Fukuyama became a castle town during the early 15th century when its name appeared in recorded history. It became Fukuyama town during the Meiji Era and in 1916, it became a city. Eighty percent of Fukuyama was reduced to ashes during the 2nd World War, but it was quickly rebuilt. The city is located at the eastern end of Hiroshima Prefecture and it has developed to become the second largest city in the prefecture with its heavy industry as well as with its traditional industry of wooden clogs, reed tatami siding, and more.

Tomo-no-ura port facing the Seto Inland Sea has been the theme of a poem in the Manyoshu (a classical Japanese poetry anthology) and has prospered from olden days as a port engaged in trade with the Asian continent. Also in the vicinity, many historical sites can be seen, including Nunakuma Shrine where two legendary deities are enshrined and the Ioji Temple which is connected with the famous Japanese monk, Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai).

A park in the central part of the city forms a perimeter around the castle with museums, literary archives and other attractions. The city enjoys a mild climate and environs of scenic beauty for all to enjoy.

Fukuyama city is blessed with the natural beauty of the Inland sea. At the tip of Numakuma peninsula, located to the south of the city, sits Tomo no ura, a scenic spot representative of the Inland Sea National Park. The view from here is wonderful. Tomo no ura is located in the middle of the inland sea and from ancient times flourished as a port that allowed exchange with the mainland when tides were low. The old temples, historic sites and remains of merchant families dotted throughout the city stand as a reminder of these prosperous times.

Fukuyama castle, serenely perched atop a hill that commands an unbroken view of the city, was built in 1619 by the Bingo area's powerful lord Mizuno Katsunari (the cousin of Tokugawa Ieyasu). The Fushimi Turret that stands today was originally the ruin of the Matsu no Maru Higashi Turret of the Kyoto Fushimi castle built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was moved by Tokugawa Hidetada during construction of the Fukuyama castle.

In the rose park located in the center of the city there are 5,500 roses comprised of approximately 280 species and the city's buses, shopping areas, cultural halls and other facilities have all been christened with "rose" related nicknames. In May and November of each year, the city's many colorful roses bloom and the city is awash in their fragrance. Fukuyama is also actively promoting exchanges with other cities both within and outside of Japan. As well as a promoting exchanges with goodwill and friendship cities, one located in Japan and three overseas, that cover a wide range of fields including culture education and industry, the city is also cooperating with the Fukuyama international exchange committee to promote international exchanges with cities throughout the world, starting with Asian countries. In this way Fukuyama aims to become a more internationally minded city.