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When you gaze over the city of Hiroshima, one iconic structure stands out—the majestic Hiroshima Castle. Its striking contrast of black and white has become a beloved symbol for locals and a must-see for tourists worldwide.
Today, Hiroshima Castle stands at a pivotal moment in its history. The main tower (tenshukaku) is set to close on March 22, 2026, due to seismic safety concerns. In its place, a bold plan is underway to reconstruct the tower in traditional wooden style.
But there’s so much more to Hiroshima Castle than its iconic tower. From the tranquil moat where koi gracefully swim, to stone walls that still bear the scars of the atomic bombing, and exhibitions preserving the legacy of samurai culture—this 400-year-old castle is full of hidden gems.
This article brings you the best of Hiroshima Castle, compiled from my many visits and discoveries.
Hiroshima Castle, located in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, was originally built in 1589 by the feudal lord Mōri Terumoto and reconstructed in 1958. Today, the main keep functions as a museum.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | 370 yen |
| Seniors (65 and over) | 180 yen |
| High school students | 180 yen |
| Junior high and younger | Free |
The highlight of any Hiroshima Castle visit is the Tenshukaku, or main tower. As a symbol of the city, nearly every visitor to the castle includes it on their tour.
Its striking contrast of charred wood siding and white plaster is one of its most recognizable features. The tower is five stories tall and about 40 meters high. Inside, it houses a museum, with the top floor serving as an observatory.
Buy your ticket at the entrance to the tower and head inside.
Note that there is no elevator inside the tower—you’ll need to use the stairs.
From the first to the fourth floors, the museum exhibits recreate the world of the samurai, showcasing swords, armor, and other artifacts that tell the story of Hiroshima Castle’s historical and cultural significance.
Photography is prohibited in many parts of the exhibition, so please be mindful.
| Floor | Exhibit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Permanent Exhibit: “The Origins and Role of Hiroshima Castle” | History and construction of the castle, including models |
| 2nd | Permanent Exhibit: “Life and Culture in the Castle Town” | Life in Edo - period Hiroshima through video and reconstructions |
| 3rd | Permanent Exhibit: “Armor and Swords” | Exhibits of weapons and armor related to Hiroshima |
| 4th | Special Exhibits | Rotating displays (see schedule) |
| 5th | Observation Deck |
From the top of the Tenshukaku, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city: modern office buildings, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and distant mountain ranges.
Though the observation area is small, it offers a full 360-degree panoramic view. The contrast between contemporary urban structures, historic townscapes, and lush castle greenery makes this viewpoint truly memorable.
Hiroshima Castle is also known as “Rijō” (Carp Castle). The name comes from the abundance of koi (carp) that once swam in the moat—and still do today.
The koi seem aware of visitors and will swim toward you when you approach. Enjoy this peaceful interaction, but be cautious—there are no fences around the moat.
The Omote Gomon is the grand front gate of Hiroshima Castle.
As the primary entrance from the secondary enclosure (Ninomaru) to the main enclosure (Honmaru), this imposing two-story wooden gate embodies the castle’s dignity.
Such gates were designed to impress visitors and dignitaries. Hiroshima Castle’s Omote Gomon is no exception.
You can also step inside the gate for views over the Ninomaru.
Looking the other way, you can see the bridge you crossed to enter the castle. The gate served as a vantage point to watch for intruders.
Massive beams and intricate joinery lend the gate a commanding presence. Its craftsmanship is impressive.
In Japanese castles, main gates are more than passageways—they’re architectural experiences in themselves. Don’t just walk past; take time to explore the interior.
The Ninomaru area lies just beyond the Omote Gomon gate. It includes the Taira Yagura (flat turret), Taiko Yagura (drum turret), and Tamon Yagura (long corridor turret). (Technically, the Omote Gomon is also part of Ninomaru.)
These turrets were destroyed by the atomic bomb, leaving only their stone bases, but they were reconstructed in 1991.
Today, all the turrets are open to the public and free to enter.
Inside, you’ll find a long corridor that showcases beautiful wooden construction and host various exhibitions. It’s a must-visit spot when touring Hiroshima Castle.
Ninomaru Exhibitions & Events – Official Hiroshima Castle Website
Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine honors the spirits of those who died in war and serves as a place to pray for peace. It is located just past the Ninomaru area—yes, there’s a shrine within the Hiroshima Castle grounds.
The shrine was established in 1868 to enshrine Hiroshima samurai who died in the Boshin War. Later, it became a Gokoku Shrine to honor all who gave their lives for the nation. About 90,000 souls who perished in war and natural disasters from the Meiji era onward are enshrined here.
During the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895), Hiroshima Castle served as the location of the Imperial Headquarters, the highest command center in Japan. The structure was destroyed by the atomic bomb, and only its foundation remains. By World War II, the facility was no longer in use.
At Hiroshima Castle, you can still find stone walls that were scorched by the fires caused by the atomic bomb.
As someone who has visited castles across Japan, I find this to be a unique and sobering sight. These stones stand here, silent witnesses to that day—scarred, yet resilient.
These walls can be seen just past the Ninomaru area. Take a moment to pause and reflect on the history they carry.
On March 29, 2025, a new commercial facility called Hiroshima Castle Sannomaru opened in the Sannomaru area of Hiroshima Castle. This space blends Hiroshima’s traditional culture with local cuisine and hands-on activities.
Enjoy authentic eel dishes or savory okonomiyaki with castle views, or try your hand at archery or tea ceremony. This complex offers a full sensory experience—taste, learn, and play.
| Shop Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Sumibiyaki Unagi no Unateru Hiroshima | Authentic grilled eel restaurant inspired by Nagoya - style hitsumabushi. |
| Sannomaru Hassho | A new branch of Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki restaurant Hassho. |
| SOKO CAFÉ | Supervised by the Ueda Sōkō school of samurai tea ceremony, offering a casual way to experience tea culture. |
| Hiroshima IPPIN | A curated shop with over 600 Hiroshima - made specialty goods and crafts. |
| Hiroshima Castle Sharakku | A mini archery range where you can try traditional kyūdō archery. |
This marks the opening of Phase 1. In Fall 2026, Phase 2 will follow, featuring the new “Hiroshima Castle Sannomaru History Museum.” Once complete, the Sannomaru district will become an even more attractive destination, combining learning, cultural experiences, dining, and shopping—all centered around Hiroshima Castle. The future of this historic site is bright.
| Name | Hiroshima Castle Sannomaru |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (varies by shop) |
| Location | 21 - 7-2 Motomachi, Naka - ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima |
| Official Site | https://sannomaru.hiroshimacastle.jp/ |
| @hiroshima_castle |
The current Tenshukaku, rebuilt in 1958 with reinforced concrete, is scheduled to close on March 22, 2026, due to aging and seismic concerns.
Hiroshima City plans to reconstruct the tower in its original wooden form. Although a start date for construction has not been finalized, preparations such as Cultural Agency applications and architectural planning are already underway. The restoration may take anywhere from several years to a decade.
The many exhibits currently housed inside the Tenshukaku—such as swords and armor—are planned to be relocated to the new “Hiroshima Castle Sannomaru History Museum,” opening in Fall 2026.
Let’s take a look at the long and storied history of Hiroshima Castle.
Hiroshima Castle was built in 1589 by Mōri Terumoto. At the time, Hiroshima was a fledgling town, but the castle’s construction spurred its development into a major castle town.
During the Edo period, the castle became the seat of the Asano clan, serving as the political and cultural center of Hiroshima for roughly 250 years. Surrounded by moats filled with koi, it earned the nickname “Rijō” (Carp Castle).
In the Meiji period, despite a national policy to demolish feudal castles (Abolition of Castles), Hiroshima Castle was preserved for use by the Imperial Army. This spared its structures—until August 6, 1945, when the atomic bomb destroyed the Tenshukaku.
In 1958, the tower was reconstructed as a symbol of Hiroshima’s postwar recovery. Though made of reinforced concrete, the reconstruction faithfully reflects the castle’s original appearance.
Today, Hiroshima Castle continues to watch over the city as a historic landmark and a cherished cultural site. The museum inside offers invaluable insights into the castle’s past and Hiroshima’s broader history.
Hiroshima Castle doesn’t have a dedicated parking lot. Visitors arriving by car should use nearby coin-operated lots.
The most convenient and economical choice is Hiroshima Municipal Central Parking, located just south of the castle. If you park here and enter the Tenshukaku, you’ll receive 30 minutes of free parking. Just show your parking ticket at the museum shop counter to receive a voucher.
| Item | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | 6:30 am–1:00 am | |
| Parking Fees | Cars | |
| Time | Fee | |
| 6:30 am–1:00 am | 210 yen/30 min (Max 1,600 yen/day) | |
| 1:00 am–6:30 am | 500 yen | |
| Motorcycles | ||
| Time | Fee | |
| All Day | 250 yen/day | |
| Capacity | 300 vehicles | |
| Address | 2 Motomachi, Naka - ku, Hiroshima 730 - 0011 | |
This is an underground facility with an entrance on the east side.
The 30-minute free offer is also confirmed on the official site:
In its 400-year history, Hiroshima Castle has seen both times of peace and great hardship. Though the original Tenshukaku was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945, it was rebuilt and now stands as a symbol of peace and recovery.
What we see today is a living testament to Hiroshima’s resilience. Its bold black-and-white facade continues to inspire visitors from around the world.
The planned wooden reconstruction marks the start of a new era—one that will add another chapter to Hiroshima Castle’s legacy. Once construction begins, access to the Tenshukaku will be restricted for years. So, now is the perfect time to experience its exhibitions and panoramic views.
Beyond the tower, the castle grounds offer many highlights: koi swimming peacefully in the moat, stone walls still bearing the scars of 1945, and historic armaments and documents in the turrets. The koi themselves—part of the castle’s “Carp Castle” identity—will greet you if you pause by the water.
Hiroshima Castle, standing proudly atop its historic stone walls, will remain a landmark for the city and a lasting symbol of peace.
Visit this special place where history and hope live on.
