HiroshimaOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Castle Town to Military Hub

Hiroshima's origins trace back to 1589, when the warlord Mōri Terumoto established it as a castle town on the Ōta River delta. There was no existing town at the time; the area was known as Gokamura, or "five villages." Mōri Terumoto built Hiroshima Castle, moving into it by 1593. The castle, sometimes called Carp Castle (Rijō), became the residence of the daimyō (feudal lord) of the Hiroshima Domain, which encompassed all of Aki Province and half of Bingo Province. The castle was located on flat land with natural defenses from its many rivers and proximity to the Seto Inland Sea.

Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Hiroshima transformed into an urban and industrial center. In 1889, Hiroshima gained city status. During the 1880s, Ujina Harbor was constructed, solidifying Hiroshima's role as a port city. The city became a center for military activities during the imperial era, playing roles in conflicts such as the First Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War. From 1894 to 1895, during the First Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese government temporarily relocated to Hiroshima, with Emperor Meiji establishing his headquarters at Hiroshima Castle. This period saw the construction of a railway line from Hiroshima Station to the harbor for military transportation, and the city developed heavy industries like engineering and shipbuilding, becoming a supply base for the Japanese army.

The Aftermath and Rebirth

By World War II, Hiroshima was a major military city and served as the command center for forces defending Japan. This strategic importance made it a primary target. On August 6, 1945, at 8:15 a.m., the United States Army Air Forces dropped the atomic bomb "Little Boy" on the city, marking the first use of a nuclear weapon in history. Most of Hiroshima was destroyed, with an estimated 90,000 to 166,000 deaths by the end of the year due to the blast and its aftermath. The city was reduced to a "charred plain." In 1949, the Japanese Parliament passed a special law, declaring Hiroshima a "City of Peace" and allocating state funds for its restoration. Since its post-war reconstruction, Hiroshima has grown to be the largest city in the Chūgoku region of western Honshu.

• —Hiroshima Castle — A reconstruction of the 16th-century fortress, rebuilt in 1958 after the original was destroyed in 1945. It houses a museum detailing Hiroshima's history before World War II, with exhibits on samurai culture, armor, and swords. The top floor offers views of the city.
• —Shukkei-en Garden — A Japanese garden dating back to 1620, designed by tea master Ueda Sōko for feudal lord Asano Nagaakira. The garden features miniature hills, ponds with koi carp, bridges, and tea houses, designed to mimic various landscapes in a condensed form. It was destroyed in 1945 but reopened in 1951 after rebuilding.
• —Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island — A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its torii gate. A short ferry ride from Hiroshima, the shrine appears to float on the water at high tide. Beyond the shrine, Mount Misen offers views of the Seto Inland Sea, accessible by hiking or ropeway. Wild deer roam the island.
• —Mitaki-dera Temple — This Buddhist temple, dating back to 809, is on the forested slopes of Mount Mitaki. The complex includes three waterfalls, a two-storied red pagoda, and moss-covered Jizo statues. It is notable during cherry blossom season in spring and autumn foliage.
• —Okonomimura — A multi-story building dedicated to Hiroshima's specialty dish, okonomiyaki. Multiple stalls serve different variations of the savory pancake.
• —Hondori Shopping Arcade — A covered shopping street in the city center, offering shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is a place to experience local city life and find souvenirs.

The best times to visit Hiroshima are during spring (late March to early April) and autumn (October to November). Spring brings mild temperatures (15-22°C) and cherry blossoms, visible along the riverbanks of Peace Memorial Park and around Hiroshima Castle. Autumn offers clear skies and maple foliage, especially at Miyajima's Momijidani Park in mid-to-late November. Temperatures during autumn range from 17-23°C.

Avoid June and July if possible. June is the wettest month with frequent drizzle, and mid-July through August is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 32-35°C. While August 6th holds the Peace Memorial Ceremony, visitors for this event should book accommodation several months in advance.

Hiroshima is well-connected. From Tokyo, direct Nozomi trains on the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen take about four hours. Hikari and Sakura trains take about five hours with a transfer at Shin-Osaka Station. Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) is outside the city, with bus services connecting to Hiroshima Station.

Within the city, public transportation includes trains, buses, and a streetcar (tram) network. A single streetcar ride costs around ¥220. For extensive sightseeing, consider the Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass, which covers unlimited rides on buses, trams, and ferries, along with discounts on some attractions. Local IC cards like ICOCA and Paspy can be used, as can other major IC cards such as Suica. Hiroshima's city center allows many sights to be accessed on foot.