A 400-Year-Old Castle Next to a Shinkansen Station
When people hear that you can take a photo of a castle from a Shinkansen platform, they are usually surprised. At Fukuyama Castle, however, this unusual scene is part of everyday life. As soon as you step out of the north exit of Fukuyama Station, the stone walls appear before you, and the main tower rises above them. Just one minute from the station, the castle offers a rare sight in Japan: a modern bullet train and a 400-year-old fortress sharing the same view. In this article, I would like to share what makes this station-front castle so special.
Fukuyama Castle was built in 1622. At that time, this area was an important transportation hub in western Japan and served as a political and military center. One of the castle’s most distinctive features is that only the north side of the main tower is covered with black iron plates. Because the north side was more vulnerable to attack, iron plates were added to strengthen its defenses. The contrast between the white walls and the dark iron panels is striking. Even from the station platform, you can clearly see this unusual design.
Its location beside the station adds another layer to its charm. In spring, cherry blossoms surround the main tower, and at night, the illuminated castle stands out against the sky. Most remarkably, the castle and the Shinkansen share the same view—an unusual combination of past and present that few other places in Japan can offer.
I have a special memory at Fukuyama Castle. When my children were five and three, we visited the castle for their Shichi-Go-San celebration. Dressed in kimono, we climbed the old wooden stairs to the top of the main tower. From there, we could clearly see Fukuyama Station below and the Shinkansen passing by. Watching a modern train from the top of a 400-year-old castle was a striking experience, and I remember taking several photos of that unique view. Because the castle stands so close to the station, we were able to witness a scene where past and present come together. That moment became a special family memory for us.
Fukuyama Castle is a rare photo spot located just steps from a Shinkansen station. Even if you have only a short stop during your journey, you can step outside and find yourself standing before a historic castle. The sight of a 400-year-old tower and a modern bullet train sharing the same view is truly unforgettable. If you are traveling from Hiroshima to Kyoto or Osaka, why not get off the train for a moment? A brief stop in Fukuyama could leave you with a striking photo and a new highlight of your journey.
