Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine
A Shinto shrine on Hiroshima Castle grounds, rebuilt to honor war dead and offering a peaceful space for reflection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience traditional Japanese New Year celebrations.
Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine
Best Time
Experience traditional Japanese New Year celebrations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Shinto shrine on Hiroshima Castle grounds, rebuilt to honor war dead and offering a peaceful space for reflection.
"A peaceful sanctuary with historical importance and a sense of spiritual calmness."
🎯 Bow at the Torii Gate
Always bow before entering and exiting through the torii gate as a sign of respect.
🚶 Avoid the Center Path
Walk on the sides of the path; the center is traditionally for deities.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Main Hall
Hiroshima Castle Grounds
The central prayer hall, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection and traditional Japanese culture.
Peaceful Gardens
Shrine Grounds
Well-maintained gardens and shady walkways provide a tranquil escape from the city bustle.
Historical Significance
Hiroshima Castle Grounds
A memorial honoring those lost in war, offering a poignant connection to Hiroshima's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Shrine Visits
Historical Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bow at the Torii Gate
Always bow before entering and exiting through the torii gate as a sign of respect. +1
🚶 Avoid the Center Path
Walk on the sides of the path; the center is traditionally for deities.
💧 Hand Washing Ritual
Purify yourself by washing hands and rinsing your mouth at the temizuya before praying.
💰 Prayer Etiquette
Toss a coin, ring the bell, clap twice, pray, then bow once.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bow at the Torii Gate
Always bow before entering and exiting through the torii gate as a sign of respect. +1
🚶 Avoid the Center Path
Walk on the sides of the path; the center is traditionally for deities.
💧 Hand Washing Ritual
Purify yourself by washing hands and rinsing your mouth at the temizuya before praying.
💰 Prayer Etiquette
Toss a coin, ring the bell, clap twice, pray, then bow once.
📸 Respectful Photography
Be mindful of others praying and avoid intrusive photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine to be a peaceful sanctuary with historical depth, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection. While its primary role is to honor war dead, the well-maintained grounds and traditional Shinto architecture provide a tranquil experience. Some may find its historical context somber, but it's a significant site for understanding Hiroshima's past.
"The Gokoku Shrine is Shinto (an ancient religion unique to Japan) and it is located in the Main Compound of Hiroshima Castle’s grounds. However, it has not always stood here. It was originally established in the late 19th century, during the Meiji Period. The Shrine was created to honor those who lost their lives in war, specifically the Boshin War, the war that ended the shogunate system and returned power to the Imperial government. Since then, it has been a place to honor and mourn those lost in any war. For a long time, this Shrine was located close to the old baseball stadium, right next to where The Peace Memorial Park is today. The atomic bomb in 1945 destroyed the Shrine along with everything else and it was rebuilt on Hiroshima Castle grounds in 1956."
Supakorn Jaroenwongtrakoon
"A re-built Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, which is a Shinto shrine⛩️located within the grounds of Hiroshima Castle, which was the former military headquarters during WAR TIME. Read “Manhattan Project” and watch movie “Oppenheimer”, which will help you understand that better."
Sophia W
"It is so exciting to see such a show at night, impressive!"
Melinda Hu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The shrine is located within the grounds of Hiroshima Castle. You can reach Hiroshima Castle by bus from Hiroshima Station, or it's a pleasant walk from the city center.
Yes, it's situated within Hiroshima Castle grounds, offering a combined visit. It's also relatively close to the Peace Memorial Park, though a separate journey.
Hiroshima has an efficient tram system and buses. Many central attractions, including the castle area, are walkable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the shrine grounds is generally free. However, there might be separate admission fees for Hiroshima Castle itself.
Shrine grounds are typically open during daylight hours. It's best to check specific hours for the main hall if you plan to visit inside.
While the shrine itself is free to enter, Hiroshima Castle may have an admission fee to access its keep and exhibitions.
Yes, the shrine is particularly popular during Japanese New Year for traditional celebrations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a Shinto shrine established to honor those who lost their lives in war, particularly the Boshin War, and serves as a memorial for all war dead from Hiroshima Prefecture. +1
You'll find a peaceful atmosphere with well-maintained gardens, a main hall for prayer, and smaller shrines. It's a place for reflection. +1
Yes, it's customary to bow at the torii gate, purify hands and mouth, and follow specific steps for prayer (coin toss, bell, clap, pray, bow). +3
Photography is generally allowed, but be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive shots.
Weekday mornings are usually the quietest, allowing for a more serene and reflective visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, being within Hiroshima Castle grounds and near the city center, there are numerous restaurants and cafes nearby offering various Japanese cuisines.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the main shrine areas to maintain the sanctity of the grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
The main hall, the serene gardens, and the torii gates offer picturesque opportunities. Capture the contrast between the shrine and the castle backdrop.
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites and historical grounds. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful lighting and fewer crowds for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🕊️ Peace Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Shinto Shrine Etiquette
Near the entrance, you'll find a temizuya (water basin). Here, you perform a purification ritual: rinse your left hand, then your right, then your mouth (spitting the water out beside the basin, not back in), and finally rinse the ladle handle.
Remember that shrines are places of worship and reflection. While photography is often permitted, be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive behavior.
Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine's Historical Context
Tragically, the original shrine was destroyed by the atomic bombing in 1945, along with much of the city.
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