Hiroshima Castle Eastern Small Tower Ruins, Hiroshima Travel Guide

The Eastern Small Tower Ruins are a poignant reminder of Hiroshima Castle's history. Built in the late 16th century by Mori Terumoto, the castle was a vital center of power in western Japan. The castle, also known as Carp Castle, played a crucial role in the development of Hiroshima as a castle town.While the castle was spared demolition during the Meiji period, it was tragically destroyed by the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. The Eastern Small Tower, along with other structures, was lost in the blast. The main keep was reconstructed in 1958, and in 1994, some Ninomaru structures were rebuilt using traditional methods. Today, visitors can explore the castle grounds, including the Eastern Small Tower Ruins, which offer a glimpse into the castle's original design and the impact of the atomic bombing. The reconstructed main keep houses a museum with exhibits on the castle's history and Japanese castles in general. The grounds also feature a shrine and reconstructed Ninomaru buildings.