Imabari Castle: The Sea Castle Floating in the Seto Inland Sea and Imabari Towel Production Area

Imabari Castle: One of Japan's Three Great Sea Castles Floating in the Seto Inland Sea

Imabari Castle in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, is a castle built by Todo Takatora in 1602, counted as one of "Japan's Three Great Sea Castles (also including Takamatsu Castle and Uwajima Castle)" as a "sea castle" drawing seawater directly into the outer moat. The six-story keep was rebuilt in the Showa period, but stone walls, moats, water gates, and other remains from that era are in good condition.

Seawater Moat and Sea Bream

Imabari Castle's outer moat has seawater from the Seto Inland Sea directly drawn in, with saltwater fish including sea bream and mullet swimming in the moat. The unique scenery of the castle appearing to float on the sea cannot be seen elsewhere.

Imabari Towels

Imabari City is world-famous as the production area for "Imabari Towels." Imabari Towels, internationally acclaimed for high water absorbency, durability, and quality, were born from Iyo's high-quality water and history of the fiber industry. The history and manufacturing process of towels can be learned at the city's "Imabari Towel Main Store" and "Imabari Towel Museum."

Starting Point of the Shimanami Kaido

Imabari City is the Shikoku-side starting point of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. Rental bicycle bases are near Imabari Station, with cyclist-oriented infrastructure maintained.

Access

Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Imabari Station, or approximately 5 minutes by city bus. Approximately 30–40 minutes from Matsuyama city by limited express.