Guida
Hiroshima Castle is a historic Japanese flatland castle built between the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo periods. It holds the nickname 'Rijo' (Carp Castle), a name that is also linked to the origin of the Hiroshima Carp baseball team. Although the castle structures, including the main keep, were destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945, the keep was reconstructed in 1958. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to preserving the history, folklore, and natural history of Hiroshima.
The history of Hiroshima Castle began in 1589 when Mori Motonari built it on the delta of the Ota River. Originally a massive fortification, it developed as the center of the Hiroshima Domain during the Edo period. In the mid-Edo period, it was renovated by Fukushima Masanori, featuring an expansive structure with inner, middle, and outer moats. In modern times, the main enclosure served as a military headquarters during the Sino-Japanese War, highlighting its role as a central military hub for Hiroshima. While much was lost due to the atomic bombing, the current reconstructed keep and Ninomaru buildings faithfully preserve the historical essence of the castle.
The interior of the castle keep features permanent exhibitions from the 1st to the 3rd floors, showcasing the formation of Hiroshima Castle, the lives of people in the castle town, samurai armor, and swords. The 4th floor is used for special exhibitions, and the 5th floor is an observation deck offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Hiroshima City. The surrounding area features beautiful stone walls and moats, allowing visitors to observe the structural design of traditional Japanese castle architecture. The Ninomaru area also occasionally hosts historical exhibitions and events.
Opening hours for the castle keep vary by season. From March to November, it is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. From December to February, it is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Occasionally, special evening events like the 'KAGURA Night Market' are held, allowing visitors to experience the historical atmosphere under the night sky.
Beyond viewing the historical exhibits, visitors can enjoy special exhibitions themed around Hiroshima's culture. In the surrounding area, you may also witness 'Kagura'—a traditional Japanese performing art—providing a direct connection to local heritage. Walking through the grounds allows you to visually grasp the layout of the former castle town and the reconstructed architectural styles.
Several historical landmarks are located near Hiroshima Castle. This includes 'Shukkeien,' a beautiful Japanese garden built by Asano Nagakage, the first lord of the Hiroshima Domain. Additionally, 'Okonomimura,' a hub for Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (the local soul food), is nearby, making it easy to combine a historical tour with a culinary experience.
As the castle grounds are quite extensive, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. When viewing exhibits inside the keep, please be mindful of other visitors. Admission for the castle keep is 370 JPY for adults and 180 JPY for high school students and seniors (65+). Junior high school students and younger can enter for free. Please note that the castle is closed during the New Year holidays (December 29th–31st), so please check your schedule in advance.