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There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Uwajima.
Nestled on the southern coast of Japan lies a treasure trove of hidden gems, waiting to be discovered in Uwajima.
From lush gardens to serene temples, this seaside town offers a glimpse into Japanese culture and history, inviting wanderers to explore its winding lanes and dip their toes in the gentle waves of the Pacific.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Uwajima:
1. Uwajima Castle
Uwajima Castle is a historic castle located in the city of Uwajima, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s impressive architecture and discover its rich history through a guided tour. They can climb up the castle tower and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding city and sea.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to watch the castle’s unique Taiko Drum Performance, which features skilled drummers performing traditional Japanese music.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit Uwajima Castle during weekdays and early in the morning. Visitors should also wear comfortable shoes as there are many steps and steep inclines to navigate.
The castle is closed during the New Year holidays, so plan accordingly.
2. Tensha-en Garden
Tensha-en Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the garden, which includes streams, waterfalls, and a pond filled with koi fish. The garden also features a teahouse, where visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese tea and snacks while admiring the scenery.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the garden is the view of Uwajima Castle, which can be seen from the highest point in Tensha-en.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to visit in the spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the garden is transformed into a pink wonderland.
Additionally, take off your shoes before entering the teahouse and observe Japanese tea ceremony etiquette to fully appreciate the experience.
3. Taga Shrine
Taga Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Uwajima in Japan’s Ehime Prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the shrine’s grounds, which include a main hall, a worship hall, and a sacred bridge. The shrine is also known for its impressive torii gate, which stands at over 12 meters tall.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the shrine’s Kaguraden, a hall where traditional Shinto music and dance performances take place. The performances are held on the 8th and 18th of each month.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the Taga Shrine Summer Festival, which takes place on July 9th and 10th each year.
During the festival, the shrine is decorated with thousands of lanterns and visitors can enjoy food stalls, games, and performances.
4. Uwajima Oki Umi
Uwajima Oki Umi is a stunning marine park located on the outskirts of Uwajima city in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing, swimming, diving, and island hopping. The park also offers fantastic views of the ocean and surrounding islands that are sure to leave visitors in awe.
Don’t miss: If you visit the park during the summer months, be sure to catch the Uwajima Ushi-oni Festival – a traditional Japanese festival featuring a mythical creature known as Ushi-oni.
Insider travel tips: If you want to experience the best of the marine life in the park, make sure to take a diving or snorkeling tour with a local guide.
Additionally, some of the islands in the park have camping facilities, so consider spending a night or two under the stars for a truly unforgettable experience.
5. Ishii Miso Brewery
Ishii Miso Brewery is a historic brewery in Uwajima, Ehime prefecture, Japan that produces traditional miso using time-honored methods.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the brewery to see the miso-making process and learn about the 400-year-old history of the Ishii family business.
The tour also includes a tasting of the different types of miso produced at the brewery.
Don’t miss: The brewery’s signature product is the dark, rich red miso known as aka miso, which is made using locally sourced soybeans and rice, and is aged for up to three years.
Visitors must try this unique and delicious miso on their visit.
Insider travel tips: – The brewery offers cooking classes where visitors can learn how to make traditional Japanese dishes using miso as the main ingredient.
6. Uwajima Ume
Uwajima Ume is a plum blossom festival held in the city of Uwajima in Ehime prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The festival features over 7000 plum trees, with several varieties on display including the rare double-flowered variety. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks through the plum orchards and take in the breathtaking views of pink and white blossoms.
There are also several food stalls selling local delicacies, as well as stage performances and traditional Japanese music.
Don’t miss: The crowning jewel of the festival is the massive Wakaebisu Plum Tree, which is over 350 years old and boasts a trunk circumference of 7.
5 meters.
The tree is said to be the oldest surviving tree of its kind in Japan and is considered a national treasure.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to visit the festival in late February or early March when the plum blossoms are in full bloom.
7. Kumano Kodo Uwajima trail
Kumano Kodo Uwajima trail is a trail located in Ehime prefecture of Japan. It is a part of the famous Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails that have been in existence for over 1000 years.
What to see or do: The trail is dotted with historical sites, scenic views, and natural wonders that attract both tourists and pilgrims alike. You can witness the beauty of the dense forests, mountain streams, and waterfalls.
Visit the ancient shrines and temples such as Taizanji and Taisan-ji that are steeped in history, each with its unique architectural style.
Don’t miss: While on the trail, don’t miss the chance to witness the traditional Japanese culture and lifestyle of the locals in the villages, as they go about their daily activities.
Also, visit the Ryokans or Japanese traditional inns and savor the culinary delights of the region that are unique to the area, such as Uwajima Tai meshi, Sekishu soba, and Tai sushi.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit the Kumano Kodo Uwajima trail is spring and autumn, when the temperatures are mild, and the colors of the leaves change.
Ensure that you carry ample water and a first aid kit, as there are stretches of the trail that are strenuous.
It is also recommended that you stay at the ryokans or lodging facilities along the trail for a complete experience of the local culture and cuisine.
8. Yuyo Onsen
Yuyo Onsen is a traditional Japanese hot spring located in the city of Uwajima.
What to see or do: Visitors can relax in the natural hot spring waters while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding forested mountainside. The hot spring waters are rich in minerals which are believed to have healing properties.
Don’t miss: The outdoor bath, which is nestled in a tranquil garden overlooking a picturesque waterfall. Visitors should also try the local specialty dish of Uwajima, the taimeshi (rice bowl topped with sea bream).
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit Yuyo Onsen during the fall season to see the stunning autumn foliage. Visitors should also bring their own towels and toiletries as they are not provided on site.
9. Uwajima Unpaku Market
A bustling street market held on the 20th and 21st of every month in Uwajima, Japan.
What to see or do: Experience the vibrant energy of traditional Japanese market culture as you browse through stalls selling everything from local produce and homemade crafts to antique treasures and souvenirs.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere with street performers and musicians providing entertainment while you search for unique finds.
Don’t miss: The mouth-watering street food stalls offering a variety of local delicacies, including fresh sushi, grilled yakitori, and sweet mochi.
Be sure to try the famous Uwajima Udon, a thick and chewy type of noodle served in hot broth, topped with seafood or vegetables.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get the best selection of goods. Wear comfortable shoes as the market is expansive and requires a lot of walking.
Bring cash as most vendors do not accept credit cards.
10. Ushioni Festival
Ushioni Festival is an intense bullfighting event held every year in Uwajima city, Japan.
What to see or do: Witness the bullfight between two bulls, accompanied by their handlers, in a circular arena.
The objective is not to harm the bull but to make them lock horns and push each other out of the ring.
Don’t miss: The grand finale of the festival, “The Parade of Champions,” where the winning bull and its handler are paraded through the streets, accompanied by loud cheers and festivities.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to secure a good seat, and dress appropriately for the occasion. Combine the festival with a visit to Uwajima Castle and the Tensha-en Garden for a well-rounded travel experience.
11. Uwajima City Public Park
Uwajima City Public Park is a serene and charming park located in the city of Uwajima in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a relaxing stroll through the park’s lush green gardens and enjoy the picturesque landscape dotted with cherry blossom trees, lotus ponds, and stone lanterns.
There’s a small zoo inside the park featuring various animals like monkeys, deer, and birds.
Don’t miss: Make sure you visit the park’s oldest landmark, the Tensha-en Tea House, which was built in the Edo period in 1677 and is still open to visitors for tea ceremonies.
Don’t miss the park’s giant camphor tree, which has been designated as a national natural monument.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit the park is in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, or in autumn when the leaves change color.
12. Uwa Seafood Market
Uwa Seafood Market is a bustling fish market located in the town of Uwajima in Ehime Prefecture, Japan.
It is known for its fresh catches of fish and shellfish from the Seto Inland Sea, as well as its lively atmosphere.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the market and check out the wide variety of seafood on offer. You can see live fish and shellfish in tanks, or browse the array of pre-packaged and prepared seafood products.
There are also several small restaurants and food stalls in the market where you can try some of the fresh catches cooked to order.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Uwa Seafood Market is the tuna-cutting show, which takes place several times a day. Watch as skilled workers expertly slice open giant tuna fish and prepare them for sale.
It’s an impressive display of knife skills and a unique experience that you won’t forget.
Insider travel tips: – Uwa Seafood Market is open daily from early morning until mid-afternoon, but it’s best to visit in the morning when the selection is at its freshest.
13. Uchiko-za Theater
The Uchiko-za Theater is a historic kabuki theater located in the city of Uwajima, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can watch traditional Kabuki performances at the theater, including classic plays that have been performed for centuries.
Don’t miss: The stunning interior of the theater, which features intricate wood carvings and beautiful hand-painted decorations.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to book tickets in advance, as performances can be crowded and often sell out quickly. Additionally, be sure to arrive early to take a tour of the theater and learn more about its fascinating history.
14. Uwakai Aquarium
Uwakai Aquarium is a public aquarium located in Uwajima, a city on the west coast of Shikoku Island in Japan.
What to see or do: The aquarium features a wide range of marine life spread across several exhibits, including a large coral reef tank and a tank dedicated to jellyfish.
Visitors can also watch feeding shows for penguins and seals.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the aquarium’s main attraction, the Kuroshio Tank.
This massive tank holds 2,500 tons of water and is home to a variety of fish, sea turtles, and even a whale shark!
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer months to catch one of the aquarium’s special events, such as the nightly illuminations of the Kuroshio Tank.
Additionally, consider purchasing the “Uwakai Pass,” which provides discounted admission to both the aquarium and nearby Uwajima Castle.
15. Uwajima Port
Uwajima Port is a bustling port located in Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: There are numerous things to see and do in and around Uwajima Port.
The port offers a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea and is known for its fresh seafood, particularly the succulent sea bream.
Visitors can also explore the local fish market, where they can see an array of different kinds of fish being sold and can sample some of the freshly caught seafood.
Don’t miss: One of the main highlights of Uwajima Port is the Uwajima Castle, a historic castle that dates back to the 16th century.
The castle offers a stunning view of the city and is a popular tourist spot. Another must-visit attraction is the Uwajima Umi-no-eki, which is a multipurpose facility that features a market, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
The facility is designed to showcase the local seafood and is a great place to pick up some souvenirs or enjoy a meal.
Insider travel tips: If you’re planning a visit to Uwajima Port, make sure to come early in the morning to catch the fish market in action.
The best time to visit is on weekends when there are more vendors and a livelier atmosphere. If you’re looking to try some of the fresh seafood, head to one of the local restaurants near the port.
The local specialty is sea bream, which is served in a variety of different ways, including grilled, sashimi, or in a rice bowl.