Latest Information on Noshima Castle Ruins | Japanese Heritage Site History and Charm Explained

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• What is Noshima Castle Ruins?

What is Noshima Castle Ruins?

The ruins of Noshima Castle are a sea castle that was the base of the Noshima Murakami clan, also known as the " Murakami Pirates ," who were active around the Seto Inland Sea during the Sengoku period. It is also attracting attention as a relic symbolizing Japan's unique sea castle culture, and is located in the center of the Seto Inland Sea, a key point for maritime traffic.

The Noshima Murakami clan were known as the "Guardians of the Sea" who protected the shipping lanes of the Seto Inland Sea. They controlled maritime traffic and had a major economic impact by collecting tolls for ships passing through. Noshima Castle was built in a strategic location to fulfill its important role, and it shows the military technology and economic advances of its time.

Noshima Castle Ruins

794-2203 1293-2 Miyakubo, Miyakubo-cho, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture

The remains of the castle of the Noshima Murakami clan, the rulers of the Seto Inland Sea. As it is an uninhabited island, it is a nationall...

Depart for the uninhabited island of Noshima, a nationally designated historic site, from the Noshima Suigun pier operated by the local fishermen's association, located on the seafront of the Murakami Pirate Museum, the only pirate-themed museum in Japan, located on Oshima Island in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture!

A 90-minute mini-adventure begins at a rapids point in the Seto Inland Sea. The boat sails to the ruins of the castle of the Noshima Murakami family, who were driven out of this area 400 years ago. We recommend going on days of spring or neap tides, when the tide table shows the halfway point between high tide and low tide (twice a day), to experience the dynamic currents of the tides.

After landing, a local guide will take you on a 30-minute tour around the Southern Flats, Sannomaru, Ninomaru, Honmaru ruins, and Tounanidemaru, and you will also get to see Taizaki Island up close. If you're lucky, you may be greeted by cormorants, egrets, and black porgy.

To think back to the Sengoku period is to come into contact with the way of life of that time and to "live in the present." You will learn not only about the faces of the naval forces who created order in the Seto Inland Sea traffic, revitalized trade, and fought, but also about their history as "pirates" who lived and made their living on the sea.

Noshima Castle Ruins Landing & Tidal Current Cruise Application Screen

After the 90-minute cruise, we recommend a visit to the museum or a restaurant run by the fishing cooperative where you can enjoy a BBQ or the famous red sea bream rice bowl. At the museum, you can try on armor and a large selection of Japanese heritage goods are available. Oshima is an island with many popular French restaurants and cafes, as well as famous bagel and island bakeries. It is also easily accessible, about 40 minutes by car from Imabari city.