Uwajima Castle | Review by 黃國棟

Uwajima Castle

A castle is a symbol of Uwajima, which is one of the existing 12 castle towers in Japan built by the Uwajima- Date family, and Takatora Toudou , a master of castle construction, rebuilt in 1601.

6 Nov 2026 See More

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!

Other Reviews by 黃國棟

Mt. Ishizuchi (Ishizuchi Tozan Ropeway)

Mt. Ishizuchi is known for the mountain worship as one of Japan’s Seven Holy Mountains. Mt. Ishizuchi is the collective name of Mt. Tengu, the highest in western Japan, Misen where Ishizuchi Shrine stands on top, and a series of mountains in the South Peak. There are different trails for veteran climbers, hikers, and beginners.
- Ehime
- Nature Spots
6 Nov 2026 See More

When visiting Mt. Ishizuchi, of course you shouldn’t miss the experience of riding the ropeway! Starting from Shimodani Station at the foot of the mountain, it takes just 8 minutes to travel from an elevation of 455 meters to Jojusha Station at 1,300 meters.

At first, I thought the nearly JPY 2,000 round-trip fare was a little expensive, but considering how much easier the ropeway is than climbing all the way up myself, it felt worth it!

The ropeway ride itself was also very enjoyable. As we gradually climbed higher, the forest scenery outside the window kept changing, and seeing the mountain range from different angles felt very soothing.

Once I reached the top, the scenery truly made the trip worthwhile! The air was fresh and the surroundings were peaceful, away from the bustle of the city and filled with the tranquility of nature. Although I didn’t continue on to challenge the summit this time, I was already very satisfied just riding the ropeway up, enjoying the mountain views, and walking around.

If you want to enjoy the alpine scenery of Mt. Ishizuchi without using too much energy to climb, I really recommend taking the ropeway up and walking around!
Towel Museum

A unique museum in Imabari, Japan’s leading towel-producing city, that shares towel lifestyles and towel culture. Visitors can see the towel-making process up close and enjoy exhibits that blend towels with art. In addition to permanent exhibitions such as Moomin and Hawaiian quilts, the museum hosts a variety of special exhibitions showcasing towel art.
- Ehime
- Museums
6 Nov 2026 See More

Located in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, Japan, this is a very unique museum dedicated to towels. It combines “viewing, learning, and relaxation,” transforming ordinary everyday towels into stunning works of art.

The museum has five floors: the first floor has a café and gift shop, the second floor has a Shikoku souvenir shop, the third floor is dedicated to towels, and the fourth floor has the exhibition entrance and ticket counter. After purchasing a ticket, you can head to the fifth floor to see the exhibitions.

Admission is JPY 1,000 per person. The exhibitions are also very interesting. In addition to explaining the towel-making process—from cotton to spinning and weaving, and finally to a finished towel—there are also themed exhibitions featuring Snoopy, Moomin, and others.

What surprised me most was that all the exhibits inside were woven and made entirely from towel fabric! Whether they depict people, scenes, or various shapes, they’re all incredibly detailed and really make you stop and take a closer look.

I originally thought towels were just everyday items, but I never imagined they could be transformed in so many ways. It was truly eye-opening! Some of the pieces really made me want to sneak a touch just to make sure they were actually made of towels. After looking around, you can also shop for Imabari towels in the stores downstairs. There’s a good variety of products, making it a great place to pick up some souvenirs.

If you’re planning a trip around Ehime or Imabari in Shikoku, I recommend adding this place to your itinerary. It’s truly a unique attraction that’s worth visiting and exploring!
Imabari Castle

Imabari Castle was built by Tōdō Takatora, a master castle builder who was granted 200,000 koku, half of Iyo Province, for his achievements in the Battle of Sekigahara, on the coast overlooking the Kurushima Strait, a strategic point of the Seto Inland Sea. Construction began in 1602 and it is said to have been completed around 1608. This hirajiro, or flatland castle, was developed as a mizuki, or sea castle, with moats fed by seawater and one of the largest boat basins in Japan, and is also known as Fukiage Castle.
- Ehime
- Tourist Attractions
6 Nov 2026 See More

On this visit to Imabari Castle, I was immediately drawn to the castle and its wide moat! I had thought Japanese castles were all pretty similar, but I didn't expect Imabari Castle to have such unique features.

Imabari Castle is one of Japan's three great sea castles. Its most distinctive feature is that it sits right next to the Seto Inland Sea and draws seawater directly into its moat, making it very different from ordinary castles. Walking around the castle, you can see the towering stone walls, the wide moat, and the remains of the water gate that once brought in seawater, which I found quite interesting.

After climbing to the castle tower, you can look out over the Seto Inland Sea. Standing up high and taking in the ocean view, I could finally understand why they chose to use seawater for the moat. The location is truly unique.

I visited on a weekday, so there weren't many tourists. I could stroll around and take photos at a relaxed pace without having to deal with crowds, and slowly appreciate every corner of the castle.

I think the most charming thing about Imabari Castle is that it has a completely different atmosphere during the day and at night! During the day, you can enjoy the castle architecture and surrounding scenery. At night, the castle is illuminated, and the golden stone walls are reflected in the moat. The whole scene is very beautiful and makes you want to take a few more photos.

If time allows, I really recommend visiting both during the day and at night. The view after the lights come on at night is especially worth seeing!