The castle is known as 'Rijo' or 'Carp Castle' due to its appearance when reflected in the surrounding moats.
During the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895), the Imperial General Headquarters was temporarily moved to Hiroshima Castle.
The original main keep survived for over 350 years before being destroyed by the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945.
A specialized eucalyptus tree located on the grounds is recognized as a hibakujumoku, a tree that survived the atomic bombing.
The castle grounds were once the center of the local administrative and military hub during the Edo period.
Hiroshima Castle, originally constructed in 1589 by Mori Terumoto, is a reconstruction of a flatland castle destroyed by the 1945 atomic bombing. The current five-story main keep was rebuilt in 1958 using concrete to serve as a museum documenting the castle's history and samurai culture. The site features original stone foundation walls and a reconstructed Ninomaru area with gatehouses. Visitors can access the top floor for panoramic views of the modern Hiroshima skyline and surrounding park. The moat system, encompassing the castle grounds, remains largely intact from the feudal era. The grounds are designated as a National Historic Site of Japan. The museum exhibits within the keep include samurai armor, swords, and documents related to the Mori clan and the castle's architectural evolution. A large eucalyptus tree on the grounds famously survived the 1945 atomic blast and continues to grow today.
From the bridge spanning the outer moat to capture the castle keep reflected in the water.
Visit the Ninomaru gatehouse area to see traditional timber-frame construction techniques used in the reconstruction.
Climb to the top floor of the main keep for the best orientation of the city's layout.
Check the castle's official website before visiting, as the keep occasionally hosts special temporary exhibitions.
Do not mistake the modern reconstruction for an original wooden Edo-period structure.
Closed during the year-end and new-year holidays; occasionally closed for facility inspections.
Shoes must be removed before entering the main keep interior; socks are recommended.
