Cardiff in Wales: Aug 30, 2026

 

 

I visited Cardiff, the capital of Wales, for the first time. Wales is one of the four nations that compose the United Kingdom, with a population of three million. Historically, it was annexed by England in the 16th century. While it once thrived on coal mining and heavy industry, it is now focusing on fostering new industries, such as the environment-related sectors.

 

Both English and Welsh are official languages ​​in Wales. Information at train stations and public facilities is displayed in both languages. Bilingual signage was also seen in shopping districts.　（See also the 3rd photo)

 

Cardiff Castle is a major landmark of the city. Originally built during the Roman era, it was further developed following the Norman Conquest in the 11th century.

There stands the main tower, known as the “Keep,” at the center of the castle．It has a history of more than one thousand years.　（See also the top photo)

 

From the top of the tower, one can view the cityscape of Cardiff.

A statue of the Red Dragon — a symbol of Wales — is installed within the castle grounds.　（See the 2nd photo)

 

The castle walls are visible from the city's shopping districts.

 

The city center retains shopping areas that developed during the Victorian era. The arcades connecting these shopping streets are famous.

 

In recent years, a large-scale shopping center has been developed, drawing many crowds.

 

Cultural and leisure facilities are concentrated along the waterfront, located about two kilometers to the south.

 

The Welsh Parliament is also located in this district. While the Labour Party had long been strong in Wales, the right-wing populist party Reform UK achieved a landslide victory in the May 2026 local elections, sending shockwaves through the UK. Factors cited behind this shift include high inflation, social inequality, a sense of hopelessness among the youth, and the inaction of established political parties. The rise of right-wing populism is a recent trend in British politics, and attention is now focused on the future of Welsh politics as well.

While walking through Cardiff, I rarely saw the Union Jack. Almost all the flags on display were the Welsh flag.

Regional autonomy, bilingualism, populism, the development of commercial and cultural facilities, and economic trends -- I considered a wide range of topics in Cardiff.