Hiroshima Castle
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Facts & Figures
Hiroshima Castle (Hiroshima-jo) is a major tourist attraction in Hiroshima. Another name for this typical flatland castle is Carp Castle. The originally wooden structure consists of 5 stories and the height of the main donjon (main tower) is 26,6 meters.
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The total floor area is 1359 square meter. The castle, surrounded by a moat, is housing now a history museum with exhibitions about Hiroshima before World War 2.
- Main Keep:
- Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm) December till February
- Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry 5:30 pm) rest of the year
- Closed - December 29th till December 31st
- Admission Fee - 360 yen (Adults), 180 yen (Children)
- Ninomaru:
- Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (last entry 4:00 pm) October through March
- Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (last entry 5:00 pm) rest of the year
- Closed - December 29th till January 2nd
- Admission Fee - free
My tips for local activities
How about exploring Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima and other sightseeing spots in Hiroshima with an English-speaking tour guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 4 - 6 hours. For more details check out this page >
History
Mori Terumoto, a powerful daimyo (local feudal lord), built the castle in 1589. After his defeat in the Battle of Sekigahara (1600), his former ally Fukushima Masanori took over the castle. In 1617 a huge flood caused major damage to the structure of Hiroshima Castle. It was rebuilt 2 years later. Hiroshima-jo survived the Meiji Restoration and became a National Treasure in 1931. During World War 2 the castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb explosion on the 6th of August 1945. In 1958 the decision was made to reconstruct the castle in ferro-concrete. In 1994 the reconstruction of the wooden outer citadel was completed. These days the restoration efforts are focused on the Ninomaru (second circle of defense incl. the main gate).
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Location
Hiroshima Castle (Hiroshima-jo) is located in the city Hiroshima near the Peace Park.
Address: 730-0011, 21-1 Moto-machi Naka-ku Hiroshima City
How to get to Hiroshima Castle?
- 11min from Hiroshima St. to Kamiya-cho tram stop served by line 1, 2, 6 or
- 15min from Peace Park
Sightseeing spots
Top:
History Museum - the museum is spreading over 4 floors and the main theme is "Life and Progress in the Hiroshima Castle Town"
Observation Platform - located at the 5th floor, enjoy the great view over Hiroshima
Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)
May
Hiroshima Flower Festival (3rd till 5th)
More than 1 Mio. people visit this festival every year during Golden Week. There are stages for entertainment (talk shows, fashion shows, concerts etc...), parades and shops along the Peace Boulevard (Heiwa Odori).
August
Peace Memorial Ceremony (6th)
The city of Hiroshima holds this event to remember the victims of the atomic bomb attack and to pray for world peace in the future. At 8:15 am (time when the bomb exploded) the Peace Bell is rung and for 1min the life stands still in Hiroshima.
October
Hiroshima Food Festival (25th till 26th)
The festival is held at the castle grounds. During those 2 days you are able to taste the best food from all over the Hiroshima prefecture. It is so delicious.
Where to stay near Hiroshima Castle?
Hotels and Ryokans near Hiroshima Castle
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