Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine — Local services in Hiroshima

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...

Central shrine next to Hiroshima castle with interesting events such as New Year's Eve or day visits, Tondo matsuri where the previous years good luck charms and symbols are burnt in a large bonfire and at the beginning of February for the Setsubun festival marking the end of winter.

I came for the Setsubun festival to watch the priests show arrows at targets covered in a demon face, mochi rice cakes are thrown from a tower and everyone says "Out with the devil (bad luck) and good luck in".

It's a fun event you can join for free, but it's polite to drop a few coins in the front wooden donation box at the front of...

The Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, located in the vibrant city of Hiroshima, is a peaceful sanctuary that has both historical importance and a sense of spiritual calmness. This memorial provides visitors with a tranquil and reflective environment as an homage to the souls lost in times of conflict.

Upon arrival on the premises, individuals are immediately met by a serene ambiance, which stands in sharp contrast to the bustling metropolitan atmosphere just outside the entrance. The well maintained gardens, shady walkways, and impressive architecture of the shrine structures combine to provide an atmosphere of deep respect...