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〜
Uwajima Castle | Review by wendy
Other Reviews by wendy
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Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Bridge
Beyond Oboke Gorge, called one of the leading unexplored regions of Japan, you will find Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Bridge. On a plateau with an elevation of about 1000 meters, there is an ancient double suspension bridge by this name, made of creeping plants such as ivy-leafed ferns.
When visiting the remote mountains of Tokushima, Shikoku, don't miss the rustic Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Bridge! The vine bridges suspended over the gorge sway slightly as you walk, with a mountain stream directly below your feet. It's quite a thrill, so you'll definitely need some courage.
This time, we visited both Iya no Kazurabashi and Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi. The scenery and experience were actually very similar. However, the former is easier to access and much more crowded. You often have to wait in line, and people have to walk shoulder to shoulder across the bridge, making it really hard to take good photos.
In contrast, Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi is in a more remote location, so there are far fewer visitors. You can take your time walking and taking photos, and you also get to experience both the Male Bridge and Female Bridge!
If you can work out the transportation, I'd recommend this place instead. It feels much more secluded, and you can enjoy the experience more fully! -
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Oboke and Koboke
“Oboke Koboke” is an about 8km-long canyon, created over 200 million years by the rapids of the Yoshino River that passes through the Shikoku Mountains, and the area has beautiful sculpturesque landscapes.
Oboke and Koboke—the names sound like a warning: “Taking big steps is dangerous, and taking small steps is dangerous too!” But once I got there, I realized the real danger was that the scenery was so unfairly beautiful that I couldn’t stop taking photos! The Yoshino River cuts through the Shikoku Mountains, carving out spectacular rock formations, sheer cliffs, and Senjojiki. The clear water rushes through the canyon and sparkles beautifully in the sunlight. The weather was perfect that day. Besides enjoying the canyon scenery, you can also take a sightseeing boat to experience the rapids up close. This secluded part of Shikoku truly lives up to its reputation!
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Awagin Bizan Ropeway
Awagin Bizan Ropeway connects Mount Bizan-the symbol of Tokushima City, celebrated in the Manyoshu poem “Like an eyebrow, the Awa mountain appears amid the clouds”-with the Awa Odori Kaikan in the city center. The ropeway offers an approximately 6-minute aerial ride to the summit at an elevation of 290 meters.
Take the Awagin Bizan Ropeway for an easy ride up to the mountaintop park, with a leisurely view of Tokushima along the way. There weren't many people in the afternoon, and the weather was cool. Sitting on the mountain, enjoying the breeze and looking out over the city was unexpectedly relaxing〜
Unfortunately, the weather wasn't cooperating that day, and there were quite a few clouds and some fog, so the Naruto Bridge I'd been hoping to see will have to wait until next time. But looking at it another way, fewer crowds and a more laid-back atmosphere gave this ropeway trip a little extra romance.
If you're in downtown Tokushima, consider taking a walk around Mount Bizan. Spending a little time for a change of scenery is definitely worth it! -
