Hiroshima Castle

Built by Mouri Terumoto, one of the most important servants of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the eminent Samurai of the Sengoku period, the Hiroshima Castle has been a national treasure ever since its creation. Also known as the ‘Carp Castle’, it has served as a home to the many feudal lords of the Hiroshima domain. It is located right in the centre of the city unlike the others that usually stand on a hilltop or an invincible mountain. The construction for the castle began sometime in the 16th Century and such was its sturdiness that it survived the entire Meiji period. It is interesting to note that the castle was originally constructed in wood and pine and was later made out of reinforced concrete.
Unfortunately, it was completely destroyed during the atomic bombing of 1945 and was rebuilt in 1958 as a museum. A multitude of materials and objects found inside the museum throw light upon the history of Hiroshima and there is genuine effort on part of the authorities to raise awareness about the city. In fact, it holds special exhibitions several times a year for the same purpose. Apart from this, a huge section is dedicated to the culture of the Samurais and is incredibly interesting to look at. Moreover, the top floor of the castle is home to some arresting views of the city and is absolutely recommended.