Important Cultural Property (extant tower) / National Historic SiteShikoku

宇和島城

Uwajima Castle

Lord

Tōdō Takatora / Date clan (Uwajima)

Era

Built in 1601 (Keichō 6)

Designation

Important Cultural Property (extant tower) / National Historic Site

Location

1 Marunouchi, Uwajima, Ehime

Access

About 15 min walk from JR Uwajima Station

Overview

Uwajima Castle is a coastal fortress built by the master castle architect Tōdō Takatora, possessing one of Japan's twelve surviving towers. Its irregular pentagonal layout facing Uwajima Bay reflects Takatora's ingenious design, incorporating coastal defense. The Uwajima Date clan, a branch of the Sendai Date family, later governed the castle until the Bakumatsu era. The current three-story tower, rebuilt by Date Munetoshi in 1666, is admired for its decorative elegance. The castle hilltop offers panoramic views of Uwajima Bay and the town known for its bullfighting tradition. Situated at the western tip of Shikoku, the castle retains the tranquil atmosphere of a traditional castle town.

Connection to Swords

The Uwajima Date clan, a branch of the Sendai Date family, shared the main family's deep appreciation for swords. The Uwajima domain had its own active swordsmiths, contributing to Iyo Province's sword culture. Tōdō Takatora, though renowned as a castle architect, was also a seasoned warrior who survived the Sengoku era by serving successive lords, wielding swords in numerous battles. Iyo Province (Ehime) is also notable for the Ōyamazumi Shrine on Ōmishima Island (Imabari), which houses one of Japan's largest collections of National Treasure and Important Cultural Property weaponry. A combined visit to Uwajima Castle and Ōyamazumi Shrine provides a full experience of Iyo's martial heritage.