The Fortress Built by the Ruler of the Chūgoku Region

In the center of Hiroshima City, quietly exuding dignity amidst the modern urban landscape stands Hiroshima Castle.
It was constructed in 1589 by Mōri Terumoto, the grandson of Mōri Motonari, at the delta of the Ōta River.
The castle is notable for its large main enclosure (honmaru) surrounded by an inner moat, and a small secondary enclosure (ninomaru) that also served as a defensive outwork.
Its tenshu (main keep) was a connected-style structure consisting of a five-tiered, five-story main keep and two smaller keeps.
Though it was destroyed by the atomic bombing, the main keep alone was reconstructed in 1958, serving as a symbol of postwar recovery.

Now or Never: Enter the Tenshu Before It Closes in 2026

While the current main keep is a postwar reconstruction, it has long been beloved by both locals and tourists for its beautiful appearance.
However… this tenshu will close to the public on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
After that, due to preservation and maintenance work, entry to the interior will no longer be possible (though the exterior will remain visible).
In other words, this fiscal year (until the end of March 2026) is your last chance to climb the current tenshu.
The panoramic view of Hiroshima from the top floor is a breathtaking scene you should engrave in your memory now.

Free to Enjoy: The Ninomaru Area & the Evolving Sannomaru Hiroshima Castle

For castle enthusiasts and history lovers, the restored buildings of the Ninomaru are highly recommended.
Structures like the Omotegomon Gate and Taiko Yagura have been faithfully reconstructed with the formal architectural style of the samurai era, and are open to the public free of charge.
This precious area allows you to experience the atmosphere of life within the castle during the Edo period.

Furthermore, the first phase of the Sannomaru Hiroshima Castle development has recently opened.
Here, visitors can experience Samurai tea ceremony and Japanese archery, stop by a Souvenir specialty shop, and dine on eel and conger eel cuisine, as well as Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki.
This area goes beyond being a mere “historic site” — it showcases the new appeal of Hiroshima Castle, where culture, food, and experiences come together.

From Atomic Destruction to Rebirth — Toward the Future

Hiroshima Castle’s main keep collapsed as a result of the atomic bomb dropped in 1945.
The current keep was reconstructed in 1958 using reinforced concrete, but faithfully replicates the appearance of the original Edo-period structure.
Inside, it serves as a history museum, with exhibits that not only cover the Edo period, but also display photographs and materials showing Hiroshima’s devastation and recovery after the bombing.
It’s a journey through time in one space — from Edo to the modern era.
Hiroshima Castle offers not just sightseeing, but a travel experience where you can feel and learn about history and peace.

A Must-Visit Castle Now — Where History, Culture, and Cuisine Converge

Hiroshima Castle is now on the verge of a major transformation.
The Tenshu and Ninomaru, which retain the feel of the Edo period.
The Sannomaru Hiroshima Castle offers opportunities to experience historical culture as well as the food culture of Japan and Hiroshima.
And the final view from the tenshu, limited to this last year until March 2026.
By visiting during this singular moment, you’ll enjoy a journey that connects past, present, and future.
Let the story of Hiroshima Castle — of history and rebirth — become part of your own journey.