stories. Admire the keep’s traditional architecture, which replicates the original castle’s wooden embellishments. Stroll around the gardens and pass by the castle’s moat and the Ninomaru, a replica of the castle’s second circle of defense. You’ll see a main gate and two turrets, connected by a storehouse. Spot the ruins of a Shinto shrine in the moat, named Hiroshima Gokoku Jinja.
Enter the main keep into a museum dedicated to the original Hiroshima Castle and Japanese castles in general. Learn about the positioning of this castle on a flat plain, as opposed to the more popular style of hilltop or mountainside castles. Discover the original castle’s historic means of defense, including moats and high walls.
Head up to the castle’s top floor where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding castle grounds and city skyline. The view is particularly stunning in the spring when the cherry blossom trees around the castle’s moat are in bloom.
Hiroshima Castle is a 15-minute walk from Kamiyacho-nishi and Kamiyacho-higashi tram stops. It can also be reached within 15 minutes on foot from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The Shukkeien traditional Japanese garden is a 10-minute walk directly east from Hiroshima Castle.
Admission to the castle grounds is free; however, the main keep has an entry fee. The main keep and Ninomaru are closed for a few days around the New Year holiday period.