Castle History

Standing at the edge of the Seto Inland Sea, this rare coastal fortress represents one of Japan's finest surviving examples of a maritime castle. It was constructed in the early 17th century by the famed warlord Tōdō Takatora, a master of castle design. The site was chosen to control important sea lanes and protect shipping routes through the Inland Sea. Unlike hilltop castles, the fortress relied on seawater moats connected directly to the ocean. Stone ramparts and imposing gate structures were designed to withstand both land and naval threats. The central keep rose above the complex as a symbol of feudal authority and domain power. The castle served as the political and military heart of the Imabari domain during the Edo period. Special defenses were created to repel attacks from ships, including angled walls and coastal gun positions. Samurai residences and administrative buildings once filled the inner enclosures. With the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century, the feudal system was abolished. Many of the original structures were dismantled or lost during modernization. Reconstruction efforts in the late 20th century restored the main keep and key gates. The surrounding seawater moats remain one of its most distinctive features. These moats support marine life, including sea bream and other fish. Today, visitors can observe fish swimming beneath the castle walls. The blend of military architecture and maritime environment makes the site unique in Japan. The castle stands as a striking reminder of how geography shaped feudal power and defense in early modern Japan.