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.  Explore Ryokans in Hiroshima >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions. 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. Check out this page > for more details about this tour.

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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Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country.

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.