Fukuyama Castle

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Facts & Figures

The five story high Fukuyama Castle (alt. Hisamatsu Castle or Iyo Castle) is a National Historic Site and belongs to the Top 100 Castles in Japan. The hilltop style Japanese Castle was one of the greatest castles during the Edo Period. The Sujigane Gate and Fushimi-yagura (two-storey keep) are listed as Important Cultural Properties.

• Fukuyama Castle:
• Opening Hours - 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm)
• Closed - Mondays, December 28th till 31st
• Admission Fee - 200 yen (adults), free (Junior high school student and under)

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History

Daimyo Mizuno Katsunari, a cousin of Tokugawa Ieyasu, gave the order in 1619 to built this huge and strong castle (23 yagura and 10 gates). The construction of the Fukuyama Castle was completed in 1622. During World War 2 air raids (1945) most of the buildings were destroyed by fire. The reconstruction of the main tower was finished in 1966. The whole structure is now made of concrete.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Fukuyama-jo Park - Fukuyama castle is located within this park, the park contains several museums

Fukuyama Museum of Art - on display are collections of twentieth-century European art work (with focus on Italy), fine arts from modern-day Japan and works of local artists

Human Rights and Peace Museum - a museum with an important message: to eliminate social discrimination

Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of History - with the focus on culture and history of the Setouchi region, open since 1989

Fukuyama Castle Museum - on display are weapons, few suits of armour, pottery, calligraphy etc.

Observation deck - the top of the castle tower offers amazing views over the municipality

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

May

Fukuyama Rose Festival (second Saturday and Sunday)
This festival is attracting over 800 000 people every year. Enjoy more than 500 000 full blooming roses within the Rose Park and Midori-machi Park. The festival is an absolute highlight of the year with parades, stage shows, live music and good food. Two main events during the 2 days festival are the Rose Wedding and Light and Rose Fantasies.

August

Fukuyama Summer Festival (13th till 15th)
On the first day (13th of Aug.) of the festival is the Niagari Odori Festival held - an traditional Bon Festival dance. On the second day the very popular Summer Night Fureai (exchange) Festival is held in the shopping streets. On the 15th of August approximately 13,000 fireworks lighting up the sky. It is really beautiful, loud and impressive. The event takes place upstream of Kusado-Ohashi Bridge along the Ashidagawa River.