Uwajima Castle, 宇和島城, was Japanese Castle No. 2 for my castle tour weekend. One of the 12 remaining pre-Meiji era castles. It was also built around 1600. Which really, why are they all then? Who ran around and said, “build a castle! all the cool kids are doing it!”. Located in Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku, Uwajima Castle is also a hirayama-jiro, like Matsuyama Castle, (hilltop, with a plain involved).
Stairs leading up. Watch your feet when its raining out!!
Uwajima Castle, one of the 12
Designated as a national historical site in 1937 and an important cultural asset in 1963, much of this one doesn’t remain. Just the main keep and some ruins. The entire moat was filled in. There are plenty of signs saying “yes, such and such gate use to be here”. The inside was nice though and I would love to have their view of the water and mountains!
Though there wasn’t much to the three story keep, they do have some interesting displays inside. Including this one on how the castle was built.
Don’t forget to get your stamp for the 100 finest castles stamp rally!
Keep your eyes open for local culture
Almost more interesting to me were all the demon cow references all over the city. You know me, I can’t leave that go. Apparently, there is a festival in July as a purification ritual stemming from an event from Japan’s invasion of Korea back in the 1500s. How that involves a demon cow I’m still reading up on. Might have to add that to the list for next summer festivals.
Access
A couple hour train ride from Matsuyama, Uwajima is NOT a big place. Also with the rain, part of the tracks had been taken out. Important to note sometimes how long your SUPPOSED to be on a train. Since it’s Japan, they are very punctual, so if you stop and everyone gets off an hour early. Get off the train as well! Luckily the station attendees pointed us in the right direction of a charter bus and no real hiccup.
Shikoku is already country, the trains down this way don’t run very often so check your timing on this one. Uwajima is known for its hot springs so if you have time, I suggest staying a bit longer!