Ozu Castle: Restored Keep Reflected in the Hiji River and Castle Town Atmosphere

Ozu Castle in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, is a famous Iyo castle standing grandly beside the clear stream of the Hiji River. It is known for faithfully restoring the keep, which had been demolished in the Meiji period, based on historical materials such as old photographs and wooden framework models. It is highly regarded as an authentic wooden keep built with traditional techniques.

What is Ozu Castle

Ozu Castle is a hilltop castle built on high ground overlooking the Hiji River and the castle town. Its origins are said to date to the Kamakura period, and in the Edo period it flourished as the center of the Ozu domain. The present keep was restored in wood in 2004, and from the scent of the timber and its refined structure, visitors can feel the castle-building craft of former times up close.

Highlights

Ozu Castle's keep is a rare and valuable structure nationwide, restored in traditional wood rather than concrete. Looking up at the steep stairs and thick beams inside the keep, visitors are overwhelmed by the craftsmanship of the era. From the top floor, the flow of the Hiji River and the castle town of Ozu can be viewed at a glance, with seasonal scenery to enjoy. Adjacent to the keep, turrets surviving from the Edo period, such as the Daidokoro Yagura and Koran Yagura, remain and are designated national Important Cultural Properties. Comparing the restored keep with the surviving turrets while walking is a special way to enjoy Ozu Castle.

Seasonal Enjoyment

In spring, cherry blossoms adorn the keep, wrapping the whole castle in a lively atmosphere. In summer, ukai (cormorant fishing) on the Hiji River becomes a seasonal tradition, and from a roofed pleasure boat visitors can watch the traditional fishing where cormorants chase sweetfish under the glow of torch fires. In autumn, foliage colors the castle hill, and on winter mornings the mist rising over the Hiji River surface, called Hijikawa-arashi, creates a fantastical scene. The special Castle Stay experience of staying overnight in the castle has also become a talking point, offering an extraordinary night.

The Hiji River and Castle Town Atmosphere

Ozu, also called the Small Kyoto of Iyo, is an atmospheric castle town where white-walled storehouses and retro streetscapes remain. In the town center, notable buildings such as Garyu Sanso, a Meiji-period masterpiece designated a national Important Cultural Property, and Ohanahan-dori Street, retaining the charm of a Showa-era shopping district, are scattered about, allowing relaxed strolling. Old merchant houses also remain along the Hiji River, along with cafes and souvenir shops worth stopping by during a history walk.

Access and Basic Information

Access is via Iyo-Ozu Station on the JR Yosan Line. Since the castle is a slight distance from the station, using a local bus or taxi is convenient. By car, it is close to the Ozu IC on the Matsuyama Expressway, and parking is available. From Matsuyama city, a limited express takes about one hour each way, making it easy to visit even on a day trip. The keep can be viewed for an admission fee, and since opening hours and fees may change by season or event, checking official information before visiting is recommended.

Practical Travel Notes

• The interior of the keep is wooden with steep stairs, so comfortable shoes make the visit safer.
• Cormorant fishing and roofed boats on the Hiji River are often seasonal and by reservation, so advance confirmation and early booking are recommended.
• A popular model course combines Ozu with southern Iyo spots such as the old townscape of Uchiko and Shimonada Station in a single day.
• The castle town area gathers its highlights within walking distance, so allowing about half a day makes for a relaxed stroll.

A Word of Advice

Ozu Castle is a rewarding spot where you can enjoy the wooden restored keep, surviving turrets, the nature of the Hiji River, and the atmosphere of the castle town all at once. Visiting to coincide with seasonal events such as cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, or cormorant fishing makes the trip more memorable. Allow plenty of time and slowly savor the charm of Ozu, where history and nature are in harmony. (Tabitabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

The information here is based mainly on the public guidance from Ozu city, its tourism division, and the operators of Ozu Castle. The information for the surviving Daidokoro and Koran turrets (Important Cultural Properties), the Garyu Sanso villa and Ohanahan-dori in the castle town, and the Hijikawa cormorant fishing are also useful references. Because the keep's hours and fees, and events such as the cormorant fishing and castle stay, vary by season and availability, please confirm the latest details on the official Ozu Castle or Ozu city information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: About 1 hour for the wooden reconstructed keep and surviving turrets; allow around half a day if you add a stroll to the Garyu Sanso villa and Ohanahan-dori in the castle town.
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes, as the wooden keep has steep stairs. Cash is handy for admission and snacking in the castle town. The cormorant fishing and pleasure boats are often seasonal and by reservation, so check in advance.
• Suggested route: Compare the reconstructed keep with the surviving Daidokoro and Koran turrets at Ozu Castle, take in the Hijikawa and castle town, then stroll the Garyu Sanso and Ohanahan-dori. It combines well with Uchiko and Shimonada Station in a tour of the Nanyo region.