Hiroshima Castle 広島城

Although the castle that now overlooks Hiroshima City was built in 1958 as a replica, the original fortress has a history spanning centuries. Built in the late 1500s, it predates the city itself.

Now the castle is a museum that records the history of the city prior to the atomic bombing. It is a faithful representation of the original building.

You can reach the castle by tram or bus.

It is about a 30-minute walk from Peace Memorial Park , or you can get the tram to Kamiyacho-nishi or Kamiyacho-higashi tram stop and walk 15 minutes from there.

The site of Hiroshima Castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb that fell on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

The style of the outside structure of the new castle stays close to the original, but the inside employs contemporary techniques. The keep at the top has a balcony running outside, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.

The castle did not survive the bombing, but three trees did. Inside the castle walls you can find a holly, eucalyptus, and willow tree, which were only between 740 and 910 meters from the center of the blast.

These iconic trees are now symbols of the city's strength and ability to survive and flourish even after a truly devastating event.

The castle, which was built in a very strategic position, was once surrounded by three moats—one of which survives—fed by the nearby Ota River, which in turn surrounds the castle on three sides. The strategic location now gives tourists a great view of the city and surrounding area.