Travel

Scenic Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

On my trip through Ehime Prefecture in September 2012, I visited not only Imabari Castle, but also Uwajima Castle. While there, I decided to stay longer and explore Uwajima City.

 

Visited: September 23rd 2012

Uwajima City (宇和島市) is located in Ehime Prefecture (map) on Shikoku.

While Uwajima Castle – as one of the 12 remaining “original castle structures” in Japan – is the main attraction, there are several other tourist spots I recommend and want to introduce today.

 

Uwajima City’s Protective Smybol

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

When you walk through the city, you’ll run into this creature called “Ushioni” (lit.: cow / bull demon). It is a protective symbol and there’s even a yearly “Ushi-Oni Festival” in late July in Uwajima City.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

The manhole covers in the city also feature the cow demon.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

When strolling through the tiny shopping street near the train station, you’ll see a lot of ushi-oni masks.

 

Warei Shrine

A short 10 mins walk away from JR Uwajima Station is Warei Shrine (和霊神社).

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

It’s one of the largest shrines in Shikoku and thus worth a visit. There are no opening hours and no admission fee, so you can go there anytime.

The stone gate that marks the entrance to the shrine is one of the biggest in Japan.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

In 1620, Date Hidemune, the first lord of the Uwajima Clan, ordered the murder of his chief retainer Yanbe Seibei and his family. The people of Uwajima secretly worshipped Seibei’s spirit to atone for the committed crime.

In 1662, the second lord of Uwajima formally dedicated a shrine to Seibei. That’s Warei Shrine.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

As it’s such a huge shrine, there are many things to discover.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

I especially enjoyed the various stone statues as some of them were quite hilarious.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

The ema of Warei Shrine feature a picture of men carrying a bull demon. The shrine is also the place where the “Warei Taisai Festival” (Ushi-Oni Matsuri) takes place in late July.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

There were a few cute stray cats on the shrine grounds as well.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

Not too far away from Warei Shrine and just along the river is another very interesting shrine.

 

Taga Shrine and Dekoboko Shindo

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

Taga Shrine (多賀神社) is one of the few fertility shrines in Japan. To name just two others: Kanki Shrine in Shirahama and Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki where the yearly “Phallus Festival” (Kanamara Matsuri) is held.

The Taga Fertility Shrine is believed to provide longevity, health and cure diseases.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

You’ll find various fertility symbols.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

The highlight is this huge log that gets carried around during festivals.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

On the shrine grounds is the Dekoboko Shindo (凸凹神堂), a huge “sex museum”.

Spread on three floors are various illustrations and items from all over the world. Unfortunately photos inside aren’t allowed.

They have a truly impressive collection. If you have some extra time when visiting Uwajima City, I highly recommend this museum. Admission is 800 yen. Opening hours are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

 

Uwajima Date Museum

The Date Museum contains objects and artifacts from the Date Family who ruled Uwajima City for over 250 years. The collection includes documents, samurai armor and bridal furnishings.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

The entrance fee is rather expensive with 500 yen. As most museums it’s closed on Mondays. Opening hours are: 9:00-17:00. More information in Japanese can be found here.

 

Tenshaen – Japanese Garden

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

Just a few minutes away from the “Date Museum” or about 20 mins on foot from the train station is Tenshaen (天赦園) – a Japanese-style garden. The entrance fee of 300 yen is justified.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

The garden was built in 1866 as a place of rest and relaxation by Munetada Date. The name “Tenshaen” means it’s a place where we’re allowed to enjoy our life.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

A beautiful bridge covered with plants, so we can’t walk over it, but admire its beauty from far away.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

Depending on the season, you’ll be able to enjoy different flowers and plants. Especially pretty are the wisteria (in April) and the irises (in late May / early June).

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

Beautifully shaped trees, bamboo, a huge pond, mountains in the background and the nice pond present a perfect landscape picture.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

There’s also a tea room (Senenkan) and a calligraphy room (Harusametei).

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

A great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the garden.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

As I didn’t have too much time available I had to rush through the garden – which was a shame. It is big after all and if you want to fully enjoy it I recommend to calculate around 30-40 mins for a visit there.

 

Other sights in Uwajima City

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

Apart from the mentioned “main attractions”, there are a few other things you might want to explore in Uwajima City. Here’s a map of the spots that can be reached on foot including the ones I’ve introduced.

If you walk along the river that connects Warei and Taga Shrines you’ll get to some smaller temples and shrines along the way.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

It’s a great opportunity for taking some scenic photos – if you have enough time!

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

Not too far away from the Date Museum are a few temples and shrines you might want to check out such as Kongosan Dairyuji Temple (金剛山大隆寺), Uwatsuhiko Shrine (西江禅寺) and Ryugezan Toakuji Temple (龍華山等覚寺).

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

The temples and shrines are a bit outside of the city center, closer to the mountains. It’s quiet and you can enjoy nature as well as typical Japanese buildings.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

There’s also a rather large graveyard.

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

And take your time to explore all the beautiful details! :)

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

Most of the time you’ll be able to spot Uwajima Castle as it’s on a hill.

 

Uwajima Culinary Delicatessen

Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture

Uwajima is famous for Tai (sea bream), Satsuma (grilled fish served with miso and rice), Fuka-no-Yuzarashi (boiled shark meat eaten with spicy miso sauce) and Jakoten.

Jakoten (じゃこ天) is what I tried (see photo above). It is made from small fish, blended into a paste and then fried. Overall a very delicious meal.

 

Uwajima is a beautiful, small city with a lovely castle and some interesting temples and shrines. I stayed for 2 days and enjoyed my time there. Not too far away are other interesting spots you should check out!

Other attractions nearby:

14 Comments

  • I really like your cat pictures. I love it when you manage to capture the cat and a distinctly Japanese background. I feel a bit guilty for never actually having set foot on Shikoku yet. You’d think after over 10 years of traveling Japan I would have managed to got there, but not yet :disappointed:

    • Hehe, thanks. I love taking photos like that, although it can be tricky sometimes. Why do cats have to move around so much? ;P

      REALLY??!! (O__O”) Woah, I didn’t know! I swear I thought you’ve been there before! You need to go next time you’re here! ^____^

  • Thanks for the lovely photos!

    In my view, Shikoku is definitely a not to be missed island. Many, many places of interest. I was there a few years ago, and again in April 1912.

    Jasmine, I had the advantage over you that the wisteria were in bloom at Tensha-en at that time, and you can see that lovely bridge covered with flowers in my blog: http://mit_souko.livejournal.com

    I can attest to the food being very good just about everywhere in Japan, though my favorite Shikoku dish is katsuo tatataki [lightly grilled marinated bonito].

    • I still have a lot of spots in Shikoku I want to explore – and some I want to revisit.
      I’m planning to drive from Kobe over the Akashi Bridge to Awaji Island and then from there all the way to Naruto (where I’ve already been). One day I will! :D

      Beautiful photos! You were lucky indeed! ^___^

      The best katsuo can be found in Kochi Prefecture. I agree that it’s one of the best things there.

  • That meal really looks so appealing and delicious. The Ceramics look very interesting also. I doubt I’ll ever get to visit Japan, but I feel like I can really understand what it would be like by reading your blog; you really do an exceptional job J. Thanks again for another great experience!

  • Thanks to your photography skills, Jasmine, we can see how everything looks so beautifully different in Japan. The gardens, trees, ponds, mountains, even the graveyard! I love the bridges, and the one behind the stone gate is a nice one!

    Can’t wait for my trip to Japan!

    • I agree with your statement. The photos, the scenery, … and of course, the cat-photos looks so good :)

      Greatings, Pierre

      PS: Hab es ein wenig mitverfolgt, hat sich denn in deiner ‘Situation’ irgendwas getan? (schau immer mal wieder im Blog vorbei und im EMB…)

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