Ozu Castle

Castle

Prefecture

Ehime

Type

Castle

N/A

1 review

¥550

Entry Fee

Train Access

About This Destination

A beautifully reconstructed castle built using traditional Edo-period wooden construction methods, overlooking the Hiji River in the charming town known as the Little Kyoto of Iyo.

Ozu Castle was rebuilt in 2004 using only traditional Edo-period construction methods—no concrete, no modern materials. The four-story wooden keep was reconstructed from historical records, old photographs, and a detailed Meiji-era scale model. The castle sits on a hill overlooking the Hiji River in a town locals call the Little Kyoto of Iyo for its preserved Edo streetscapes. Two original corner turrets survived and are Important Cultural Properties. You can actually stay overnight in the keep—kaiseki dinner included, with period-appropriate hospitality.

Location

Prefecture: Ehime

Address: Ozu, Ehime, Japan

Nearest Station: Iyo-Ozu Station

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: No on-site dining. The castle town has restaurants serving local specialties including imo-taki (taro stew), Ozu's take on tai-meshi, and seasonal mikan (mandarin orange) treats from Ehime.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I actually stay overnight in Ozu Castle?

Yes! Ozu Castle offers a unique castle stay experience where you sleep inside the authentic wooden keep. Includes kaiseki dinner, breakfast, private access, and period-appropriate hospitality. Costs around 660,000+ yen for two guests—a once-in-a-lifetime experience for castle enthusiasts.

What makes Ozu Castle special compared to other Japanese castles?

Unlike concrete reconstructions, Ozu Castle was rebuilt in 2004 using only traditional Edo-period wooden construction methods—no modern materials. The four-story keep was reconstructed from historical records and a Meiji-era scale model. Two original corner turrets survived and are Important Cultural Properties.

Why is Ozu called the Little Kyoto of Iyo?

Ozu escaped wartime bombing, preserving its Edo-period streetscapes, traditional merchant houses, and samurai district along the scenic Hiji River. The combination of historical architecture, river views, and cormorant fishing (ukai) in summer creates an atmosphere reminiscent of old Kyoto.

How do I get to Ozu Castle and what's the entry fee?

From JR Matsuyama Station, take the JR Yosan Line to Iyo-Ozu Station — about 35 minutes (¥970) by limited express, 60 minutes by local. The castle is a 25-minute walk or 5-minute taxi from the station. Adult entry ¥550, child ¥220; ¥880 combined ticket includes the Garyu Sanso garden. Open 9:00–17:00 daily (last entry 16:30).

🏯 Other Castle in Ehime

Matsuyama Castle Uwajima Castle Imabari Castle

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