The castle grounds were used as army barracks during the war, making it a target for US forces. What remained of the castle (already reduced after the Meiji Restoration) was destroyed in the atomic blast.
What You Can See There
Today’s castle is a recreation built in 1958. What sets it apart from other recreated castles is the amount of solid English-language information provided to visitors.
Before Hiroshima castle was built, the Hiroshima was called Gokamura, meaning “Five Villages.”
The castle’s story is intertwined with the formation of Hiroshima, giving a slice of history overlooked in comparison to Hiroshima’s wartime history.
There are good views of the city from the top of the five-storey castle tower, and the grounds within the moat are a pleasant place to walk. Three of the trees within the castle walls survived the Atomic Blast to this day; a eucalyptus, a willow and a holly.
Is it Worth Visiting?
While not the most breathtaking castle in Japan, Hiroshima Castle is worth a visit if you have extra time on your hands.
Opening Times
- March – November: 9:00am – 6:00pm – Admission ends at 5:30pm
- December – February: 9:00am – 5:00pm – Admissions ends at 4:30pm
- December 29th – 31st: Closed
Admission Fees
- Adults: 370 yen
- High school students and senior citizens (65 or older): 180 yen
- Junior high school students and younger: Free
How to Get There
From JR Hiroshima Station: Walk to the Hiroshima Electric Railway Station located in front of the JR Hiroshima Station.
Take either the number 2 or 6 tram (headed to Eba or Hiroden Miyajima-guchi, respectively)
Get off at either Kamiyacho-nishi stop, or Kamiyacho-higashi stop (14 minutes, 160 yen each way). Hiroshima Castle is a 15 minute walk from either stop.
For more information, check out the Hiroshima tourism site here.
