The beautiful & modern Carp Castle is more famously known as Hiroshima Castle (広島城, Hiroshimajō). The 5 stories of the main keep is built on a flat plain and is surrounded by an impressive moat. Some interesting ruins are left behind for curious tourists and the reconstructed Ninomaru buildings are quite amazing to explore.
The powerful feudal lord Mori Terumoto built Hiroshima Castle in 1589 with the city being built as a castle town, where Hiroshima Castle represented both the physical and economical center of the city. Though Carp Castle wasn't demolished in the Meiji Restoration during the Meiji Period (1868- 1912), it was eventually destroyed in 1945 by the horrendous atomic bomb, like most of the city.
In 1958, Hiroshima Castle was rebuilt with an impressive partially wooden exterior with a great museum that contains all of the castle's history. The main keep's top floor offers an unforgettable panoramic view of Hiroshima city with a souvenir machine that let's you personalize Hiroshima Castle coins.
When we walked through the main military ruins, there's that moment when you realize the agony of war from another era, and you can appreciate the restoration to remind us all of the mistakes. The museum was designed to be informative and to showcase some of the best historical and artistic items of the city.
The 1st floor of the museum was more information based prepping you for the next levels to come.
The 2nd floor was my personal favorite because of the craftsmanship of the armor and weapons both historically and more modern items on display.
The craftsmanship on the armor sets are 2nd to none.
The cultural and artistic designs in the armor sets are as impressive as the effectiveness of the armor in documented battle.
There's also a whole floor dedicated to many artistic tapestries and items of clothing both historic and modern from many of Hiroshima's greatest artists.
Carp Castle's panoramic view was made perfectly for the castle's visitors to connect with the city visually and spiritually.
From the top view of the main keep, you get an appreciation of Hiroshima's culture both historically and in modern day.
Another cool feature are the outfits the castle lets you borrow to take photos with. On the first floor of the museum, there are 4 Japanese outfits to try on. There's also a samurai replica armor to try on which interesting enough is 20 times lighter than a real armor but definitely still too heavy to civilians to wear and move around.
Thanks for joining us for So Travel Today #2 and be sure to book your next trip at www.sotravel.today
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Hiroshima Castle
Hours & Fees
Main Keep
Hours
9:00 to 18:00 (March to November)
9:00 to 17:00 (December to February)
9:00 to 19:00 (during Golden Week and Obon holidays)
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed
December 29 to 31
Admission
370 yen (main keep), admission to the rest of the castle grounds is free
Address: 21-1 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0011, Japan
Opened: 1592
Built: 1592–1599 (original); 1958 (reconstruction)