Uwajima Castle

Completed around 1596 by Todo Takatora, one of Japan's most prolific castle architects, who went on to design or build over 20 castles across the country. The three-story keep is one of only twelve remaining original castle structures in Japan, meaning it was never destroyed and rebuilt. It sits on a low hill above the city, and the interior still holds original stonework and wooden beams. The view from the top floor looks over Uwajima Bay and the surrounding hills. The walk up from the base takes about 10 minutes on a stone path through the old castle grounds.