Uwajima Castle — Original Keep with Coastal Views

**Original construction details:** Unlike reconstructed castles built with concrete and elevators, Uwajima's keep is entirely wooden with hand-fitted beams, squeaking floorboards, and authentic steep stairs (60-degree angle) between floors. The third floor provides views across Uwajima Bay and surrounding mountains through original wooden window frames — bring a camera with zoom lens for distant bay views. **Strategic position:** The castle was built as a coastal fortress to defend against naval attacks. Walking the stone wall perimeter (20 minutes) reveals how the defensive walls follow the natural topography, using cliffs as barriers and concentrating gates at vulnerable approach routes. **Cherry blossoms and wisteria:** The castle grounds hold 200+ cherry trees (late March–early April bloom) and a 100+ year-old wisteria arbor near the base (late April–early May bloom). The wisteria clusters hang 1+ meters long, creating a purple canopy over the walking path. **Combination ticket:** A ¥500 combination ticket includes Uwajima Castle + Tenshaen Garden + Date Museum. Tenshaen is a small feudal lord's garden (10-min walk from castle) with a pond, tea house, and iris garden (June bloom).