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Castle · Imabari, Ehime
Imabari Castle
A seaside castle built by Todo Takatora in the early 17th century, with wide saltwater moats, stone walls and a reconstructed keep with a museum; sea fish swim in the moats.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Imabari Castle in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Imabari Castle
Imabari Castle was built between 1602 and 1604 by Todo Takatora, one of Japan’s great castle builders, on the city’s coast. It is a seaside castle: the wide moats were connected to the strait, and boats could approach close to the walls. Even today the moat water is salty and rises and falls with the tide, with red seabream, rays and other sea fish.
The main keep, with five floors, was reconstructed in 1980 on the original walls. Inside, a museum displays armor, swords, domain documents and natural history items, and the top floor offers a view of the strait and the Shimanami islands. Other towers and gates have been reconstructed along the walls.
The stone walls are the oldest surviving elements, with fitted blocks rising high above the water. In the courtyard are Fukiage Shrine and an equestrian statue of Todo Takatora. At night the keep and walls are usually illuminated.
The castle is about a 20-minute walk from Imabari Station and close to the port, from which boats depart to the islands. It pairs well with an afternoon in the city, before or after the cycling crossing. Imabari is counted among Japan’s three great seaside castles, alongside those of Takamatsu and Nakatsu.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour.
Best time
Late afternoon, for light on the moats and the evening illumination. The cherry trees on the walls usually bloom in late March and early April. Check the museum hours.
How to get there
From the station it’s about a 20-minute walk; by bus, a few minutes.
Tip
Walk around the moats to see the fish and stone walls, and go up to the top floor of the keep to view the Kurushima Strait.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Imabari Castle
Is Imabari Castle original?
The stone walls and moats are original. The main keep was reconstructed in 1980 on the old foundation.
Is the water in Imabari Castle’s moats salty?
Yes. The moats are connected to the sea; the water rises and falls with the tide and there are saltwater fish.
Who built Imabari Castle?
It was built by Todo Takatora, a lord known for the castles he designed, between the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
Is Imabari Castle near the station?
It’s about a 20-minute walk, or a few minutes by bus, near the port.
Beyond the guide
