Fukuyama Castle
Fukuyama Castle
3.5
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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3.5
363 reviews
Excellent
55
Very good
174
Average
114
Poor
16
Terrible
4
Hiro H
Melbourne, Australia228 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
This castle was built and used after war-time period as an administrative purpose (not in a battle). And just like many castles in Japan it was destroyed and rebuild as a cultural symbol later on. So you might not feel much excitement compared with other great old castles. However, this castle has produced some fine leaders in Japanese history and you can see some artifacts in the castles. It is good place to walk around for a few hours.
Written December 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian F
East Maitland, Australia72 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
This is a lovely castle with great grounds that the locate residents use on a daily bases. The flowers in the grounds are great which are very well kept.
Written October 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anova26
Melbourne, Australia84 contributions
May 2019
Picturesque park and castle easy to walk up to and around. Definitely worth a visit for the obligatory photo or selfie. Crowded but still worth it although not all tourists are as well mannered as the locals.
Written May 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zimminaroundtheworld
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,827 contributions
Sep 2020
I've seen many castles in Japan and the Fukuyama Castle is up there as one of the more interesting and beautiful ones. The castle is right next to the train station, so no excuses for not visiting. The grounds are free to enter, I recommend exploring the grounds as there are many attractions within the castle walls. Don't miss the little garden here behind the castle as the views are incredible. I just love the architecture of the castle and how it stands out. I did not go inside the castle as I heard it was not worth it, but I found the exterior and grounds to be lovely.
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ART196
244 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
Fukuyama Castle shares the tragic fate of many castles in big cities that were preserved for posterity and survived the Meiji Restoration: it’s towering tenshukaku (main keep) was destroyed by allied aerial bombardment during the war. However, it was reconstructed as a museum in 1966. Besides which, two structures remain as originally built: the Sujigane Go’mon (Iron-reinforced Great Gate), and Fushimi Yagura (turret), dating to 1622 on site, although it was originally assembled even earlier at Fushimi Castle in Kyōto (thus the name).
Destroyed during the war but reconstructed:
Kagami Yagura (Mirror Turret), rebuilt 1974
Shōrō (turret with bell inside), rebuilt 1979, a uniquely designed structure designated as a municipal level important cultural property.
Yudono (bath house), rebuilt 1966.
Other structures: Tsukimi Yagura (Moon-viewing Turret), destroyed during the Meiji Restoration, now rebuilt.
Throughout the Edo Period Fukuyamajō was one of the greatest castles in the land, and there is still much to marvel at today, including incredible ishigaki (stonewalls). I was impressed by the huge castle tower and surrounding complex. The train station is built on the filled-in moat, so the castle walls are immediately opposite when one comes out of the station, quite the surprise. It’s very easy to visit whilst passing through to Hiroshima or wherever.
History:
In 1622 the Shogunate sent Mizuno Katsunari to build a castle here. Far away from Edo, Mizuno was the first Fudai-Daimyō in the region and his strategic position between two Tozama-Daimyō was of great importance to the Bakufu (regime). Fudai-Daimyō were those daimyō and their descendents enfranchised with territory for helping the Tokugawa rise to power. These daimyō often occupied strategic bases throughout the country with small land holdings designed to serve as checks on the power of Tozama-Daimyō. Whilst Tozama-Daimyō only submitted to the Tokugawa after the Battle of Sekigahara, the loyal Fudai-Daimyō supported Tokugawa Ieyasu from early on (insider-outsider dichotomy) , and the government was formed from Fudai-Daimyō thereafter, with Tozama-Daimyō vassals rarely holding important positions. Therefore, given the position of Fukuyamajō between two “Outsider Daimyō” territories, it was important that it be a powerful stronghold displaying the power of the Shogunate. The government aided the construction of Fukuyamajō by sending money, building materials and even whole buildings. The castle quickly became a powerhouse and remained one of the strongest castle complexes throughout the proto-modern period.
Destroyed during the war but reconstructed:
Kagami Yagura (Mirror Turret), rebuilt 1974
Shōrō (turret with bell inside), rebuilt 1979, a uniquely designed structure designated as a municipal level important cultural property.
Yudono (bath house), rebuilt 1966.
Other structures: Tsukimi Yagura (Moon-viewing Turret), destroyed during the Meiji Restoration, now rebuilt.
Throughout the Edo Period Fukuyamajō was one of the greatest castles in the land, and there is still much to marvel at today, including incredible ishigaki (stonewalls). I was impressed by the huge castle tower and surrounding complex. The train station is built on the filled-in moat, so the castle walls are immediately opposite when one comes out of the station, quite the surprise. It’s very easy to visit whilst passing through to Hiroshima or wherever.
History:
In 1622 the Shogunate sent Mizuno Katsunari to build a castle here. Far away from Edo, Mizuno was the first Fudai-Daimyō in the region and his strategic position between two Tozama-Daimyō was of great importance to the Bakufu (regime). Fudai-Daimyō were those daimyō and their descendents enfranchised with territory for helping the Tokugawa rise to power. These daimyō often occupied strategic bases throughout the country with small land holdings designed to serve as checks on the power of Tozama-Daimyō. Whilst Tozama-Daimyō only submitted to the Tokugawa after the Battle of Sekigahara, the loyal Fudai-Daimyō supported Tokugawa Ieyasu from early on (insider-outsider dichotomy) , and the government was formed from Fudai-Daimyō thereafter, with Tozama-Daimyō vassals rarely holding important positions. Therefore, given the position of Fukuyamajō between two “Outsider Daimyō” territories, it was important that it be a powerful stronghold displaying the power of the Shogunate. The government aided the construction of Fukuyamajō by sending money, building materials and even whole buildings. The castle quickly became a powerhouse and remained one of the strongest castle complexes throughout the proto-modern period.
Written November 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa Y
Tokyo, Japan815 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
The five levels, six-storied castle was originally built in 1622 and then rebuilt with concrete, in 1966.The ishigaki stone walls seem a little sloppy compared to other castles, with many gaps in between the rocks. Fukuyama Castle is a fairly attractive looking castle, from the outside, but the same cannot be said from the inside. There is a pretty poor exhibition of a few items on each floor. There isn't any explanation in English and very little in Japanese. You cannot take photo's either and they get grumpy if you mistakenly do so (as we found out). Visiting Shimabara Castle was much, much better ... friendly, better displays and much more interesting to look around.
It's a pretty hard walk up all of the stairs to the top. If you collect the medals for such places, then you have to climb to the top (as I do - many places offer the medals on the ground floor, they didn't.) The view at the top was pretty good. The view from behind the castle was also good. The best thing going for it ... it wasn't crowded.
Unfortunately I felt there are plenty of much better castles to enjoy and learn from ...
It's a pretty hard walk up all of the stairs to the top. If you collect the medals for such places, then you have to climb to the top (as I do - many places offer the medals on the ground floor, they didn't.) The view at the top was pretty good. The view from behind the castle was also good. The best thing going for it ... it wasn't crowded.
Unfortunately I felt there are plenty of much better castles to enjoy and learn from ...
Written November 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roy v
Traralgon, Australia4,598 contributions
Sep 2022
We visited the castle a few days ago by the Shinkansen, great way to go as the train stop is right beside the Castle.
Actually the Shinkansen station is on land that was part of the Castle grounds originally.
They are celebrating the Castles 400th. Anniversary, it has just recently opened after a major renovation , it must have cost a fortune to bring it back to it’s former glory.
Apparently a big part of the cost was born by a local company and others in the community, they are to be congratulated, the community is obviously very proud of the Castle and it’s history.
Cost 500 yen to enter, well worth it to see all the displays and learn the history of the Castle, lots of information on the Samurai family who built it 400 years ago , the head of the family who was a cousin of the shogun who ruled Japan at that time was a ferocious warrior who won many battles and was also a greatly respected community person who lived to over 80 years old and at that age was still very active .The view from the top is fantastic.
There are a lot of steps between each floor so keep that in mind if you have a walking problem .
The grounds and outbuildings are very extensive, this was the grandest Castle in Japan at that time .
Well worth a visit, easy by bullet train, about 20 minute journey from Hiroshima which was our destination.
Actually the Shinkansen station is on land that was part of the Castle grounds originally.
They are celebrating the Castles 400th. Anniversary, it has just recently opened after a major renovation , it must have cost a fortune to bring it back to it’s former glory.
Apparently a big part of the cost was born by a local company and others in the community, they are to be congratulated, the community is obviously very proud of the Castle and it’s history.
Cost 500 yen to enter, well worth it to see all the displays and learn the history of the Castle, lots of information on the Samurai family who built it 400 years ago , the head of the family who was a cousin of the shogun who ruled Japan at that time was a ferocious warrior who won many battles and was also a greatly respected community person who lived to over 80 years old and at that age was still very active .The view from the top is fantastic.
There are a lot of steps between each floor so keep that in mind if you have a walking problem .
The grounds and outbuildings are very extensive, this was the grandest Castle in Japan at that time .
Well worth a visit, easy by bullet train, about 20 minute journey from Hiroshima which was our destination.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clarkey1234
Balgowlah, Australia46 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
The castle is right next to the train station so very conveniently located. There are 5 flights of stairs to walk up to get to the top but it is worth it as it’s a beautiful view of town. All the exhibition is in Japanese, no English which makes it a challenge but you can still understand a great deal about the area by looking at the exhibits. Worth a visit if you’re in town.
Written April 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gabymgr
Mexico City, Mexico64 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
Nice small Castle next to the train station, there was a flower exposition that was really nice. If you are staying in Fukuyama take a few minutes to see it.
Written March 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perth Review
Perth, Australia252 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
Fukuyama-Shi Castle is the best Castle in not only Hiroshima prefecture but in the whole of Nippon! We went as a family and absolutely loved it! The view from the top is beyond mesmerising- it’s so hypnotic that you feel euphoric in its splendour. Also there are cats that live at the upper level of the castle that look as if they own the whole of Fukuyama! The reincarnated spirit’s of Shoguns and Samurai of old? Who can say? It’s so awesome I dressed up my little chap, Leopold Theudebald Godfrey and forgot to take photos!
Fukuyama Castle is definitely the best Castle in Japan and if you disagree I will fight you.
Fukuyama Castle is definitely the best Castle in Japan and if you disagree I will fight you.
Written December 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Fukuyama Castle - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Fukuyama Castle
- Fukuyama Castle is open:
- Tue - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Fukuyama Castle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Fukuyama Castle tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Fukuyama Castle:
- (0.08 mi) Vessel Inn Fukuyamaeki Kitaguchi
- (0.07 mi) Marunouchi Hotel
- (0.14 mi) Fukuyama New Castle Hotel
- (0.13 mi) Daiwa Roynet Hotel Fukuyama Ekimae
- (0.22 mi) Richmond Hotel Fukuyama Ekimae
- Restaurants near Fukuyama Castle:
- (0.08 mi) Saint Marc Cafe Sun Ste Fukuyama
- (0.09 mi) Ohitsu Gohan Shirokujichu Sun Station Fukuyama
- (0.09 mi) Ramen Ikkoku Sakigakedo, Sun Station Fukuyama
- (0.08 mi) Starbucks Coffee JR Fukuyama Station
- (0.10 mi) Nishikido Fukuyama Station
- Attractions near Fukuyama Castle:
- (0.02 mi) Abe Masahiro Statue
- (0.02 mi) Fukuyamajo Park
- (0.04 mi) Fukuyama Castle Kagami Yagura
- (0.04 mi) Kagami Yagura
- (0.09 mi) Fukuyama Castle Musem
Fukuyama Castle Information
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Very Good Reviews | 173 |
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