The main bailey of the Uwajima Castle was located at the top of Mt. "Shiroyama", whose altitude is 74 meters in height. The main entrance gate is located to the north of Mt. Shiroyama.

After passing through the entrance gate, steep stone steps continue. You will see stone walls on the way to the main bailey.

These stone walls were built to protect the "Ido" Bailey. After passing through the "Ido" Bailey, you will arrive at a T-junction. If turn right at the T-junction, you will go to the main bailey. If you turn left, you will go to the "Fujibei" Bailey and the "Nagato" Bailey.

On the "Fujibei" Bailey, there are two existing castle buildings from the Edo Age.

After visiting the "Fujibei" Bailey, I went to the Main Bailey. The bellow picture shows the stone walls at the site of the "Sanno-Mon" Gate, the third gate.

After passing through the "Sannomon" Gate, you will see the Main Castle Tower when you look back.
The view of the Main Castle Tower was very impressive.

You will arrive at the second bailey. The second bailey is located to the west of the main bailey. You will see the stone walls in the second bailey, which used to be the site of the "Kushigata-Mon" Gate.

The "Tamon Yagura", hall turrets, used to surround the Main Bailey and the palace buildings were located in the Main Bailey. These buildings were destroyed after the Edo Age was ended.

It was dark inside the Main Castle Tower, because of less windows. Very steep stairs also can be seen at other existing Castle Towers.

Stairs from the second floor to the top floor is also very steep.
You will see sliding doors, which are made of paper and wood inside of the Main Castle Tower. These sliding doors are named "Shoji" in Japanese and they are the symbol of cultural structures. These "Shoji" doors inside the Main Castle Tower is unique, while the main purpose of the Castle Tower was to protect a castle lord and to fight against the enemies or invaders.

From the top floor, you will see the sea of "Uwakai". This view was very calm and peaceful.

After visiting the Main Castle Tower, I walked down from the main bailey to the "Noboritachi-Mon" Gate, which is located to the south of the castle. On the way to the "Noboritachi-Mon" Gate, there are also a couple of stone walls.

After fifteen to twenty minute of walk on stone steps, you will arrive at the "Noboritachi-Mon" Gate.

The "Noboritachi-Mon" Gate is another existing castle building, which was built in the Edo Age.

The Main Castle Tower of Uwajima Castle is very nice to visit. In addition to the Main Castle Tower, stone walls, which you will see on the way to the Main Castle Tower, are very impressive.

How to get there
From Tokyo, take a Tokaido Shinkansen, "Nozomi" or a "Hikari" for Japan Rail Pass travelers to Okayama. Take a Limited Express "Shiokaze" to Matsuyama. Then, take a Limited Express "Uwakai" to Uwajima. Or, you can fly to Matsuyama Airport and take a "Uwakai" from Matsuyama to Uwajima. Uwajima Castle is located within walking distance from Uwajima Station.

Other Historical Sites near by:
Uchiko Historical District
Ruins of Iyo-Ozu Castle
Uwajima Castle Town
Warei Shrine in Uwajima