The original Hiroshima Castle, built in the 1590s, was older than the city itself. But like most buildings, it was largely destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. The castle overlooking the city today is a replica; the outside closely resembles the original, but the inside is more contemporary. It now serves as a museum of a time long before the war. It’s also a good spot to view the first blossoms of the year.
Hiroshima Castle was strategically built in 1591on a flat plain surrounded by three moats that were fed by the Ota River. Back then, Hiroshima was a castle town ruled by the daimyo Mori Terumoto. He controlled the city and surrounding land, so the castle played an important role in local politics.
Today, its location offers visitors a spectacular view of the surrounding city. Fortunately or unfortunately, this now includes the Edion Peace Wing, a new soccer stadium that was finished in 2023.
The castle grounds are free to enter and feature dozens of plum and cherry trees, which bloom from late February to early March every year. Inside the castle walls, you’ll also find a willow, holly, and eucalyptus tree, which survived the atomic bomb.
The grounds of Hiroshima Castle also include Gokoku Shrine. It was built during the Meiji Period to honor those who lost their lives in the Boshin War, which ended the shogunate system. Today, it is a place to honor and mourn those lost in any war. Like the castle, it was also rebuilt after the atomic bomb.
To see the views of the city, you have to head up the observation deck in the castle tower. It stands five stories tall and 26 m (85 ft) high. Entry to the tower costs 370円, which includes access to the museum exhibitions. Items like swords, armor, and helmets are on display, as well as information about the establishment and role of the castle.
From the observation deck, you can enjoy a 360° view of the castle grounds and surrounding area. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Miyajima. Be sure to also get your ink stamp if you’re a collector.
Visit Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle is a 15-min bus ride and 20-min walk from Hiroshima Station.
Castle tower admission: 370 yen
Castle tower hours: Mar–Nov: 9:00~18:00; Dec–Feb: 9:00~17:00
