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Uwajima Castle

愛媛県

4.2

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Talented castle builders built famous castles in Shikoku.

Uwajima Castle was built by Todo Takatora, known as a master of castle construction. It is also known as "Tsurushima Castle" and the surviving twelve-story castle tower is designated as an important cultural property of the country. The beautiful white walls are also one of its attractions.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic HistoryRainny day

Highlights

Point 1

See the Beautiful White Castle Tower

Uwajima Castle is said to have been completed in 1666 and is one of only 12 remaining existing castle towers in Japan. However, because it was built during a peaceful era, it has different features from other existing castle towers. First, while many other castles have small spaces for shooting guns, Uwajima Castle does not. Second, the handrails inside the castle have intricate designs. There are also other differences from other castles built during peaceful times, so let's explore and find them!

Point 2

Pass Through the Oldest Level of Gateways

The Uwajima Castle's gateway is one of the largest remaining Yakuimon gates in the country. It's surprising that it has survived since the Edo period, just like the castle tower. It's located on the opposite side from the parking lot, so those who come by car need to walk a bit, but it's recommended to see this impressive building that gives off the atmosphere of the "entrance to the castle."

Point 3

Discover Traces of the Uwajima Clan

Passing through the entrance gate, you can see many existing remains. Among them, the "Sato-yama Warehouse" was the Date family's arsenal and is a very rare Edo period heritage site. There are also samurai residences designated as tangible cultural assets of the city, such as the "Hanol Kuwaoji Samurai Nagaya Gate," where you can feel the history firsthand.

Point 4

Enjoy Rare Plants at Shiroyama

At Uwajima Castle, which has avoided fires for over 300 years, you can see giant trees and rare plants. It's said that about 400 species of plants and trees grow there, and the plants that have grown over many years and the giant trees that are at least 300 years old are a must-see. Along the way to the castle tower, there are moss-covered stone walls and stone steps, and even in the summer, you can take a refreshing forest bath while strolling.

History

Explore the History of Uwajima Date Family's Castle

Uwajima Castle is a castle built by "Todo Takatora," who is famous as a castle builder and was active from the Warring States period to the early Edo period. After that, "Date Hidemune," the eldest son of Date Masamune, entered the castle, and it continued to be the residence of the Date family for nine generations. Although the castle tower was rebuilt after it became the Date family's castle, the castle's structure has been inherited from that time, so it's interesting to imagine the past while touring it.

Access

Recommended Access by Train or Car

Uwajima Castle is located about 1 km from JR Uwajima Station, making it easily accessible even without a car. There are buses from Uwajima Station, and it's also reassuring that it's only about a 10-minute walk. If you're coming by car, there are paid parking lots (100 yen per hour) with space for about 50 cars, so if you want to efficiently explore the surrounding area, please visit by car.

Required time

Recommended to Secure About an Hour

Uwajima Castle is a compact castle, so it's recommended to secure about an hour to feel at ease. The time required to reach the castle tower is about 10-15 minutes one way, and since the tower has a three-story structure, you can see the exhibits inside in about 30 minutes. There are many rare plants growing inside Uwajima Castle, so if you want to observe them thoroughly, you might want to secure a little more time.

Basic Information

	Business Hours	N/A (input is not a sentence in English)
	TEL	0895-22-2832
	Web Site	https://www.city.uwajima.ehime.jp/site/uwajima-jo/

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