Uwajima Castle Audio Guide
Uwajima Castle, located in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, is a historic hilltop castle an…
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Overview
Overview
Uwajima Castle, located in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, is a historic hilltop castle and one of Japan’s 12 surviving original keeps. It was constructed by the master castle builder Tōdō Takatora between 1596 and 1601 and later served as the seat of the Date clan—Hidenaga and Munetoshi—for over two centuries. The current three-story “tōshō” style keep is a renovation by Date Munetoshi around 1666 and is designated a national Important Cultural Property
Access
Access
From Kako-mori Castle, it’s about a 30-minute drive west. From the Uwajima Tourist Information Center, it’s a 10-minute walk to the castle. Uwajima Station is also within walking distance—around 15 minutes—or a short ride by city bus or taxi
Parking
Parking
There’s a small paid lot next to the tourist information center—100 yen per hour for standard cars, with space for 46 cars. Nearby, you’ll find city-operated lots like the Central-machi Parking (100 spaces) and Shiroyama-shita Parking (45 spaces), plus convenient commercial coin parking options
Highlights
Highlights
The sweetest surprise? Catching the castle’s keep peeking out from behind the stone walls—it’s like a playful “hello!” From the Honmaru, you get sweeping views of Uwajima Bay and the townscape. Admire the elegant double-curved gables (karahafu) above the entrance—they make the keep look like it’s respectfully inviting you in. And don’t miss the stonework of Fūbeiyama and Nagato-maru, showcasing Tōdō Takatora’s masterful techniques. It’s a perfect blend of history, architecture, and scenery
