“There are hardships and there are delights.”
– Japanese Proverb
Hiroshima Castle/Carp Castle was constructed in the 1590s, but was destroyed by the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. It was rebuilt in 1958, a replica of the original that now serves as a museum of Hiroshima’s history before World War II.
During the final months of WWII, the castle served as the headquarters of army personnel stationed there to deter the projected Allied invasion of the Japanese mainland. The castle was destroyed in the atomic bomb blast of August 6, 1945, and for many years, it was believed the castle structure was blown away by the explosion that destroyed Hiroshima. However newly discovered evidence suggests the explosion only destroyed the lower pillars of the castle, and the rest of it collapsed as a result.
The present tower, constructed largely of concrete, was completed in 1958.
The castle consists of several floors, all accessible (there’s an entry fee), but you’re not allowed to take photos on most of them. I don’t really know why, maybe it’s because people aren’t good enough at controlling their flash photography or whatever…
It’s open everyday from 9AM – 5PM and if you want to you can dress up in samurai gears while exploring the castle. I didn’t do this myself, but I saw people wandering about with the getup on. You can take photos on the roof and in the garden so you can have a memento of you in your costume.
It’s a good outing for any day really, if it’s raining you’ll be in the castle mostly and if it’s sunny you can enjoy the gardens and park as well as the castle.
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