Uwajima Castle: One of 12 Surviving Original Keeps Built by Todo Takatora - A Famous Castle of Southern Iyo

Uwajima Castle: A Masterpiece by Master Castle Builder Todo Takatora

Uwajima Castle, located in the center of Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, is a castle designed and built in 1601 by Todo Takatora, a master castle builder who also served as an elder of the Edo shogunate. Designated as a national Important Cultural Property as one of the 12 surviving original keeps, the compact yet beautiful three-story keep stands at the summit of Castle Hill.

Keep and Views

Although Uwajima Castle's keep is three stories in scale, it has steep spiral staircases inside, and from the top floor, the Uwa Sea (Uwajima Bay) and Uwajima cityscape can be viewed at a glance. Despite being small, the dignified keep's appearance has an elegance also called "female castle."

Uwajima and the Date Family

Uwajima Castle was later governed by the Date family (a branch domain of Sendai domain), and the history of the Uwajima Date family is still rooted in Uwajima City's culture today. At the Date Museum, the history of the Uwajima Date family and samurai culture can be learned.

Uwajima Ushi-oni Festival

The "Uwajima Festival (Ushi-oni Festival)" held July 22–24 every year is a traditional festival of the southern Iyo region where a giant ushi-oni (monster made of bamboo and straw) parades through the city. In addition to the ushi-oni, Warei Grand Festival and Uwajima bullfighting are also held.

Access

Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Uwajima Station to Castle Hill entrance. Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Matsuyama city by limited express.