Walking into Hiroshima Castle isn't just about admiring a castle; it feels more like reading the history of the city.
**Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine**, located within the castle grounds, is where the Hiroshima Toyo Carp hold their annual prayers for victory. It also has super-cute carp-themed charms and fortune slips that baseball fans definitely shouldn't miss. Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine stands on the former site of Hiroshima Castle, and its current buildings were relocated here after the atomic bombing.
Hiroshima Castle is surrounded by a moat. If you have enough time, I highly recommend taking a sightseeing boat and slowly enjoying the view of the castle tower reflected on the water. The perspective is completely different from the view on land. Along the way, you can also see stone walls bearing traces of the atomic bombing and trees that were exposed to the blast yet have survived to this day, letting you enjoy the scenery while reflecting on the years this city has lived through.
I really like Hiroshima Castle. It isn't as lively as Osaka Castle or as magnificent as Himeji Castle, but it has a greater sense of peace and history. Here, you can slow down, take a walk, snap some photos, and experience Hiroshima's unique charm. ❤️
Hiroshima Castle | Review by Queenie
Other Reviews by Queenie
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Yamashita Park
Yamashita Park is located by the sea, just a short walk from Yokohama Chinatown. It was opened in March of 1930, reclaiming the waterfront using rubble caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake.
When visiting Yokohama, Yamashita Park is one of the places I really like! The weather was beautiful that day, with blue skies and white clouds complementing the expansive harbor view. As soon as I entered the park, I felt especially relaxed. Strolling slowly through the park with the gentle sea breeze blowing toward me, there was none of the hustle and bustle of the city. Instead, it felt leisurely and peaceful.
What impressed me most was the park’s flowers and plants. There were all kinds of colorful flowers along the way, and the flower beds were beautifully maintained. The entire park was very well cared for, and the paths were also very clean. You could tell that a lot of care goes into maintaining it.
I enjoyed the flowers while taking in the views of Yokohama Harbor, and occasionally I could hear birds singing. The whole atmosphere was really pleasant. There were also quite a few people walking, exercising, and taking photos, while others sat on benches leisurely enjoying the afternoon.
I especially like places like this where there’s no need to rush through an itinerary. You can slow down, wander around, enjoy the scenery and the sea breeze, and simply appreciate the moment. I had originally planned to just stop by for a walk, but the surroundings were even more pleasant than I expected and made me feel like I was on vacation.
If I have the chance to visit Yokohama again, I think I’ll still want to come here for a walk and enjoy this rare moment of leisure.
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Yokohama Marine Tower
Built in 1961 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Yokohama's port opening, the Yokohama Marine Tower stands as a beloved symbol of the city. Standing at 106 meters and inspired by a lighthouse, you can spot this landmark from a number of points across the Bay Area. With significant renovations completed in 2022, the spot now glimmers as a fully enhanced, prime destination.
When visiting Yokohama, of course you have to stop by one of its most iconic landmarks, Yokohama Marine Tower! After the renovations, there’s much more to see and do. Besides going up to the observation deck for the views, there are also quite a few places to browse around.
This time, I bought an observation deck ticket in advance through KKday. After arriving, I first looked around the shop on the first floor. The decor was quite elegant, and the atmosphere was very comfortable. Then I took the elevator from the second floor directly to the observation deck at the top of the tower. It was very fast, so I didn’t have to wait long.
Once I reached the observation deck, what I was looking forward to most was seeing Yokohama from above! The harbor and city streets stretched out before me, and the view was very open. It’s really beautiful when the weather is good. Taking my time to enjoy the scenery from up high made me feel relaxed too.
Compared with walking around at ground level, seeing Yokohama from a different height offers another kind of travel experience. You don’t need to set aside much time for this place, but you can still leave with some very nice memories of the scenery.
If you’re visiting Yokohama, I recommend adding Marine Tower to your itinerary. It’s especially worth coming up if you enjoy observation decks and harbor views!
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Motomachi / Yamate Area in Yokohama
The Yamate district is located on a small hill to the south of Yokohama Chinatown. After the opening of the port in 1859, this area overlooking the sea became a foreign settlement, following Kannai. Many Western-style houses remain or have been relocated among lush greenery, including the Yamate Museum, a wooden house built in 1909 that blends Japanese and Western styles.
When you visit the Motomachi and Yamate area, you can really feel how different Yokohama is from other cities in Japan. There are shopping streets full of Japanese character, as well as international-looking streets with a European and American atmosphere. The mix of traditional Japanese streetscapes and Western architecture makes you feel as though you’re in another country.
Compared with the crowds in popular tourist areas, it feels much more relaxed here. There aren’t too many visitors, and there’s a wide variety of shops along the way. Whether you’re shopping, admiring the streets, or slowly exploring unique little stores, it’s all very comfortable.
I really like this kind of travel pace, where there’s no need to rush or squeeze through crowds. Even just taking a quiet walk lets you experience Yokohama’s unique charm.
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