Uwajima Castle

Ehime

Castles & Historic Sites

# Castle

# Samurai

# Original Castle Keep

The white, three-tiered main keep of Uwajima Castle, one of Japan's original castles, built on a stone base and surrounded by cherry blossoms.

The white, three-tiered main keep of Uwajima Castle, one of Japan's original castles, built on a large stone base and flanked by blooming cherry trees in spring.

A stone staircase leading up through two tall stone walls, part of the castle's fortified entrance or defense structure.

A large, detailed wooden architectural model of the castle keep, displayed in the museum interior.

Key Points

One of Japan’s twelve surviving Edo period castle keeps
First constructed in 1601 by famed castle designer Todo Takatora
Became the seat of the Uwajima Date clan founded by Date Hidemune, who split from the Sendai domain’s Date clan in 1615, lasting for nine generations

Rising on a 73-meter hill in the heart of Uwajima, Uwajima Castle was built in 1601 by the famed castle architect Todo Takatora, whose hallmark was the clever use of terrain. The irregular pentagon-shaped fortification overlooks Uwajima Bay, where it was once a defensive stronghold and a symbol of power.
In 1615, the castle passed to Date Hidemune, eldest son of the legendary feudal lord of the Tohoku region, Date Masamune, who split from the Sendai domain’s Date clan and established the Uwajima Date clan, which ruled here for nine generations. The current three-story tower, rebuilt around 1666 by Hidemune’s son, features graceful gables and ornamental details that reflect the era of peace that the castle saw.
Today, the tower is one of just twelve surviving Edo-period keeps in Japan. Visitors climbing the steep stone steps are rewarded with panoramic views of Uwajima City and its scenic bay. Nearby at the Uwajima City Date Museum, you can imagine the life of the feudal lords who once controlled Uwajima Bay.

Information

Spot information including address, access, and website
Address	Marunouchi, Uwajima City, Ehime
Access from Tokyo	(1) From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi to Okayama Station (approx. 3 hr 11 min). (2) At Okayama Station, transfer to the Yosan Line-Limited Express Shiokaze to Matsuyama Station (approx. 2 hr 39 min). (3) At Matsuyama Station, transfer to the Yosan Line-Limited Express Uwakai to Uwajima Station (approx. 1 hr 33 min). (4) From Uwajima Station, walk to the Uwajima Castle (approx. 11 minutes). Show route from Tokyo Station
Website	https://www.city.uwajima.ehime.jp/site/uwajima-jo/
Note	The admission fee is only required for entering the castle keep (tenshu).