What Is Uwajima Castle? An Original Castle Tower Linked to the Date Clan
Located in the heart of Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture, Uwajima Castle is a historic site where a tenshu (castle tower) still stands atop a hill called Shiroyama.
The tenshu is one of Japan's 12 surviving "original castle towers" from the Edo period or earlier and is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
The entire castle grounds are also designated as a National Historic Site, making the castle an accessible starting point for learning about the history of Uwajima.
After Hidemune, the eldest son of the famous samurai Date Masamune, took up residence here, Uwajima Castle served as the seat of the Uwajima Date family until the Meiji era.
Even travelers unfamiliar with Japanese castles can get a feel for Uwajima's character as a former castle town by exploring the tenshu, stone walls, and natural surroundings of Shiroyama.
How to Walk Up Shiroyama to Uwajima Castle Tower
Uwajima Castle sits on a hill that seems to rise suddenly in the middle of the city.
According to official information, the castle stands on a hill about 73 meters high in the center of Uwajima, and its layout once made full use of the original coastal terrain.
As you make your way up, take time to enjoy the atmosphere of Shiroyama while walking the stone steps and slopes.
Although it's a sightseeing spot in the middle of town, the path is surrounded by trees, so the journey up to the tenshu is part of the Uwajima Castle experience itself.
Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea.
The footing can be slippery on rainy days or just after rain, so it's best to take your time rather than rush.
Highlights of the Castle Tower: White Plaster and Layered Tower Design
The tenshu of Uwajima Castle is believed to have been renovated around 1666 by Munetoshi, the second lord of the Uwajima Date family. It is a three-story, three-tiered "sōtō-gata" (layered-tower style) tenshu.
Take a close look at the white plaster walls, the decorative gables (hafu), and the ornamental wooden details (gegyo) on the exterior.
Rather than overwhelming visitors with size, Uwajima Castle's appeal lies in the quiet dignity you can appreciate up close in its design details.
Uwajima Castle also has an interesting backstory: the current Date-family tenshu replaced an older tower originally constructed by the renowned castle architect Tōdō Takatora.
Keeping in mind the shift from a "castle built for warfare" to a "castle that displayed authority in peaceful times" makes the building feel all the more meaningful. 
Stone Walls, Gates, and the Local Museum: Tracing the Castle's Memory
At Uwajima Castle, the stone walls and gates deserve as much attention as the tenshu itself.
According to official information, stone walls and stonework from different periods and for different purposes remain on the grounds.
Walking around while observing differences in how the stones were stacked and shaped reveals that several eras coexist within the same castle.
The Noboritate-mon gate at the southern entrance is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by Uwajima City.
Passing through this surviving castle gate adds a sense of immersion that you won't get if you head straight for the tenshu.
The Shiroyama Local Museum (Shiroyama Kyōdokan) is housed in a relocated dozō (traditional storehouse) that originally stood in the Sannomaru bailey.
Inside, you'll find exhibits introducing historical figures connected to Uwajima.
Uwajima Castle Hours, Admission Fees, and Etiquette to Know Before You Go
Tenshu viewing hours at Uwajima Castle vary by season.
According to the official guide, the tenshu is open from 9:00 to 16:00 from November to February, and from 9:00 to 17:00 from March to October.
Admission to the tenshu is 200 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger, and 160 yen for visitors aged 65 and over.
Shiroyama itself is also open seasonally: 6:00 to 17:00 from November to February, and 6:00 to 18:30 from March to October.
The castle may close temporarily during typhoons or other severe weather, so check the official information before your visit.
While on the grounds, please take care not to damage or soil any cultural property.
Smoking is prohibited everywhere on Shiroyama, and open flames are generally not allowed. Collecting plants, animals, soil, or stones is also forbidden.
If you bring a pet, it must be on a leash, and pets are not allowed inside the tenshu or the local museum.
Summary: Quietly Enjoy History and Nature at Uwajima Castle
Uwajima Castle is a place where you can enjoy an original castle tower, stone walls, gates, and the natural beauty of Shiroyama all at once.
Rather than offering flashy attractions, it's the kind of spot where you absorb history gradually as you walk, so leaving plenty of time will make your visit more memorable.
Once you reach the tenshu, take a moment to look not only at the building itself but also at the views of the city below from Shiroyama.
From the stone steps beneath your feet to the surrounding terrain, you can sense how Uwajima developed as a castle town.
