Hiroshima Castle Park, Hiroshima

The grounds of Hiroshima Castle are closely connected with the castle that Mōri Terumoto began constructing in 1589. From this fortified center, Hiroshima developed into a prosperous castle town and the political, economic, and cultural heart of the Hiroshima Domain. Today, the castle grounds combine historical remains, postwar reconstructions, shrines, trees, and open green spaces.

As you enter the area, one of the first features to notice is the broad water-filled moat that surrounds the main enclosure. Inside the grounds, visitors can walk among surviving stone foundations and sections of the original castle walls, which help reveal the scale of the former fortress. In the Ninomaru, or second defensive enclosure, several wooden buildings have been reconstructed, including turrets, a gate, and a long defensive storehouse.

Nearby stands Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, an active Shinto shrine where visitors may observe worshipers, seasonal ceremonies, and traditional celebrations. The grounds also contain several trees that survived the atomic bombing of 1945. Marked with explanatory signs, these living witnesses add a deeply moving dimension to the visit. Shaded paths, lawns, benches, and seasonal blossoms make the area suitable for a quiet walk, while the contrast between the traditional castle structures and Hiroshima’s modern skyline provides excellent opportunities for photography.