Ako

The former residence of the Asano clan. Unusually for Japan, Ako Castle was constructed in concentric rings of fortifications inspired by European star castles. The scale of the project was always excessive for what was even then a small town, and the money ran out before they got around to building the central keep (tenshu). The castle was torn down in 1873 by the Meiji government and all the buildings you see today are reconstructions from the 1950s or later.

Shrine dedicated to the 47 ronin.

Ako was historically a center of sea salt production. At this marine science museum, not only will you learn everything you wanted to know and then some about salt, but you can try your hand at making your own from seawater. Salt-making is included in price of admission, reservations recommended but not mandatory.