Fukuyama Castle - Hiroshima, Japan
Fukuyama Castle is easily one of the most accessible castles I’ve ever visited. Located right next to Fukuyama Station, it’s visible as soon as your train pulls into the platform. One of the main reasons I stopped in Fukuyama was to try Onomichi ramen that a friend had recommended, but with the castle only a few minutes’ walk from the station, including it in my plans was an easy decision.
After enjoying ramen a couple of blocks from the station, I made my way toward the castle. Fukuyama Castle was one of the last new castles to be completed in the early Edo period and served as an important base for protecting western Japan. Most of the original buildings were dismantled at the end of the feudal era, with only the main keep remaining. That, too, was later destroyed during World War II and reconstructed in 1966.
In the early 2020s, the main keep underwent significant renovation work, during which its most distinctive feature was restored. One of the four sides is covered in protective iron plates, resulting in three white façades and a striking black northern side. This contrast makes Fukuyama Castle stand out from many other reconstructed castles across Japan.
The interior of the castle has been modernized and functions as a museum, featuring several interactive exhibits. These include simulations for horseback riding and matchlock gun shooting. There weren’t many visitors during my visit, which meant I had time to try out most of the activities. By the end, I had come to the conclusion that I wouldn’t have survived in that era—I didn’t do particularly well in any of the simulations.
At the top of the keep, I was rewarded with excellent views over the city. It also turned out to be a great spot for train watching, as the platforms and incoming and outgoing trains are clearly visible from above. After taking a few photos, I made my way back down and explored the castle grounds. There are several museums located around the castle, and while they would have made for a more comprehensive cultural visit, they were unfortunately closed during my time there.
History & Background
Fukuyama Castle (福山城) was completed in 1622 during the early Edo period and was built under the orders of Mizuno Katsunari, a retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Its strategic location made it an important defensive base for monitoring and protecting western Japan.
Like many castles across the country, Fukuyama Castle suffered significant losses during the Meiji Restoration, when much of its complex was dismantled. The reconstructed keep was later destroyed in air raids during World War II. The current structure, completed in 1966 and renovated in the early 2020s, preserves the castle’s historical role while incorporating modern museum elements that appeal to contemporary visitors.
Getting There
Fukuyama Castle is located directly beside Fukuyama Station in Hiroshima Prefecture. The castle grounds are accessible within a 5-minute walk from the station’s north exit, making it one of the most conveniently located castles in Japan.
Route Overview
Distance: 500 m out & back (Fukuyama Station)
Total elevation gain: 5 m
Duration: 8 min (with breaks 10 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Train: Kurashiki Station → Fukuyama Station — ¥770
Entrance Fee: Fukuyama Castle — ¥500
Food: ¥1,000
