Hiroshima Castle

Welcome to Hiroshima Castle, a site that embodies the very definition of resilience. Known as Rijo, or the Carp Castle, its name is rooted in history and geography; some say the area was once called 'Koi-no-ura' or Carp Inlet,…

The 'Tenshu' or main keep is the focal point of our visit. While the original was a wooden structure of pine, the 1958 reconstruction was built using reinforced concrete to ensure durability and fire resistance. …

Ascending to the fifth floor, we reach the top observation deck. From this 360-degree vantage point, the relationship between the castle and the modern city is vividly clear. …

Moving away from the main keep, we visit the Ninomaru, or Second Bailey. Unlike the main keep, parts of the Ninomaru—including the gate and several turrets—were reconstructed in the 1990s using traditional wooden construction…

Located within the castle grounds is the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine. Originally founded in 1869 to honor those who died in the Boshin War, the shrine has had a nomadic and tragic history. …

One of the newest and most exciting additions to the Hiroshima Castle experience is the Wakyusha, a traditional Japanese archery (Kyudo) range located in the Sannomaru area. Opened as part of a recent initiative to turn the…

To conclude our tour, we head to the newly developed Sannomaru commercial area, which features several high-quality restaurants. You cannot visit Hiroshima without experiencing Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki. …

As we leave the grounds of Hiroshima Castle, we carry with us a story that spans over four centuries—from the ambitions of a feudal lord to the atomic flash, and finally to the vibrant resilience of today. This castle is a living…