Travel Guide Fukuyama

Fukuyama is a modern and industrial city. This city of 470 000 inhabitants is the second largest city of the prefecture after Hiroshima. Founded in 1619 by Katsunari Mizuno, it was almost entirely destroyed by the aerial bombardments of 1945 (80% of its surface is said to have been destroyed). Its small castle, rebuilt in 1966, is perched on top of a hill and dominates the city. Well served by railroads, the city is usually only a quick stop for those who want to go to Tomo-no-Ura or Onomichi. But if you linger there, you will realize that it deserves more than that. Interesting museums and beautiful gardens are among its assets. Fukuyama is known for its various factories but also for the construction of koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument which looks like a kind of lying harp. The surroundings of the city are also very beautiful, the nature is well preserved and the landscapes are superb. It is, for example, the case of the small harbor of Tomo-No-Ura, at 30 min by bus, which is a step not to be missed under no pretext. Don't miss the Shinshoji temple located about 15 kilometers southwest of the city center. Built in 1965 by a local industrialist, the temple is built on a wooded area with a hill and a pond. Fukuyama is only 23 min by Nozomi or Mizuho Shinkansen from Hiroshima and 16 min by Mizuho Shinkansen from Okayama. So with your JR Pass, you can go there for part of the day to see the sights of the city.