[2025 Imabari Attraction] Travel Guide for Imabari-jō Castle (Updated Jul)

Imabari Castle, located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, is also known as Fukiage Castle and is a symbol of Imabari. It was built by Todo Takatora, who was known as a master castle builder, and its triple moat draws in seawater and makes good use of nature, making it one of Japan's three great water castles. 🏯 In addition, drawing seawater into the moat allows ships to enter the castle directly from the sea, making it easy to transport cargo. 🚣 Although cargo is no longer transported by boat, you can see black porgy and sharks swimming in the moat🐟 Of course, the castle is cool, but it's also fun to look into the moat and look for fish in the sea🏯 📍#Imabari Castle 📍Address: 3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture 794-0036 📍🕰️Business hours: 9:00-17:00 📍From Imabari Station on the Yosan Line, take the Setouchi Bus "To Imabari Office" for about 9 minutes and get off at "Imabari Castle Mae" #DomesticTrip #Imabari #CastleTour #CastleTour #Castle #ShikokuTrip #Shikoku #TodoTakatora #Mizuki #Mizuki

I went to Imabari on a business trip! I wanted to do some sightseeing in the city! I finished my business early, so I went to Imabari Castle, the symbol of Imabari 🏯 Imabari Castle is easily accessible from the major hotels in the city! I managed to get there just 30 minutes before closing time and ran up about 140 steps lol (unfortunately there is no elevator) The inside of the castle tower is a museum, and many items of historical value are on display. I finished the main tour safely within the time limit, and when I looked at the moat, I saw that it was not a carp but a sea bream swimming there 👀 It is unique to Imabari Castle, which is connected to the sea. I was given some bread crusts by a local auntie, and it was my first experience feeding sea bream. Thank you to the auntie for this opportunity ❣️ 📍 3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture #breathtakingview #castle #ehimetourism #trip2022

#cityplaybook Imabari, located in Ehime Prefecture, is best known for its towels and cycling routes—but there’s so much more to discover if you take it slow. This coastal town is full of quiet charm, friendly locals, and beautiful historical spots. I began my day at Fukiage Shrine, a peaceful place tucked among trees, with a lovely atmosphere and a sense of local life. It’s not a major tourist stop, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Just a short walk away is Imabari Castle, one of the few Japanese castles surrounded by a seawater moat. The views from the top were impressive, and the grounds were calm and well-kept—perfect for a relaxed stroll. Why I recommend Imabari: ・It’s a great place to enjoy local history at your own pace, without the crowds ・The coastal setting and friendly vibe make for a peaceful, grounding day 📍Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan #Imabari #Ehime #JapanCastles #FukiageShrine #HiddenJapan #LocalTravel #SlowDays #CoastalCharm #CityGuide #OffTheBeatenPath

#cityplaybook #localguides #familytrip #postandearn Located in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, Imabari-jō Castle (今治城) stands as one of Japan’s few remaining seaside castles, famous for its impressive moat system that draws water directly from the sea. Constructed in 1604 by Tōdō Takatora, a master castle architect and feudal lord, this fortress blends strategic ingenuity with scenic elegance. What sets Imabari Castle apart is its extensive network of seawater moats, which served both as a defensive mechanism and a symbol of maritime control. The castle’s flatland-style structure, unusual for Japan’s mountainous terrain, showcases early Edo period innovation. Though the original castle was dismantled in the Meiji era, several parts, including the main keep (reconstructed in 1980), turrets, and gates, have been carefully restored. Today, the castle serves not only as a historical landmark but also as a museum housing samurai armor, weapons, and local history exhibits. Climb to the top of the donjon for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, the city of Imabari, and the surrounding coastal landscape. The castle grounds are particularly beautiful in spring, with cherry blossoms adding a romantic hue to the stone walls and waters below. With its coastal charm and historical depth, Imabari-jō is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those exploring Shikoku’s unique heritage. Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed around New Year’s) Admission: ¥520 (adults) Location: 3-1-3 Tōri, Imabari, Ehime, Japan #ImabariCastle #ShikokuCastles #JapaneseHistory #SeaCastle #TōdōTakatora #ImabariTravel #SamuraiEra #EhimePrefecture #SetoInlandSea #HiddenGemsJapan

#cityplaybook Tucked along the coast of Ehime Prefecture, Imabari is a laid-back city where history meets the Seto Inland Sea. It’s not flashy, but that’s exactly why it feels so relaxing—perfect for a slow day away from the rush. I started my morning with a peaceful stroll around Imabari Castle. Surrounded by water and stone walls, it’s one of the few Japanese castles built with a seawater moat. The view from the top was surprisingly serene and beautiful. Later, I made my way to the Setouchi Minato Marche, a local market right by the sea. I snacked my way through freshly made treats and enjoyed a breezy walk along the waterfront. The sounds of the waves, friendly vendors, and seagulls in the distance made for the perfect slow afternoon. Why I recommend Imabari: ・You get a mix of local history and coastal calm, all within walking distance ・It’s a great spot to just take it easy and enjoy simple pleasures by the sea 📍Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan #Imabari #Ehime #SetouchiViews #ImabariCastle #MinatoMarche #JapanOffThePath #CoastalJapan #SlowTravel #HiddenGems #CityGuide

Imabari Castle is a beautiful castle that stands in a place where you can see the Seto Inland Sea, and the scenery of the castle ruins and moat is attractive. In particular, the reflection on the water surface of the moat surrounding the castle is fantastic, attracting visitors 🌊 In addition, the castle tower offers a spectacular view of Imabari city and the sea, making it a perfect spot for photography 📸 There is also a historical exhibition on the premises where you can learn about the history of Imabari Castle. In addition to strolling around, the castle gardens are also beautiful and you can spend a relaxing time 🍃 🕰️Business hours: 9:00-17:00 📍Location: 3-1 Torimachi, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture #0 yen trip February 2025

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] The fantastic lighting is popular! Imabari Castle 🏯 ^ ^ In the early Edo period, the castle was built by the master castle builder Todo Takatora on the sandy ground overlooking the Seto Inland Sea (^^) Even today, the central enclosure, the high stone walls that are over 10m high despite being built on sand, and the vast inner moat about 50m wide remain almost completely intact, making it like a fortress on water! ^ ^ The interior of the five-story castle tower and turrets, which have been rebuilt since 1980, has become a comprehensive museum that displays historical materials related to the Imabari domain, as well as materials and works related to local nature and art, and the observation deck on the top floor of the castle tower offers a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea Shimanami Kaido (^^) [Location] 3-1-3 Torimachi, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture #0 yen travel January 2025

It is also the largest maritime castle in Japan, surrounded by a triple moat and equipped with a strong harbor for ships. Even today, the moat and stone walls in the center of the castle remain almost intact, and the reconstructed castle tower, turrets and gates look beautiful. Inside the building is a museum, and the observation deck on the top floor of the castle tower offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. The huge moat where sea water flows in and out and where fish migrate is also a highlight. #2024Travel Review

Imabari Castle is a renowned castle located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. Built by Takatora Todo, it is situated along the coast and is known for its moat filled with seawater, making it a unique water castle. From the castle tower, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. Its historical significance and beautiful scenery make it a popular tourist attraction. Imabari Castle 📍3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture 🕐9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Also known as "Fukiage Castle," this castle was selected as one of Japan's 100 most famous castles. It was one of Japan's leading sea castles, with a vast moat filled with seawater and one of the largest shipping bays in the country as a port within the castle. It was built by Todo Takatora. Visiting period: Mid-June 2024 ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Facility name📍Imabari Castle Address📍3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture Opening hours📍9:00-17:00. (Entry until 16:30) Access📍 ・From JR Yosan Line "Imabari Station", take the Setouchi Bus "To Imabari Office" for about 9 minutes and get off at "Imabari Castle Mae" ・About 10 minutes walk from Imabari Port ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ #Domestic travel #japan #solo travel #girls' trip #historical sites #trip to experience history and culture #Shikoku tourism #Japan's 100 famous castles #Imabari Castle

Takamatsu Castle and Nakatsu Castle are said to be the three largest bodies of water in Japan. It is also known as Fukiage Castle, and Fukiage Inari Shrine was located there. A major feature of the castle is that seawater was drawn into the moat and a port existed within the castle. The current castle tower is a replica, but it is white, impressive and beautiful. The castle at night is also charming. It is lit up every day from sunset until 10pm. If you climb the castle tower, you can get a panoramic view of the Shimanami Kaido, including Omishima Island, and the Seto Inland Sea. On the way back, we had grilled pork and egg rice, a B-class gourmet dish of Imabari. It was delicious! #ImabariCastle #ImabariCity #ShimanamiKaido #EhimeTrip

Imabari Castile is located in the city center of Imabari in Shikoku. It was built in 1602-6, by Takatora Todo, and is often considered a masterpiece model for later castle building. The castle has a sea water moat that is connected to the Seto Inland Sea. This , together with the high stone wall, arr the only 2 original parts of the castle. The rest were rebuilt in the 20th century. The tenshu, in particular, is a concrete reconstruction following the design of the original. To reach the Imabari castle, you can drive or take the train to Imabari station and walk 25 minutes (less than 2km) on flat road. There is also a parking lot just across from the moat, and charges ¥100 per car per hour. The castle ground is not huge compared to other castles, but the reflection of the castle on the moat is stunning and worthy of many photos. The castle is opened daily except for the last three days of the year from 9-5pm. #castleinjapan #shikoku #japan ##cityexplorer #Imabari