🗺️ Uwajima Castle宇和島城

Uwajima Castle is located in a hilly area at an elevation of 80 meters and was built in 1601 by the renowned castle builder and warrior Tōdō Takatora. Starting in 1661, the then lord of Uwajima, Date Munenori, undertook a large-scale reconstruction of the castle that lasted 11 years. The reconstructed tenshu (main keep) is one of the 12 remaining tenshu in Japan and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property. One of the highlights of Uwajima Castle is its massive, towering stone walls. The old and new stone walls, built in various eras, are covered in moss over the years, allowing visitors to feel the weight of history while enjoying a stroll around the castle. Additionally, the tenshu is built atop a shaped stone wall, presenting a beautiful white silhouette that is particularly charming. Visitors can also enter the tenshu and climb the steep stairs to reach the top floor, where they can enjoy a panoramic view of Uwajima Bay and the cityscape of Uwajima. Moreover, within Uwajima Castle, which has been cherished for over three hundred years, many rare plants and large trees are preserved, along with several attractions such as the Kamitachi Gate, which is designated as a cultural property by the city. The site of Uwajima Castle, known as Shiroyama, is also designated as a national historic site.

The castle was built in 1601 by the renowned castle architect Tōdō Takatora. It is one of the 12 existing tenshu (main keep) in Japan and is designated as an Important Cultural Property by the national government. The new and old stone walls constructed in various eras are also key highlights to see. The white tenshu, built atop the reshaped stone walls, looks even more beautiful. From the top level of the tenshu, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Uwajima Bay and the urban landscape of Uwajima City.