宇和島城 · Uwajima-jo
Remote, unhurried, and genuinely old — Uwajima's original tower is a quiet pilgrimage for those who seek authentic history off the tourist trail.
#83 — 100 Famous CastlesChild: ¥100
Last entry 16:40
One of Japan's most affordable original tenshu castles. Children (elementary school age and under) free.
Uwajima rewards visitors who make the effort to travel to this remote corner of Shikoku. The original tower has a quiet intimacy that more famous castles lack, and the small city around it has a genuine local character. The castle is best combined with other Shikoku sights — nearby Ozu Castle (rebuilt reconstruction) and Matsuyama are logical additions.
Uwajima Castle's three-story tower is one of only 12 original surviving wooden tenshu in Japan — a remarkably intimate and authentic structure that has stood since the early 17th century without being rebuilt. Its small scale only adds to the sense of encountering genuine history.
Uwajima was constructed by Date Hidemune, son of the legendary Date Masamune (the 'One-Eyed Dragon' of the north). The Date clan ruled this remote corner of Shikoku for generations, and the castle reflects their relatively modest position — far from the political center but proud and independent.
Uwajima originally stood on a peninsula jutting into the sea — a 'water castle' where the ocean itself served as a natural moat on three sides. Land reclamation over centuries has disconnected it from the water, but the maritime strategic logic of its placement is still visible in the landscape.
Visitor Tip
The walk up the hill to the tower takes about 10 minutes from the base. The tower interior is small (three stories) but original and atmospheric. Uwajima is a good add-on to a Shikoku itinerary rather than a primary destination — plan to combine it with other sights in the area.
hirayamajiro
Flatland hill castle — built on a low hill that was originally surrounded by sea on three sides
renkaku
Compound style — main tower and secondary structures spread across the hill
Original wooden tenshu (main keep) — built in 1666, one of only 12 surviving original castle towers in Japan
nozurazumi — Natural stone stacking — irregular stones fitted without mortar on the hillside
Modest stone walls follow the natural contours of the hill. Uwajima's defenses were never of the most elaborate type — the original sea-surrounded location provided the primary defense, making elaborate landward fortification less critical.
Original Sea-Surrounded Position
When built, the castle stood on a peninsula with sea on three sides — the ocean served as a vast natural moat that made amphibious assault the only approach from most directions.
Hill Elevation
The castle hill gives defenders a commanding view over the surrounding area and approaches, allowing early detection of any threat from land or sea.
The Deadliest Gate in Japan
The attacking force crosses the moat and approaches the outer gate. Defenders hold fire, allowing the enemy to commit.
Historical Context — Uwajima Castle
Uwajima's original defensive logic was maritime — an attacking force would have needed ships to approach from three directions, or to force a narrow land approach from the fourth. This made it a natural stronghold for a coastal domain. The land reclamation that has since occurred has removed the primary defensive feature, leaving only the hill and walls.
Todo Takatora, one of Japan's greatest castle architects, builds the original Uwajima Castle on a sea-surrounded peninsula. His design maximizes the natural water defenses of the peninsular site.
Date Hidemune, son of the legendary Date Masamune, receives Uwajima domain as his fief. The Date clan will rule Uwajima for the remainder of the Edo period.
Date Muneoki reconstructs the main tower in its current three-story form. This tower survives intact to the present day.
The Meiji government's abolition of domains ends Date clan rule. Like most castles, Uwajima loses its administrative function, but the tower is preserved.
The tower is designated a National Important Cultural Property, providing formal protection for one of Japan's rare original tenshu.
Spring and autumn. The castle is pleasant year-round but lacks dramatic seasonal attractions. Avoid midsummer heat.
1-1.5 hours
Uwajima is famous for its jakoten (fried fish paste) and tai-meshi (sea bream rice) — local dishes that reflect the coastal fishing culture of the region. The castle visit pairs well with a seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants near the station.
One of Japan's most affordable original tenshu castles. Children (elementary school age and under) free.
Closed December 29–31. Access to castle hill (grounds) is possible outside hours; tower interior closes at the listed time.
松山城 · Matsuyama-jo
📍 Ehime — Shikoku
Shikoku's best castle experience — a genuine original tower on a commanding hilltop, reached by ropeway, with great facilities and the literary ghosts of Shiki and Soseki.
大洲城 · Ozu-jo
📍 Ehime — Shikoku
The castle that was rebuilt without a single nail — Ozu's 2004 wooden reconstruction is the closest thing in modern Japan to actually entering a 17th-century castle tower.
高知城 · Kochi-jo
📍 Kochi — Shikoku
Japan's most complete castle experience — the only place where both an original tower and original lord's palace survive side by side.
The nearest station is Uwajima Station (JR Yodo Line / JR Uchiko Line). It is approximately a 20-minute walk from the station. Parking: Small parking area at the base of the castle hill. Accessible with a JR Pass.
Adult admission is ¥200. Children: ¥100. One of Japan's most affordable original tenshu castles. Children (elementary school age and under) free.
Uwajima rewards visitors who make the effort to travel to this remote corner of Shikoku. The original tower has a quiet intimacy that more famous castles lack, and the small city around it has a genuine local character. The castle is best combined with other Shikoku sights — nearby Ozu Castle (rebuilt reconstruction) and Matsuyama are logical additions.
Uwajima Castle is open 09:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:40). Closed December 29–31. Access to castle hill (grounds) is possible outside hours; tower interior closes at the listed time.
Plan on spending 1-1.5 hours at Uwajima Castle. Uwajima is famous for its jakoten (fried fish paste) and tai-meshi (sea bream rice) — local dishes that reflect the coastal fishing culture of the region. The castle visit pairs well with a seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants near the station.