Fukuyama Castle Audio Guide
Fukuyama Castle, located in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, was built by Mizuno Katsu…
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Overview
Overview
Fukuyama Castle, located in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, was built by Mizuno Katsunari, a cousin of Tokugawa Ieyasu, as a strategic stronghold to guard the western provinces. Completed in 1622, the castle marked its 400th anniversary in 2022 with an extensive renovation, refreshing the keep and exhibition facilities. Its formal name is 'Tetsuōzan Suzakuin Hisamatsu Castle,' derived from its iron-plated keep facing south toward the Suzaku direction. The castle once featured a three-tiered stone wall called 'Hifumi-dan' and structures like the Fushimi Yagura, relocated from Fushimi Castle, making it an important historical site. Today, the keep functions as a museum and even supports cashless payment, adding modern convenience to its historic charm
Access
Access
Fukuyama Castle is extremely easy to reach. It sits just north of JR Fukuyama Station, and you can see the castle as soon as you step out of the station. The Fushimi Yagura is even visible from the Shinkansen platform, making it an effortless visit by train. By car, it’s about 20 minutes from the Fukuyama East or West interchanges on the Sanyo Expressway. It’s also roughly an hour and a half drive from Okayama Castle, so it fits well into a castle-hopping itinerary. Located right in the city center, the area around the castle offers plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops to enjoy alongside your visit
Parking
Parking
Parking is well provided around the castle. The Fukuyama Castle Museum parking lot, right in front of the keep, is the most convenient option for visiting the museum and keep. There are also many coin-operated parking lots near the station and around the Tenmaya department store, suitable for short visits. During busy seasons or special events, parking may fill up, so it’s best to allow extra time
Highlights
Highlights
The highlight of Fukuyama Castle is its beautifully restored keep, reborn through the Reiwa-era renovation. The shining iron-plated exterior, combined with the three-tiered 'Hifumi-dan' stone walls, is truly impressive. Don’t miss the Fushimi Yagura, relocated from Fushimi Castle, and the rare surviving 'Bell Yagura.' Inside the grounds, you’ll find a museum with exhibits accessible via cashless payment, and you can pick up unique 400th-anniversary treats like the 'Suzakuin' monaka sweet. For an added memory, explore the underground of nearby department stores like Tenmaya to find commemorative souvenirs. With its blend of history and convenience, Fukuyama Castle offers a rich and accessible cultural experience
