Imabari Castle Audio Guide
Imabari Castle, also known as Fukiage Castle, is located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture
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Overview
Overview
Imabari Castle, also known as Fukiage Castle, is located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. It was built in 1602 by Tōdō Takatora, a master castle architect. Famous as one of Japan’s largest seaside castles, its moats are filled with seawater directly from the Seto Inland Sea. It played a key role in the growth of Imabari as a castle town. The current keep, reconstructed in 1980, still conveys the castle’s grandeur
Access
Access
From JR Imabari Station, it’s about a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute bus ride. By car, it’s around 15 minutes from the Imabari-Kita Interchange on the Shimanami Kaidō Expressway. It’s also about one and a half hours by car from Marugame Castle, making it easy to combine in a castle-hopping tour of Shikoku and the Seto Inland Sea
Parking
Parking
There is a designated paid parking area near the castle, suitable for standard cars. In addition, municipal and tourist facility parking lots are available nearby, making visits convenient even on busy days
Highlights
Highlights
The highlight of Imabari Castle is its seawater moat, where you can even spot sea fish swimming—a unique sight only possible at a maritime castle. From the observation deck of the reconstructed keep, visitors enjoy panoramic views of Imabari City and the bridges of the Shimanami Kaidō, with refreshing sea breezes. Next to the keep is Fukiage Shrine, which gives the castle its alternate name. There is also a monument honoring Tōdō Takatora, reminding visitors of the builder’s genius. Imabari Castle offers both a glimpse into Japan’s castle-building mastery and the vibrant charm of a port city
