🗺️ Hiroshima Castle広島城

Hiroshima Castle was built in 1589 by Mōri Terumoto, one of the five chief retainers under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The castle is located in the center of Hiroshima city, making it very accessible and a famous tourist attraction. The interior of the castle's tenshu (main keep) now serves as a historical museum, displaying artifacts and materials such as Japanese swords and armor. From the observation deck at the top of the castle, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Hiroshima. The buildings, including the Omote Gomon and Taiko Yagura, which were destroyed by the atomic bomb, have been restored to their former glory after reconstruction in the 1990s. Surrounding Hiroshima Castle are numerous cherry blossom trees, creating a beautiful scene where the castle and cherry blossoms complement each other, attracting many flower-viewing visitors every spring. Inside Hiroshima Castle is the "Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine," a famous shrine where the local professional baseball team, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, has held victory prayer ceremonies over the years. The shrine's talismans and omikuji (fortune slips) themed around koi fish are quite popular. The castle is surrounded by a moat, where visitors can take a leisurely sightseeing boat ride to admire the unique appearance of Hiroshima Castle and the stunning reflection of the castle on the water's surface. Along the way, many atomic bomb remnants can also be seen, such as the stone walls that changed color due to the fire during the bombing and the "hibaku trees" that survived despite their scars.

Hiroshima's tourist attractions are located within the city, making transportation very convenient. The interior of the castle is now a historical museum, showcasing artifacts such as Japanese swords and armor. It is recommended to take a sightseeing boat that operates on the moat for a tour. Inside Hiroshima Castle, there is the "Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine," where the cute koi-themed amulets and fortunes are very popular.