Imabari Castle (今治城)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Built by the master castle-builder Todō Takatora on the Seto Inland coast, this castle is counted as one of Japan's three great water castles due to its structure with seawater-fed moats. The moat water still connects to the sea, and peering at the water surface, you can see sea fish like sea bream and pufferfish swimming. The spacious moat and towering stone walls create the iconic landscape of the port town of Imabari. From the top floor of the reconstructed keep, you can view the city center, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and even the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. The castle grounds feature historical exhibits and are the perfect size for a post-lunch stroll.

Tips

There is paid parking near the castle. The keep has continuous stairs, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The castle moat has little shade, so a hat is comfortable on sunny days. Fish-spotting in the moat is best during calm water times.

Best time to visit

Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. In the afternoon, light falls on the white keep beautifully, creating a striking contrast with the moat water.

Access & map

〒794-0036 Ehime Prefecture, Imabari City, Tōri-chō 3-chōme 1-3