Imabari Castle (今治城) is a historic Japanese castle known as one of the three Mizujiro or “Castles on the Sea”. It is located at 3 Chome-1-3 in Toricho, Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, Japan.
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| Imabari Castle |
Imabari Castle details
Nestled at the heart of Imabari City, Imabari Castle stands as a timeless sentinel overlooking the majestic Seto Inland Sea. This strategic location not only provided natural defenses but also served as a vital link between Shikoku and Honshu, making it a pivotal point in ancient Japan's geopolitical landscape.
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| Imabari Castle - Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture |
With its origins tracing back to the tumultuous Heian period, Imabari Castle's history is rich with tales of rebellion, maritime prowess, and shifting alliances. Once the domain of formidable clans like Sumitomo no Fujiwara and the Murakami, it later found itself under the sway of influential figures such as the Mōri clan and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Imabari Castle Grounds and Keep
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| Todo Takatora Statue |
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| Iron Gate / Arms Tower |
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| Yamazato Yagura |
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| Imabari Castle Keep |
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| Imabari Castle grounds |
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| Tamonyagura |
In the wake of the Battle of Sekigahara, Imabari Castle witnessed a new era under the stewardship of Tokugawa Ieyasu's general, Tōdō Takatora. Recognized for his architectural acumen, Tōdō embarked on the ambitious task of building a new stronghold that would stand as a testament to his strategic vision. Thus, in 1608, Imabari Castle emerged from the rugged coastlines, boasting three concentric enclosures surrounded by water moats, a testament to the ingenuity of its designer.
Inside Imabari Castle Keep
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| The Natural Science Museum inside Imabari Castle |
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| Imabari Castle Stamp |
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| The toilet inside the Imabari Castle keep |
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| You can take a photo with this standee at the entrance of the castle |
The View From the Imabari Castle Observatory
However, the castle's fortunes would continue to ebb and flow with the tides of history. Following Tōdō Takatora's departure, Imabari Castle saw successive rulers from the Matsudaira clan during the Edo period, each leaving their mark on its storied walls.
Fukiage Shrine, Sumiyoshi Shrine, and Inari Shrine
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| Chozuya of Fukiage Shrine, Inari Shrine, and Sumiyoshi Shrine |
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| Sumiyoshi Shrine |
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| The torii gates of the Inari Shrine |
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| Inari Shrine |
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| Fukiage Shrine |
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| One of the a-gyo on the castle grounds |
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| One of the un-gyo on the castle grounds |
The winds of change swept through Imabari Castle once more with the dawn of the Meiji era. Despite facing destruction and repurposing, the spirit of the castle endured, finding renewal in the efforts of the Imabari City government to preserve its legacy. Through meticulous reconstruction and preservation projects, including the erection of a new tenshu and the restoration of yagura towers, Imabari Castle stands today as a proud symbol of Japan's feudal past.
For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in history, Imabari Castle offers a captivating journey through Japan's storied past. Just a leisurely 20-minute stroll from JR Shikoku Imabari Station, this iconic landmark beckons visitors to explore its hallowed grounds and discover the echoes of bygone eras amidst its timeless beauty.
Team Nicerio visits Imabari Castle
My family and I first visited Imabari Castle last December 27, 2022, during our 3-day Hiroshima Road Trip with our Japanese family. This trip marked my 421st day in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in the JET Programme. Imabari Castle was the only castle that we visited during our road trip. As an avid fan of Japanese history and architecture, I enjoyed exploring the castle grounds and the keep which also serves as a museum. There was a lot to see and learn in and outside the castle.
Imabari Castle Fees
It’s FREE to explore Imabari Castle grounds but if you want to enter the keep you need to pay the following fees:
Adults: 520 yen
Students: 260 yen
High school students and under or under 18 years old: Free
Elderly (over 65 years old): 420 yen
Group discount (20 or more people): Adults 420 yen, Students 210 yen
Imabari Castle Operating Hours
Imabari Castle is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Why visit Imabari Castle?
Imabari Castle is located at the heart of Imabari City. The castle's architectural grandeur, encircled by a formidable moat, immediately captivates visitors with its timeless allure.
Moreover, within the castle precincts lies Fukiage Shrine, adding a dimension of cultural and spiritual enrichment to the visitor experience. Yet, the castle transcends mere historical relic status; it seamlessly integrates educational value with scenic beauty. Functioning both as a museum and an elevated observation deck, it offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about its rich history while also providing a panoramic vista of the surrounding landscape.
Getting to Imabari Castle
From Imabari Station on the Yosan Line, take the Setouchi Bus heading to the "Imabari Sales Office" and get off at "Imabari Castle" after approximately 9 minutes.
Travel time: 15 minutes
Fare: 140 yen
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