Changes

[[Emperor Meiji]] lived in the castle for seven months during the [[Sino-Japanese War]] of 1894-95, and during the [[Russo-Japanese War]] of 1904-05, the castle was used as a barracks for troops.  

[[Emperor Meiji]] lived in the castle for seven months during the [[Sino-Japanese War]] of 1894-95, and during the [[Russo-Japanese War]] of 1904-05, the castle was used as a barracks for troops.  

The castle was destroyed by the first nuclear attack on Japan in 1945. The atomic bomb completely obliterated the ''tenshu''. However, in a testament to the effectiveness of the Japanese style of building walls, the ''ishigaki'' remained relatively untouched.  

The castle's most tragic entry in the annals of history came in 1945 when it was destroyed by the first atomic bomb. The ''tenshu'' and attached buildings were completely obliterated. However, in a testament to the effectiveness of the Japanese style of building walls, the ''ishigaki'' remained relatively untouched.  

Reconstruction of the ''tenshu'' was begun in 1958. Using the original plans for the castle, it is an exact replica of the original (albeit a concrete reproduction, not built through traditional construction methods) and is built on the original foundation. The ''tenshu'' measures 118 feet in height and is 5 stories tall. It is built in the opulent early Momoyama style. The interior space is devoted to a museum.

Reconstruction of the ''tenshu'' was begun in 1958. Using the original plans for the castle, it is an exact replica of the original (albeit a concrete reproduction, not built through traditional construction methods) and is built on the original foundation. The ''tenshu'' measures 118 feet in height and is 5 stories tall. It is built in the opulent early Momoyama style. The interior space is devoted to a museum.