Located near the river in Uwajima City, Ehime, Taga Shrine is small and quite particular. Indeed locals come and pray at the shrine not only for longevity and good health but in particular, fertility. The shrine is famous among foreign tourist for its many phallic ornaments, including a two meter […]

Built by the seventh feudal lord of the Uwajima domain, Date Munetada, also known as “Shunzan”, Tensha Park is a small garden located in the center of Uwajima city. Date Munetada used it for his own personal pleasure as a place for him to rest during his retirement. [...]

What could be described as the hidden pearl of Ozu, Garyu Sanso is a subtle yet superb villa located by Ozu’s river and the city’s old town. Built in 1907, and despite its small size, Garyu Sanso is a true masterpiece of both Japanese traditional architecture and design. [...]

Uwajima Castle, located in Uwajima city Ehime, is one of only twelve original castles that survive intact from the Edo Period (1603-1867). Built around 1596 by the daimyo Todo Takatora and later refurbished in 1615 by the Date clan, Uwajima Castle was the pinnacle of the Date family [...]

Ozu Castle, also known as Jizogatake Castle, was originally constructed in 1331 by Utsunomiya Toyofusa. However, the structure as represented now was built sometime between 1585 ~ 1617. During this period, the castle was controlled by a number of lords. In 1888 the keep was destroyed by a fire, […]