Hiroshima Castle (広島城, Hiroshimajō), also called the Carp Castle, is a good example of a castle built on a plain in the center of a city as opposed to hilltop and mountaintop castles. Its main keep is five stories tall, and its grounds are surrounded by a moat. Also within the castle's precincts are a shrine, some ruins and a few reconstructed buildings of the Ninomaru (second circle of defense).
Hiroshima developed as a castle town, whereby the castle was both the physical and economical center of the city. Built in 1589 by the powerful feudal lord Mori Terumoto, Hiroshima Castle was an important seat of power in western Japan. While it was spared the demolishment that many other castles met during the Meiji Period, like the rest of the city, Hiroshima Castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945.
Thirteen years later, its main keep was rebuilt in ferro-concrete with an attractive, partially wooden exterior. Inside the keep is an informative museum on Hiroshima's and the castle's history and Japanese castles in general, while panoramic views of the surrounding city can be enjoyed from the top floor.
In more recent restoration efforts, some structures of the Ninomaru, the castle's second circle of defense, were reconstructed using original building methods and materials. They include the castle's main gate and two turrets adjoined by a long storehouse. Visitors can enter the buildings and view exhibits about their reconstruction.
Getting there and around
The castle is a ten minute walk from Kamiyacho-nishi or Kamiyacho-higashi tram stop (12 minutes, 240 yen from Hiroshima Station by lines 1, 2 or 6). It is also a ten minute walk from Shukkeien or a 15-minute walk from the Peace Park.
Alternatively, the castle is served by the orange and lemon routes of the Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus (Meipuru-pu). The ride from Hiroshima Station takes six minutes, and there are 4-5 buses per hour.
How to get to and around Hiroshima
Hours and Fees
Main keep
Hours
9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from December to February)
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed
December 29 to 31
Admission
370 yen (main keep), admission to the rest of the castle grounds is free
Ninomaru
Hours
9:00 to 17:30 (until 16:30 from October to March)
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed
December 29 to January 2
Admission
Free
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Hiroshima
Top rated in Hiroshima
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HOTEL CLA-SS HIROSHIMA-TOKAICHIAttractively located in the Hiroshima City Centre district of Hiroshima, HOTEL CLA-SS HIROSHIMA-TOKAICHI is situated 1.4 km from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, 3 km from Myoei-ji Temple and 3.2 km from Hiroshima Station. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers luggage storage space. The property is less than 1 km from Atomic Bomb Dome, and within 1.2 km of the city centre. All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a bidet and free toiletries, the rooms at HOTEL CLA-SS HIROSHIMA-TOKAICHI have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms include a balcony. The units will provide guests with a fridge. Chosho-in Temple is 3.4 km from the accommodation, while Hiroshima Danbara Shopping Centre is 3.7 km from the property. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 44 km away.View on Booking.com -
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GRAND BASE Hiroshima Peace Memorial ParkLocated in the centre of Hiroshima, 600 metres from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and 700 metres from Atomic Bomb Dome, GRAND BASE Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park offers free WiFi and air conditioning. It is set 2.7 km from Myoei-ji Temple and provides a lift. The aparthotel features family rooms and facilities for disabled guests. Each unit is equipped with a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with bidet and slippers. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a kettle. The units are equipped with heating facilities. Chosho-in Temple is 3.1 km from the aparthotel, while Hiroshima Danbara Shopping Centre is 3.3 km away. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 44 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Hilton HiroshimaWell set in Hiroshima, Hilton Hiroshima offers 4-star accommodation close to Myoei-ji Temple and Hiroshima City Minami Ward Community Cultural Center. Providing a restaurant, the property also has a bar, as well as an indoor pool and a sauna. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests. At the hotel, every room has a desk. Every room comes with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, and certain rooms at Hilton Hiroshima have a sea view. All units include a safety deposit box. A buffet breakfast is available at the accommodation. Popular points of interest near Hilton Hiroshima include Chosho-in Temple, Hiroshima Danbara Shopping Centre and Kat? Tomosabur? Bronze Statue. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 45 km away.View on Booking.com -
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88 House HiroshimaSet just 5.4 km from Ikejiri Children's Park, 88 House Hiroshima offers accommodation in Hiroshima with access to a garden, a shared lounge, as well as a shared kitchen. Offering free private parking, the 1-star guest house is 5 km from Aeon Mall Hiroshima-Fuchu. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The units come with air-conditioned bedunits and a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, toaster and fridge. Units are equipped with a coffee machine, a shared bathroom and free WiFi, while selected rooms also offer a balcony and some have river views. At the guest house, every unit comes with bed linen and towels. Guests at the guest house will be able to enjoy activities in and around Hiroshima, like hiking and walking tours. Sorajoyama Park is 5.9 km from 88 House Hiroshima, while Hiroshima Station is 6 km from the property. Hiroshima Airport is 40 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Randor Hotel Hiroshima PrestigeAttractively set in the Hiroshima City Centre district of Hiroshima, Randor Hotel Hiroshima Prestige is situated 1 km from Chosho-in Temple, 500 metres from Hiroshima Station and 1.2 km from Hiroshima Danbara Shopping Centre. Featuring a terrace, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is 1.5 km from the city centre and 700 metres from Myoei-ji Temple. Rooms come with a kettle, while certain rooms are equipped with a balcony and others also boast city views. The rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Popular points of interest near Randor Hotel Hiroshima Prestige include Kat? Tomosabur? Bronze Statue, Hiroshima University Institute of Medical History and Hiroshima City Minami Ward Community Cultural Center. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 46 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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HOTEL PROMOTE HIROSHIMAHOTEL PROMOTE HIROSHIMA provides rooms with private balconies in the centre of Hiroshima. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The hotel features a hot tub and a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel, each room comes with a desk. Guest rooms in HOTEL PROMOTE HIROSHIMA are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is 1.1 km from the accommodation, while Atomic Bomb Dome is 1.1 km away. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 43 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Roku Hostel HiroshimaRoku Hostel Hiroshima has a garden, shared lounge, a terrace and bar in Hiroshima. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is set 1.7 km from Hiroshima Station. At the hostel all rooms have a shared bathroom. A vegetarian breakfast is available at Roku Hostel Hiroshima. Myoei-ji Temple is 2.5 km from the accommodation, while Atomic Bomb Dome is 2.6 km from the property. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 46 km away.View on Booking.com -
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fav HIROSHIMA HEIWAODORIWell located in the centre of Hiroshima, fav HIROSHIMA HEIWAODORI provides air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a restaurant. This property is set a short distance from attractions such as Hiroshima Danbara Shopping Centre, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Station. The property is non-smoking and is located 600 metres from Myoei-ji Temple. Guest rooms are equipped with a fridge, microwave, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. The units at the hotel come with a seating area. Popular points of interest near fav HIROSHIMA HEIWAODORI include Chosho-in Temple, Kat? Tomosabur? Bronze Statue and Hiroshima City Minami Ward Community Cultural Center. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 46 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Sheraton Grand Hiroshima HotelSheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is a 1-minute walk from Hiroshima Station and a 10-minute drive from the Atomic Bomb Dome. It offers 4 dining options, an indoor pool and a fitness centre. All rooms offer both air conditioning and heating facilities. Each room is fitted with a fridge, ironing equipment and a flat-screen TV with a DVD player. A humidifier and a trouser press are provided. The en suite bathroom comes with toiletries and a bathtub. Guests can work out at the fitness centre or swim at the indoor pool at a charge. Laundry and dry cleaning services are offered. Luggage storage can be found at the 24-hour front desk. Hotel Sheraton Grand Hiroshima is a 10-minute drive from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and a 5-minute drive from Hiroshima Castle.View on Booking.com -
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Hiroshima no Yado AioiConveniently situated in Hiroshima, Hiroshima no Yado Aioi provides an Asian breakfast and free WiFi. This 3-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and a lift. The ryokan features family rooms as well as facilities for disabled guests. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units with a tatami, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At the ryokan, all units are soundproof. The units are equipped with heating facilities. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Myoei-ji Temple. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 45 km away.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Hiroshima
Top rated in Hiroshima
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Hiroshima Peace Cycling Tour with Local Guide (2h Course)Visit Hiroshima during your trip to Japan and learn about the impact of the atomic bombing in this tourView on Klook -
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Sea Kayak Tour to the History of Tomonoura in the Seto Inland SeaEnjoy a unique sea kayak tour from the sea, exploring the historic port town of Tomonoura.View on Klook -
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Explore the Nature that Inspired Ghibli Movies by Kayak (Half Day)Experience the historic port town of Tomonoura from the sea on a unique sea kayak tour.View on Klook -
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