• Fukuyama, known as the City of Roses, is a beautiful and historic city located in the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture. Originally established as a castle town in 1619, it is now the second largest city in the prefecture, and the fourth largest in Western Honshu. By the end of the Second World War, about eighty percent of Fukuyama was burned down due to an air raid. Following this attack, the city underwent arduous recovery efforts, planting one thousand roses during the rebuilding process to boost the spirits of the people. Through the hard work of its dedicated citizens, Fukuyama was able to develop into the scenic and major city that it is today.
• This One Day Tour of Fukuyama is designed for those who wish to deepen their understanding of Western Japan’s history through both a castle, museum and historic townscape visit. It is also ideal for guests who are searching for some of Japan’s hidden gems, as Sensui jima is most definitely one of them.

Fukuyama castle was built with the intention of intimidating the feudal lords in the western part of the country and demonstrating the authority of the shogunate, Japan’s military government. The castle’s many turrets and its impressive five tiered Main Keep were meant to serve as a deterrent against rebellion from local lords living far from the capital in Edo. As guests walk within the castle grounds and gaze upon the Castle Tower, they will be able to picture how this imposing and formidable structure might have impacted the decisions of feudal lords in the past. Your guide will also take you inside the Main Keep, which has been converted into a museum explaining the founding of the city of Fukuyama and the history of the man who built the castle, Katsunari Mizuno. Inside the museum, guests can read exhibits, watch short videos, and participate in some interactive challenges to gain a better understanding of the castle’s history.