While many Japanese castles share similar architectural designs, Hiroshima Castle has every imaginable feature associated with a medieval fortress: a large moat, massive stone walls, as well as bridges and baileys to boot.
The catch to this city-center castle is that the original structure was rebuilt in 1958 following its destruction in the bombing of Hiroshima in WWII. But this resurrected National Treasure, fondly nicknamed the “Carp Castle” by locals, is evidence of the once flourishing castle town during the Edo Period.
Destroyed by the atomic explosion in 1945, the main tower was rebuilt in 1958 to look exactly like the original.
Originally constructed in 1589, under the orders of feudal lord Mori Terumoto, Hiroshima Castle served as the political and economic center of the city. Terumoto specifically chose this particular location because of its accessibility to both water and land transportation – a crucial fact to consider during a long civil war. Rumor has it that the famous feudal lord was inspired by the architecture of the Osaka Castle, whose five-tiered donjon also towers above Osaka’s city center.
Why is it called Carp Castle?
Even during the dismantling of many castles during the Meiji Restoration when timber and iron fittings of these feudal fortresses were sold to raise funds, the Japanese government spared the “Carp Castle” and turned it into a military base for the Imperial Army.
However, as with the rest of the city, the Hiroshima Castle was demolished by the first atomic bomb attack on August 6, 1945. Meant to raise awareness of Hiroshima and it’s history, this designated national historic site rose from ruins in 1958, featuring four floors of museum exhibits.
The castle’s precincts also include the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine which is bustling with religious ceremonies and seasonal events throughout the year.
