Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine
About Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine
A decorative temple established in 1648 that remains largely original despite some damage from the atomic blast.
Established in 1648, the Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine is hard to miss, perched high on a hillside with an extravagant approach. Stone lanterns and stairs lead up towards a large Chinese-style gate and the shrine proper. It’s an incredibly popular shrine, especially for locals celebrating the New Year.
The atomic blast caused a fire to break out in the shrine, but as luck would have it a group of soldiers were stationed in the shrine and were able to defend several buildings. The gate, purification pavilion (temizuya), wing corridors, main hall, offering area, and several other buildings are original and have existed since the shrine was established. These are considered important cultural properties by Hiroshima City.
Like Anrakuji Temple, the blast did leave several of the structures with a tilt. Work is being performed to address this.
The Toshogu Shrine is one of the stops on the Futabanosato Historical Walking Trail.