Hiroshima, Japan Nov. 22 Fri 7:37AM
Hiroshima's Historical Legacy
Hiroshima was first and foremost a castle town. Built in the 16th century, Hiroshima Castle was the physical, economic, and cultural center of Hiroshima. The castle was built in the city center, unlike many other castles in Japan, which are built on hills or mountains to keep them safe from attack. This castle, though, was important in Western Japan, as the feudal lord of Hiroshima also ruled nine other western provinces. After the Meiji Restoration, unlike many other castles from the previous centuries, Hiroshima Castle remained as a military outpost.
In the final days of World War II, the entire city, including Hiroshima Castle, was destroyed by the atomic bomb dropped on August 6, 1945.
The castle was rebuilt later out of concrete with a partially wooden exterior, and inside the castle has been made into a museum of the history of Hiroshima and its castle and other Japanese castles. There is also a display of military armor and chances to try it on, and an amazing view of Hiroshima from the top floor of the castle. The castle is also surrounded by a moat, and there is a marked path outside it that surrounds the castle that is a beautiful walk when weather permits. In October, the annual Hiroshima International Food festival is held around the castle moat.