Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine traces its origins back to the enshrinement of 78 Hiroshima domain warriors who died in the Boshin War, originally honored at a shrine known as Suisorei-sha. Due to aging facilities, the shrine was relocated and renamed Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine in 1934, but the newly built structures were completely destroyed by the atomic bombing in 1945. Although worship continued at a small temporary shrine on the same site, postwar reconstruction of Hiroshima required another relocation. In 1956, the current shrine buildings were constructed on the grounds of Hiroshima Castle, where the shrine stands today. In 2009, major renovations and new facilities were added as part of the 130th anniversary commemorative project.
After Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress visited the shrine in 1971, the number of worshippers increased dramatically. Today, Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine is one of the most prominent shrines in the Chugoku region, welcoming over 600,000 visitors during the first three days of the New Year alone. It is also well known as a place where the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team visits annually to pray for victory. Seasonal events such as the Setsubun Festival and the Tondo Festival are held here every year with great enthusiasm. The shrine is accessible via an 8-minute walk from Kamiya-cho Higashi stop on the Hiroshima Electric Railway.