What other travelers are saying about Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle, or 'Carp Castle,' is a beautiful and moving symbol of the city's resilience. While the original 16th-century structure was lost in 1945, the 1958 reconstruction is stunningly photogenic with its dark wooden facade and scenic moat.
If you are visiting in early 2026, don’t miss the chance to go inside the main tower, as it is scheduled to close on March 22, 2026, for major renovations. The museum inside offers a great look at samurai culture, featuring authentic armor and swords. The top-floor observation deck provides a fantastic panoramic view of the modern city and even Miyajima on a clear day.
Even after the main keep closes, the grounds remain well worth a visit. You can explore the reconstructed Ninomaru towers for free and see the A-bombed 'survivor trees' that still stand today. Also, be sure to check out the new Hiroshima Castle Sannomaru area (opened in 2025), which has excellent local food like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and traditional archery experiences. A must-visit stop between the Peace Park and Shukkeien Garden!"
Yes, visitors can explore the inside of Hiroshima Castle. The castle's main keep has been converted into a museum showcasing its history, samurai culture, and the feudal period of Japan. The museum provides a fascinating insight into Japanese history and traditional architecture.
The castle grounds are home to a few reconstructed buildings, including the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), which has been transformed into a scenic park with walking paths, cherry trees, and teahouses. It's a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks.
The best time to visit Hiroshima Castle is during the cherry blossom season in early April, when the grounds are exceptionally beautiful. Autumn, with its cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, also makes for a pleasant visit.
Yes, Hiroshima Castle hosts various events throughout the year, including cherry blossom festivals in spring and traditional Japanese archery (kyudo) demonstrations. These events offer visitors a chance to experience Japanese culture and traditions firsthand.
No doubt if ur coming to hiroshima, this place is a must. The interior is basically a museum. Calm and green surroundings. Once u enter the castle, take a ticket of 370 yen, pick a pamphlet and start the tour of the 5 floors. Amazing views from the top floor😍. Lots of interesting history stuff inside (there is also a samurai hat to try on😁 and a real samurai sword that u can hold in ur hands 😆).
If there is a festival there will be food stalls also, I went on new year, there were tons of different food, lots of people enjoying the first snowfall of the year.
★★★★☆ | A Powerful Symbol of Resilience
Hiroshima Castle stands as a profound testament to the city's ability to rebuild and reclaim its history. While it is a meticulous concrete reconstruction, don't let that fool you into thinking it lacks authenticity. The value of this castle isn't in ancient, original timber; it's in its powerful story.
The main keep houses an excellent museum dedicated to the castle's history, samurai culture, and life in feudal Hiroshima. The artifacts and informative displays are engaging, but the most poignant moment comes when you reach the top floor. The viewing platform offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of the modern city, a view that is both beautiful and deeply moving. To look out over this vibrant, peaceful metropolis, knowing it once was ashes, is an unforgettable experience.
Its proximity to the Peace Memorial Park makes it an essential part of a day of historical reflection. You move from the profound tragedy of the Atomic Bomb Dome to the inspiring resurrection symbolized by the castle.
I am reviewing the grounds, shrine, and exterior of castle. Very nice look at historical castle grounds with several peaceful spots to relax. The moat is beautifully taken care off and the whole experience is much more intimate than imperial palace grounds in Tokyo. Amazing to see trees that survived bombing that still grow today. That was worth the trip in itself.
The castle itself wasn’t very big, but it looks different from other castles I’ve seen in Japan. It can get crowded around the main castle area, though the surrounding grounds are quite spacious and involve a fair amount of walking. The main entrance leading up to the castle consists of stairs, so I wasn’t sure if it is wheelchair accessible. With its brown contrasting color, I imagine the castle would look especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
