[2025 Uwajima Attraction] Travel Guide for Uwajima Castle (Updated Jul)

#cityplaybook Nestled in the southern part of Ehime Prefecture, Uwajima is a small coastal city full of charm, history, and surprising beauty. It’s perfect for a quiet day of walking, exploring, and reconnecting with nature. The highlight of my visit was Uwajima Castle—a historic hilltop fortress with a gentle uphill path and rewarding views at the top. It’s one of only a few original castles left in Japan, and standing in its wooden watchtower feels like stepping back in time. Afterward, I made my way to Nanrakuen Garden, a peaceful spot filled with blooming flowers, seasonal landscapes, and a picture-perfect Japanese garden. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow your steps without even realizing it. From the hilltop to the garden paths, every view felt thoughtful, quiet, and beautiful in its own way. Why I recommend Uwajima: ・It’s rich in history and natural beauty, without the crowds ・You’ll find calm views, cultural depth, and fresh air all in one place 📍Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture, Japan #Uwajima #Ehime #HiddenJapan #UwajimaCastle #Nanrakuen #JapaneseGardens #SlowTravel #LocalJapan #CityGuide #WanderUwajima

#cityplaybook #localguides #attractive #postandearn Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Ehime Prefecture on Japan’s Shikoku Island, Uwajima is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends feudal history, marine culture, and serene coastal beauty. Often bypassed by mainstream tourism, this small but captivating city offers a truly local experience with plenty to explore. At the heart of Uwajima stands Uwajima Castle, one of the few original castles remaining in Japan. Built in the early 17th century, it offers a peaceful hilltop view of the city and bay, and a glimpse into the architectural legacy of Japan’s samurai past. The surrounding gardens are particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season. Uwajima is also famous for pearling. The city played a central role in developing Japan’s cultured pearl industry. Visitors can tour local pearl farms, where they’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and even purchase high-quality souvenirs. Another highlight is the city’s connection to traditional festivals. The Uwajima Ushi-oni Festival, held every summer, is a lively event featuring a massive bull-headed float paraded through the streets, symbolizing strength and courage. Beyond the city center, coastal drives reveal peaceful fishing villages and scenic islands. Outdoor lovers can enjoy sea kayaking, coastal hiking, or relaxing by the calm inland waters. For those seeking authenticity, history, and coastal tranquility, Uwajima delivers an enriching experience far from the tourist crowds. #Uwajima #UwajimaCastle #EhimePrefecture #ShikokuTravel #HiddenJapan #JapaneseCastles #PearlCity #UshiOniFestival #JapanOffTheBeatenPath #HistoricJapan #CoastalJapan

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #stunningview Post: Tucked into a quiet bay on the southwestern coast of Shikoku, Uwajima is a coastal town steeped in tradition, resilience, and a unique mix of spirituality and samurai heritage. Far from the tourist trail, it offers an intimate look into Japan’s rich coastal culture. I began at Uwajima Castle, one of only a dozen original castles left in Japan. Perched on a wooded hill, its simple yet elegant keep offered sweeping views over the bay. The path up was lined with mossy stone walls and whispering trees—quiet and atmospheric, with echoes of a proud feudal past. Next, I visited the Tensha-en Garden, a lovely stroll garden built for the local daimyo. It was peaceful, with a heart-shaped pond, teahouses, and flowers blooming against the backdrop of mountains—a perfect place to reflect and slow down. Uwajima is also famous for pearls, and I toured a pearl cultivation farm right along the bay. Watching divers and learning about the delicate art of pearl farming made me appreciate the craftsmanship behind each shimmering gem. One of the most unforgettable spots was Taga Shrine, known for its unusual focus on fertility and its small museum of cultural curiosities. It’s quirky and distinctly local—a reminder that Japan’s spiritual life is as diverse as its landscapes. The local cuisine is another highlight: I tried Uwajima tai-meshi, a raw sea bream dish served over rice with soy sauce and a raw egg—fresh, rich, and deeply satisfying. Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn offer mild weather and coastal beauty. Summer is great for festivals like the Uwajima Ushi-oni Matsuri, with its giant bull-headed floats. Helpful Tips: Uwajima is compact—easy to explore on foot or by rental bike. If you’re curious, Taga Shrine’s museum is both educational and eccentric. Visit a pearl shop for unique, locally sourced souvenirs. Location: Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan Hashtags: #UwajimaUncovered #HiddenShikoku #UwajimaCastle #PearlBayJapan #TenshaenGarden #FertilityShrine #TaiMeshiDelight #SlowTravelShikoku #AuthenticJapan #CoastalTradition

#springitinerary Uwajima Castle is one of those peaceful, underrated spots that’s perfect if you’re into history but hate crowds. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Ehime, it’s one of the few original castles left in Japan, which makes it feel extra special. You’ll take a short uphill walk through a shady forest path, and suddenly the castle pops into view, small, but super charming. The wooden interior still has that classic creaky floor vibe, and from the top, you get a sweet view of the city and the ocean in the distance. It’s not flashy or overly touristy, which is honestly part of the charm. The surrounding town has a laid-back vibe too, with a few local food spots and a cool little museum nearby. If you’re exploring Shikoku and want a relaxed castle experience that still packs some legit history, Uwajima Castle totally delivers.

Did you know that Uwajima Castle is a super historic castle in Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan It is also one of the 12 "existing castles" in Japan, which is very rare! Let me tell you about his old story~ 🌟The reason for building the castle ✨Uwajima Castle was originally called "Itashima Maru Strip Castle" and was built during the Warring States Period (16th century) by the local wealthy family Saienji clan. ✨ Later, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi conquered the world, he sent Todo Takatora (a super famous fortification expert) to convert it into a modern castle. 🌟 The Ida family takes over and transforms into the Uwajima clan ✨In the *Edo period* (1600s), Tokugawa Ieyasu gave the castle to *Date Hidemon* (Sendai Ida Masamune's son!), and it has been the base camp of the *Uwajima Domain* ever since. The Date family is a big name in Tohoku Sendai, why did he come to Shikoku? Because his grandfather Ida Masamune was too fierce, Tokugawa was afraid that he would cause trouble, so he sent his son to Yuwajima, far away, to watch! 🌟Castle features *Tenshukaku* is a triple third order, handsome in appearance, and still preserved to this day, is an *important cultural property of Japan*! ✨The castle is built on a hill, you can see the whole city of Uwajima City, defense is super convenient, the enemy is very difficult to attack! ✨There is also *Tianfuyuan* (the villa garden of the lord of the feudal lord) nearby, which is suitable for taking pictures~ 🌟 Modern Yuwajima City Now the castle has become a tourist attraction, you can see cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves, super beautiful! You have to pay a small fee (500 yen) to enter the castle tower, which contains samurai armor, historical artifacts to see, and you can go up to the top floor to see the scenery! Uwajima Castle is not only a historical monument, but also a prestige history of the Date family! If you go to Shikoku, be sure to check out this "existing castle" and feel the atmosphere of the Warring States Period! "Ida's castle, how can you miss it"😆

#Spring0yentrip When I went to Uwajima Castle in Ehime Prefecture, I also stopped by Shiroyama Local Museum at the foot of the mountain. The building has a retro atmosphere from the outside, and I was excited even before entering, thinking, "This is a place where you can feel history." Once inside, there were exhibits related to the history and culture of Uwajima, and the contents gave a good understanding of local life and traditions. What particularly impressed me was the corner where materials related to Uwajima fishing and old tools were lined up. Some of the items were actually touchable, and it really gave a real sense of what life was like at the time. There is also a comprehensive explanation of Uwajima Castle, so if you visit before touring the castle, you will gain a deeper understanding. There are also exhibits about the history of the Uwajima Domain and its relationship with the Date clan, making it a great spot for history lovers. Admission is free, so it's a great place to stop by after sightseeing at Uwajima Castle. It's a small building, but it was a warm and welcoming place where you could tell that the local people cherish it. I recommend it for those who want to know more about the charm of Uwajima!

Uwajima Castle, located in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, is a popular spot among history enthusiasts as one of the 12 remaining original castle towers in Japan. Situated on a small hill, it requires a bit of effort to access, but the view from the tower is breathtaking. It's worth visiting not only for castle lovers but also as a highlight of Uwajima sightseeing. ⭐️ Access and Time Required ・About a 25-minute walk from JR Uwajima Station ・If using the bus, get off at 'Uwajima Bus Center' and walk for 15 minutes To reach the castle tower, you need to walk along a mountain path, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Since the path includes slopes and stairs, it's best to wear comfortable shoes. ⭐️ Highlights 1. The Beauty of the Original 12 Castle Towers The wooden castle tower, which has remained since the Edo period, is small but beautiful with its contrast of white walls and black tiles. Inside the castle, you can feel the weight of history in the texture of the pillars and beams. 2. The Spectacular View from the Castle Tower Located on a hill about 80 meters above sea level, the castle tower offers a panoramic view of Uwajima City and Uwajima Bay. On clear days, the sea sparkles, making it perfect for photos. 3. The Castle Construction Techniques of Takatora Todo Uwajima Castle is one of the castles built by the master castle builder Takatora Todo, and its stone walls are distinctive. Observing the meticulously stacked stone walls is also enjoyable. ⭐️ Tips for Visiting ・Visit Early in the Morning There are fewer people, allowing you to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the castle tower. The scenery in the clear morning air is also exceptional. ・Take Precautions Against Heatstroke in Summer Since you have to climb a mountain path, it can get quite hot in summer. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear a hat. ・Enjoy Uwajima's Local Specialties After your visit, it's recommended to try 'Tai-meshi' or 'Jakoten' around the station. Especially, Uwajima's Tai-meshi, where sashimi is marinated in a special sauce, is a must-try. ⭐️ Opening Hours and Fees ・Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) ・Admission Fee: 200 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger ⭐️ Summary Uwajima Castle is a compact yet impressive historical spot. Although it requires a bit of climbing, the view from the castle tower is magnificent, making it a must-visit as the main attraction of Uwajima sightseeing. Enjoy Uwajima to the fullest by combining your visit with a stroll around the castle town and local gourmet food!

Along with Matsuyama Castle, it is one of the 12 castle towers still in existence in Japan. The main castle tower faces Uwajima Bay from the front and is demarcated by unequal-sided pentagonal ropes. It was built by the famous castle builder Fujido Takatora with his outstanding castle-building skills and is unbreakable. Climb up the steep stone steps along the huge stone wall and you can see the three-story castle tower on the top of the mountain, which has retained its original appearance. The interior of the castle tower retains its wooden atmosphere, and you can overlook the Uwajima Bay and the Uwajima town area. #ChristmasDestinations2024

About 2 hours by car from Matsuyama City. Uwajima City is located here. Uwajima Castle was the castle of Date Masamune's eldest son, Date Hidemune, and his family. This is where the Uwajima Date clan lived. Of the existing castle towers, there are 12 that have never been rebuilt. Uwajima Castle is one of them. Uwajima Castle stands on a small hill overlooking Uwajima City, and can be reached by climbing stairs and slopes from the parking lot. After walking for about 10 minutes, the castle tower comes into view. Take off your shoes, pay the entrance fee and enter the castle. There is an introduction to the history of Uwajima City, the history of Uwajima Castle, and the Uwajima Date clan. When you go up to the castle tower, you can see a 360° panoramic view...✨ I was so excited to see the mountains, sea, and city as far as the eye could see🥰 📍: Uwajima Castle 🚉: About 15 minutes walk from Uwajima Station 🅿️: Yes (paid) 💰: 200 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger ️📝: The stairs are steep, so I recommend wearing clothes that are easy to move in (It is best to avoid wide-legged pants and skirts as much as possible) #FuritabiWinter #Ehime #EhimeTrip #EhimeTourism #CastleTour #UwajimaCastle

#DomesticTravelRecord Ehime Prefecture is located in the Shikoku region of Japan, and is an area with plenty of natural and historical sites and cultural attractions. It is also known as the birthplace of Ehime mandarins, and you can enjoy fresh mandarins. ﹢﹒ ✦⊹﹒ ﹢﹒ ✦⊹﹒ ﹢﹒ ✦⊹﹒ ﹢﹒ ✦⊹﹒ ﹢﹒ ✦ Outing record ◼︎Towel Museum A facility in Imabari City that proposes lifestyle and culture through towels In the 5th floor gallery, in addition to the permanent exhibition "Into the World of Moomin", towel works with warmth and gentleness are on display ◼︎Imabari Castle A sea castle built by Todo Takatora on the coast facing the Seto Inland Sea Saltwater fish such as sea bream, pufferfish, and small sharks swim in the moat ◼︎Ozu Castle A restored wooden castle tower located in Ozu City It is the first restored wooden castle tower in Japan with four stories and a height of 19.15m, making it the tallest in Japan You can experience staying overnight at a castle for the first time in Japan ◼︎Uwajima Castle A flatland castle built on a hill 80m above sea level in the center of Uwajima Built by Todo Takatora, it was extensively renovated by the second head of the Date clan, Munetoshi, to its current shape It is one of the 12 existing castle towers ◼︎Orange BAR (inside Matsuyama Airport) Near the check-in area on the first floor of Matsuyama Airport Turn on the tap and you'll get orange juice #solotravel #girlstrip #domestictravel #castletour #museum #airport #mandarin #Ehime #Ehimetourism #Imabari #Ozu #Uwajima #Moomin

Uwajima is a city in the Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture, which is generally not a common destination and rarely visited on purpose. It depends on how much you like Japan. The keep of Uwajima Castle is not large, but it is one of the only twelve remaining from the Edo period. It is located on a not-so-high mountain, but the path up gives a real sense of climbing to a castle. In the summer, when it's over 30 degrees Celsius, it's quite cool at the top, making it worth the climb. From the top floor, you can see a panoramic view of Uwajima Bay and the city center. The entrance fee is 200 yen. If you are really interested, you can take the JR Yosan Line limited express Uwakai from Matsuyama, which takes about an hour and a half to reach Uwajima. After getting off the train, it's about a 15-minute walk to Uwajima Castle Park. It's recommended not to visit in the peak of summer!

Uwajima Castle, one of the 12 castle towers still in existence in Japan 201703 I didn’t go to Shikoku for the cherry blossom viewing, but I was lucky enough to encounter cherry blossoms in full bloom in this small but beautiful city. It just so happened that we visited on a weekday and there was almost no one there, so it was super easy to take photos! There is a small park below where children will be happy to see the swings and slides! Because the children were still young at the time (sister 2 years old, brother 5 years old), an adult played with the children and then took turns to go up and take pictures of the castle! Uwajima Castle is a castle in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. It is a national historic and cultural property of Japan. #Super comfortable and beautiful small town #The child played in the park and didn't want to leave #Adults take turns climbing up the castle to explore #Uwajima #Ehime #Sakura #Castle #Uwajima Castle #Japan #National Historic Site #Park #Cultural Property #Good Places for Families#Overseas Travel

Uwajima Castle, one of the 12 castle towers still in existence in Japan 201703 I didn’t go to Shikoku for the cherry blossom viewing, but I was lucky enough to encounter cherry blossoms in full bloom in this small but beautiful city. It just so happened that we visited on a weekday and there was almost no one there, so it was super easy to take photos! There is a small park below where children will be happy to see the swings and slides! Because the children were still young at the time (sister 2 years old, brother 5 years old), an adult played with the children and then took turns to go up and take pictures of the castle! Uwajima Castle is a castle in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. It is a national historic and cultural property of Japan. #Super comfortable and beautiful small town #The child played in the park and didn't want to leave #Adults take turns climbing up the castle to explore #Uwajima #Ehime #Sakura #Castle #Uwajima Castle #Japan #National Historic Site #Park #Cultural Property #Good Places for Families#Overseas Travel

Built in 1601 by Todo Takatora, a renowned castle builder, it became the residence of nine generations of the Date clan. The castle tower was rebuilt around 1666 by the second lord of the Date clan, and is now one of the 12 precious surviving castle towers, making it a symbol of Uwajima City. Address: Marunouchi Parking Lot, Uwajima City. Regular cars 100 yen (1 hour) / 46 spaces. Large vehicles / Pick-up and drop-off area only. *For large vehicles, please contact the Kisaiya Hiroba Roadside Station (0895-22-3934) or the Date Museum (0895-22-7776) to make a reservation. Opening hours [Gates open] 6:00-17:00 (November-February) / 6:00-18:30 (March-October) [Castle tower] 9:00-16:00 (November-February) / 9:00-17:00 (March-October) Closed days Open everyday Admission fee Adults 200 yen Elementary and junior high school students Free Over 65 years old 160 yen Please show ID. Handicapped Free Please show disability certificate etc. Adults (20 or more) 160 yen