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Uwajima Castle

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Uwajima Castle

A symbol of Uwajima, this castle was built in 1601 by the renowned castle builder Todo Takatora. Its keep, later built by the Uwajima Date family, is one of only 12 original castle keeps remaining in Japan.

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Uwajima Castle was built in 1601 by Todo Takatora, a samurai renowned for his skill in castle construction, on a hill about 262 feet above sea level. Beginning in 1661, Date Munetoshi, the lord of the Uwajima Domain at the time, carried out extensive renovations over approximately 11 years. Its keep is one of only 12 original castle keeps remaining in Japan and is designated a National Important Cultural Property.

One of the highlights of Uwajima Castle is its imposing stone walls. Built during various periods, the old and newer walls have become covered in moss over the years, offering a sense of the castle’s long history as you explore the grounds. The white-plastered keep, built atop carefully shaped stone walls, is another impressive sight. Visitors can enter the keep and climb its steep stairs to the top floor, which offers panoramic views of Uwajima Bay and the city.

Carefully preserved for more than 300 years, the grounds of Uwajima Castle are also home to rare plants and enormous trees. Other notable sights include Noboritachi-mon Gate, a city-designated Cultural Property. Castle Hill, where Uwajima Castle stands, is also designated a National Historic Site.

Highlights

  • Built in 1601 by Todo Takatora, a renowned castle builder.
  • One of Japan’s 12 surviving original castle keeps and a National Important Cultural Property.
  • Stone walls dating from various periods are among the castle’s main highlights.
  • The white-plastered keep built atop carefully shaped stone walls is also an impressive sight.
  • The top floor of the keep offers panoramic views of Uwajima Bay and the city.

Photos

  • The keep atop its carefully shaped stone walls is especially picturesque during cherry blossom season

    The keep atop its carefully shaped stone walls is especially picturesque during cherry blossom season

  • Shoji sliding doors remain inside the keep, reflecting its stately character

    Shoji sliding doors remain inside the keep, reflecting its stately character

  • The keep viewed over the stone walls makes an excellent photo spot

    The keep viewed over the stone walls makes an excellent photo spot

  • Imposing stone walls constructed from stacked natural stones

    Imposing stone walls constructed from stacked natural stones

  • Noboritachi-mon Gate, a city-designated Cultural Property

    Noboritachi-mon Gate, a city-designated Cultural Property

  • The castle stands on a hill in Uwajima

    The castle stands on a hill in Uwajima

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is reentry permitted?
A

There are no specific restrictions.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available on the premises?
A

Ehime Free Wi-Fi is available.

Q

Is eating and drinking permitted? Can visitors bring their own food and drinks?
A

Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the buildings.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Yes, at the northern castle entrance by the Kori Family Samurai Row House Gate.

Reviews

5

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 黃國棟
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    When visiting Uwajima, of course you should also make time to visit the city’s most iconic historical attraction, Uwajima Castle!

    Uwajima Castle is one of Japan’s 12 surviving original castle towers and one of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan. Construction was first begun in 1601 by renowned castle builder Todo Takatora, and it later became the residence of the Uwajima Date clan, giving it a long history.

    It’s about a 15- to 20-minute walk from JR Uwajima Station. I originally thought I would be able to see the castle as soon as I arrived, but unexpectedly, I still had to climb a mountain path for a while. The route was a little longer than I had imagined and required some stamina. Still, slowly making my way toward the castle tower through the lush green forest had its own special charm.

    When I finally reached the castle tower, it wasn’t very large, but it retained the historic character of an old castle. Without the crowds of a major tourist attraction, it felt more peaceful and rustic. If you have enough time while visiting Uwajima, I’d recommend coming here for a walk and experiencing the charm of one of Japan’s surviving historic castles for yourself!

  • Linda Liao
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    The most moving part of visiting Uwajima Castle in Ehime, Shikoku, was seeing firsthand the rustic beauty of one of Japan's precious twelve original castle keeps. This historic castle, first built by renowned castle architect Todo Takatora and later renovated by the Date clan, perfectly preserves the wooden craftsmanship of the Edo period and exudes an elegance and composure refined over time.

    I slowly made my way to the top along the lush stone steps and walked through the old-growth forest of Shiroyama Park, where the gentle breeze helped ease much of my fatigue. Upon entering the three-story castle keep, I was greeted by the scent of wood. From the top floor, there were sweeping views of the streets of Uwajima and the blue waters of the Uwa Sea. The scenery of the mountains and sea together was refreshing and uplifting.

  • wendy
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    Uwajima Castle is one of Japan's 12 surviving original castle towers and No. 83 on the list of Japan's Top 100 Castles! Although the small keep doesn't have much information on display, its old wooden structure is its most precious treasure. Walking on the floorboards and hearing them creak feels like sharing the same moment in time with people from long ago. The view from the top floor of the keep is also captivating! Even more surprising, admission is only JPY 200. There aren't many tourists or much of a commercial atmosphere, and it's as peaceful as a neighborhood park. Besides the keep, the stone walls are another major highlight. Anyone who enjoys exploring castles or studying stone walls should definitely take their time! I spent about 2 hours there and unexpectedly got so much out of it〜

  • norma
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    When you reach the top floor and look down, you can see the whole bay and the city streets. It's really beautiful!

  • Kitty Yu
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    It's one of Japan's Top 100 Castles and one of the 12 original castle towers still standing. Uwajima Castle is really well preserved.

Details

Name in Japanese
宇和島城
Postal Code
798-0060
Address
Marunouchi, Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture
Phone
0895-22-2832 (Castle Keep Reception)
Closed on
Open year-round
Hours
Gates: 6:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (until 5:00 p.m. from November through February)
Castle keep: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (until 4:00 p.m. from November through February)
Admission
Adults: ¥200; elementary and junior high school students: free; ages 65 and older: ¥160 (ID required)
Access
Approximately a 15-minute walk from Uwajima Station on the JR Yosan Line to the castle entrance; approximately 35 minutes to the castle keep
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa