Hiroshima Castle is a really pleasant spot if you have a bit of extra time in your day. It’s a reconstruction, but it’s beautifully done, and the surrounding moat and trees make it feel like a quiet escape right in the middle of the city.
The grounds are perfect for a low-key stroll. One of the most moving parts of the walk is seeing the weeping willow that actually survived the atomic bomb. It’s located just a short distance from the main keep, and there is something incredibly powerful about seeing a living tree that made it through that history.
If you head inside the castle itself, there is a museum about local history and an observation deck at the top that gives you a nice view of the skyline. It’s a great way to get your bearings and see how the city looks today.
That said, if your schedule is packed with the Peace Park or a trip out to Miyajima, this is one you can comfortably skip. It’s a lovely park, but if you aren’t a "castle person" or you’re short on time, you won’t feel like you missed the essence of the city. Go if you want a relaxing walk and a moment of reflection by the willow, but don’t stress if you have to leave it off the list.
NOTE: You can not enter the castle since March because of structural stability.
I still recommend checking it out and walking the grounds. Lots of good spots for photos.
Unfortunately, the castle is closed due structural issues, but the castle grounds were still very nice. There was even a man fly dressed out in samurai armor walking around taking pictures with visitors. The castle is also still nice to see and admire.
A very beautiful castle to explore with several floors of exhibits inside. While it is a reconstruction and not the most traditional in its interior, it is still a great visit. There can be a bit of a waiting time to get in, so be prepared, but the view from the top floor is absolutely worth it!
The castle structure is no longer open to the public for entry. We were able to get close and take pictures of the exterior. We enjoyed the grounds. There are some really fun places to climb around on the moat wall. There are food trucks and a few interesting features from the bombing to read and explore. The fish in the moat and ponds were beautiful. Overall a great park to play in.
