What if these walls could talk? What stories would they tell? They would whisper of the mighty Mori Terumoto, the feudal lord who, in 1592, commanded Hiroshima Castle to be built. Hiroshima Castle, or Rijō as it is fondly known, was strategically placed where the Ota River offered natural protection. Imagine the bustle of samurai warriors and the elegance of courtly life within these once wooden walls. Sadly, the original Hiroshima Castle, a symbol of power and prestige, was tragically destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. However, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it was faithfully reconstructed in 1958. Today, Hiroshima Castle stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Hiroshima, a poignant reminder of the past and a beacon of hope for the future. Climb to the top floor of the castle’s main keep, now a museum. From here, you’ll have panoramic views of the city and can spot the Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, a serene oasis within the castle grounds. Look closer and you might see three remarkable trees – a holly, a eucalyptus, and a willow. These silent sentinels miraculously survived the atomic blast, standing as testaments to resilience and a reminder of the preciousness of peace.
芸州廿日市御本陣旧跡
“A castle built on the plain?” you might ask. “Isn’t that a bit…exposed?” And indeed, the Hiroshima Gokoku Jinja, the