Noshima Castle, Japanese castle on Noshima Island, Imabari, Japan.
Noshima Castle is a fortress on an island in the Seto Inland Sea, featuring stone walls and fortified structures typical of Japanese castle design. The ruins spread across the terrain and show the layout of a medieval military outpost.
The castle was controlled during the Sengoku period by the Murakami family, a powerful clan known for seafaring and naval operations. The site gradually lost its military importance as regional power structures changed over time.
The site holds significance in local heritage as a symbol of the region's maritime past and the power of seafaring clans. Visitors walking through the ruins can sense how this location reflected the connection between land fortifications and sea control.
Access to the site is by boat from Miyaura port, with regular departures available during operating hours. The terrain is hilly and requires time to explore, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
The castle served as a base for the Murakami pirates, who operated as sea lords controlling maritime trade in the Seto Strait. Visitors often overlook that this clan was one of the last strongholds of a pirate network that dominated shipping in the waters.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
