Walk the Grounds of a Reborn Fortress
As you step off the train at Fukuyama Station, the silhouette of the castle keep rises into view, standing as a striking landmark against the skyline. While the original fortification dates back to 1619 and was lost during the bombings of World War II, the current structure was rebuilt in 1966. The grounds offer an inviting atmosphere where you can appreciate the aesthetic of the reconstructed keep.
Capturing the Keep's Profile
Because the castle sits literally right outside Fukuyama Station, it serves as an accessible stop for those traveling between Hiroshima and Okayama. You can enjoy a walk through the grounds to see how the architecture integrates with the landscape. While the proximity of the station limits certain angles for photography, the keep remains an attractive focal point for a brief visit.
Timing Your Visit and Exploring Beyond
The castle is best enjoyed as a convenient stop to take in its architecture and grounds. If you have more time to explore the region after visiting the fortress, travel 30 minutes south by bus to reach Tomonoura. This ancient port town on the Seto Inland Sea offers scenic views of outlying islands and is famous for Homeishu, a sweet liqueur made in the area for over a thousand years. You can also visit nearby sites such as Sensui Jima, accessible via a short ferry ride from Tomonoura, or explore local landmarks like Myōō-in Temple and Bingo Kokubunji Temple.
Begin your journey by checking the train schedule from Hiroshima to see how much time you can spend exploring the historic sites surrounding Fukuyama Station.