Question 1

How do I get there from Uwajima Station?

Accepted Answer

From JR Uwajima Station, it takes about 15 minutes on foot to reach the Shiroyama trailhead. From there, it takes a further 20 minutes to climb steep stone steps to the keep at the summit. By car from Uwajima Asahi IC, it takes about 4 minutes.

Question 2

What are the opening times for Shiroyama park?

Accepted Answer

Shiroyama (Fukiage Park) opens at 6:00 from March to October and also at 6:00 from November to February. However, the keep's interior can be viewed from 9:00 to 17:00 (March to October) and 9:00 to 16:00 (November to February).

Question 3

How long does a visit take?

Accepted Answer

Allow about 60 minutes for the round trip from the trailhead to the keep and viewing the interior. Including a walk around the castle mountain with its massive stone walls and 450 types of plants, you can enjoy it for about 2 hours.

Question 4

What kind of castle is Uwajima Castle?

Accepted Answer

Built in 1601 (Keicho 6) by Todō Takatori, a master castle builder, it later became the residence of the Date clan for nine generations. It is one of the twelve original castles still standing and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. A three-story, three-tier keep stands atop Shiroyama mountain at an elevation of 80 metres. Due to its well-proportioned beauty, it is also called "Tsurushima Castle."

Question 5

Are there sights related to the Date clan?

Accepted Answer

Uwajima Castle was the residence of the Date clan for nine generations from 1615 (Keicho 20) onwards. The Uwajima City Museum of the Date Clan in the surrounding Uwajima area has exhibits of furnishings and clothing associated with the Date family.

Question 6

How is it different from Matsuyama Castle?

Accepted Answer

Matsuyama Castle features a linked-style keep (a large group of buildings connected in series), while Uwajima Castle has an independent keep with a compact, simple beauty. Both are among the twelve original castles, but differ significantly in scale, style, and terrain.

Question 7

What is the natural environment like in the castle?

Accepted Answer

The entire Shiroyama is designated as a National Historic Site and is covered with a rich, lush evergreen forest of 450 plant species. You can enjoy different vegetation by season.

Question 8

What is the view like from the keep?

Accepted Answer

The interior of the keep retains the character of wooden construction, and from the top floor you can see a panoramic view of Uwajima Bay and the town of Uwajima. The contrast between the ria coastline and the mountains of the Shikoku Hundred Famous Mountains is beautiful.

Question 9

Can I enjoy it in rainy weather?

Accepted Answer

The interior of the castle tower can be viewed indoors, so it is accessible even in rain, but the stone steps up the castle mountain become slippery. Comfortable shoes and rain gear are recommended.

Question 10

Is there a parking lot?

Accepted Answer

There is parking available around Shiroyama. However, there are steep stone steps, so those without confidence in their fitness should plan with extra time. Please check the city's official website for details.

Question 11

What is the admission fee?

Accepted Answer

Castle tower admission: adults ¥200 (official website check recommended)

Question 12

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

Marui no Uchi 1, Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture

Question 13

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 15 minutes walk from JR Uwajima Station (to the castle mountain trailhead). About 35 minutes to the castle tower. About 4 minutes by car from Uwajima Asahi IC

Question 14

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

Castle tower: March–October 9:00–17:00, November–February 9:00–16:00. Castle mountain (park): March–October 6:00–18:30, November–February 6:00–17:00

Question 15

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open year-round (castle mountain park)

Question 16

Is there a parking lot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

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