About Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle (広島城), affectionately known as "Rijō" or "Carp Castle," stands as a symbol of the city's resilience. Originally constructed in 1589 by the powerful warlord Mōri Terumoto, the castle served as the political and economic center of the region for centuries.
The original castle was destroyed in an instant on August 6, 1945 – the wooden structure burned immediately in the atomic bomb blast. The current reconstruction, completed in 1958, faithfully reproduces the castle's exterior appearance using modern reinforced concrete construction.
While not an original building, Hiroshima Castle offers a unique perspective different from the Peace Memorial. Here, you learn about Hiroshima's vibrant pre-war history as a castle town, military center, and cultural hub. The contrast with Peace Memorial Park – just a 15-minute walk away – creates a powerful narrative arc of loss and rebirth.
Tickets and Prices
| Ticket Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (general admission) | ¥370 | Tower museum access |
| Seniors (65+) | ¥180 | With ID |
| High School Students | ¥180 | With student ID |
| Junior High & Under | Free | 15 and under |
| Castle Grounds | Free | Moat, gardens, Ninomaru |
Prices according to Hiroshima Castle official website, April 2026.
💡 Combination Tickets
While there's no official combo ticket with Peace Memorial Museum, several guided tours include both sites. These tours offer the most efficient way to experience both attractions with expert narration connecting the pre-war and post-war stories.
Opening Hours
| Season | Hours | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| March – November | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| December – February | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 4:30 PM |
Closed: December 29-31 (open January 1 for New Year's)
Castle Grounds: The outer moat area and Ninomaru (second citadel) grounds are accessible from 9:00 AM to approximately 30 minutes after the tower closes.
Best Times to Visit
- Least crowded: Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday-Thursday
- Cherry blossom season (late March-early April): The moat area becomes spectacular but crowded
- Photography tip: Late afternoon light creates beautiful reflections on the moat
Golden Hour Strategy
Hiroshima Tours Editor
My favorite time at Hiroshima Castle is 4-5 PM on a clear day. Climb to the observation deck for the sunset views, then descend as the castle lights up for evening illumination. The moat reflects the lit-up tower beautifully – a photograph opportunity most visitors miss.
What to See Inside
The reconstructed castle tower houses a five-floor museum dedicated to Hiroshima's pre-war history:
Floor by Floor Guide
- 1st Floor: Introduction to castle history, overview of Hiroshima's development as a castle town
- 2nd Floor: Samurai life and culture, armor displays, weapons collection
- 3rd Floor: Hiroshima's development during the Meiji period, modernization exhibits
- 4th Floor: Photo exhibits, historical documents, the castle before 1945
- 5th Floor (Observation Deck): 360° panoramic views of Hiroshima city, mountains, and on clear days, the Seto Inland Sea
Castle Grounds Highlights
- Moat: Wide water moat surrounding the castle, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season
- Ninomaru: Reconstructed guard tower and storehouse building (free entry)
- Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine: Shinto shrine within the castle grounds, destroyed and rebuilt after the war
- Eucalyptus Trees: Trees that survived the bombing and regenerated – living symbols of recovery
How to Get to Hiroshima Castle
From JR Hiroshima Station
- Streetcar: Take Line 1 or 2 to "Kamiya-cho Higashi," then walk 15 minutes north
- Bus: Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus "Meipuru-pu" Orange Route stops at the castle
- Walking: About 25 minutes through the city center
From Peace Memorial Park
- Walking: 15-20 minutes north through Shukkeien Garden area – a pleasant urban walk
- Streetcar: Take Line 1 from "Genbaku Dome-mae" to "Kamiya-cho Higashi"
Address
21-1 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0011
How to Save Money
- Free grounds access: The castle exterior, moat, and Ninomaru area are free – great for photography without paying admission
- Children under 15: Free entry to the tower museum
- Hiroshima Free Pass: Some tourist passes include castle admission
- Combine with free attractions: Shukkeien Garden (¥260) is nearby; Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine is free
Combining with Peace Memorial Park
Most visitors combine Hiroshima Castle with Peace Memorial Park in a half-day or full-day itinerary. Here's a suggested route:
- Morning: Start at Peace Memorial Park and Museum (2-3 hours)
- Lunch: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki near Atomic Bomb Dome
- Afternoon: Walk to Hiroshima Castle via Shukkeien Garden (45-90 minutes)
- Late Afternoon: Shopping around Hondori covered arcade
This creates a narrative journey from Hiroshima's wartime destruction to its pre-war heritage, offering a fuller understanding of the city's history.
History of Hiroshima Castle
A brief timeline of the castle's history:
- 1589-1599: Construction by Mōri Terumoto, one of the most powerful daimyō of western Japan
- 1600: After the Battle of Sekigahara, Fukushima Masanori takes control
- 1619: Asano clan assumes lordship, ruling until 1869
- 1873: Castle becomes military facilities for the Imperial Japanese Army
- 1894-1895: Emperor Meiji uses castle as military headquarters during Sino-Japanese War
- August 6, 1945: Castle destroyed by atomic bomb, approximately 580 meters from hypocenter
- 1958: Reconstruction completed, now a history museum