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About Ozu
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About Hiji River and Ozu Castle Town
Ozu City, situated in the Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture,
has prospered thanks to the bounty of the Hiji River.
It flourished as a castle town during the Edo period
and the quaint historical townscape still vividly retains its historic charm.
Stretching from the mountainous areas to the Seto Inland Sea coast, diverse cultures have taken root along this pristine river.
Ozu City, situated in the Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture,
has prospered thanks to the bounty of the Hiji River.
It flourished as a castle town during the Edo period
and the quaint historical townscape still vividly retains its historic charm.
Stretching from the mountainous areas to the Seto Inland Sea coast, diverse cultures have taken root along this pristine river.
Hiji River, once a bustling artery,
transported vast numbers of people and provisions
The Hiji River meanders through the mountains, finding its way to the Ozu Basin before reaching the Seto Inland Sea.
In the plains, the river opens up and gently flows along, bringing prosperity to the town.
In days of yore, locals established their livelihoods around the river, fostering industries such as sericulture, wax production, and timber distribution.
Agriculture also flourished in the fertile soil, giving rise to the “Imotaki” (local hot pot) culture, due to the abundance of taro cultivation.
From upstream to the river mouth, each region boasts its own mountain, river, and sea bounty.
Among them, it is worth highlighting traditional fare such as Japanese sweets or local sake crafted by artisans familiar with local ingredients.
These beloved tastes have been passed down through generations and are still cherished today.
In the plains, the river opens up and gently flows along, bringing prosperity to the town.
In days of yore, locals established their livelihoods around the river, fostering industries such as sericulture, wax production, and timber distribution.
Agriculture also flourished in the fertile soil, giving rise to the “Imotaki” (local hot pot) culture, due to the abundance of taro cultivation.
From upstream to the river mouth, each region boasts its own mountain, river, and sea bounty.
Among them, it is worth highlighting traditional fare such as Japanese sweets or local sake crafted by artisans familiar with local ingredients.
These beloved tastes have been passed down through generations and are still cherished today.
Castle town culture and aesthetic appreciation
It is said that rivers are the cradle of culture – the Hiji River is no exception.
Enriched by its abundant flow, the land saw the construction of a castle, the flourishing of a castle town, and the spread of early modern culture throughout the city.
For instance, at the eastern edge of town there is “Garyu Pool,” said to have been a favoured leisure area for successive Ozu lords.
The river’s clear waters reflect the lush green foliage of spring and the fiery red hues of autumn leaves.
Captivated by its beauty, Kouchi Torajiro, a local patron in the 19th century, invited Kyoto craftsmen to create architecture overhanging the pool that reflects the changing seasons and the aesthetics of wabi-sabi, embodying Japanese aesthetic sensibilities.
Torajiro also benefitted from Hiji River’s developments, amassing a fortune through trading locally produced wax.
Enriched by its abundant flow, the land saw the construction of a castle, the flourishing of a castle town, and the spread of early modern culture throughout the city.
For instance, at the eastern edge of town there is “Garyu Pool,” said to have been a favoured leisure area for successive Ozu lords.
The river’s clear waters reflect the lush green foliage of spring and the fiery red hues of autumn leaves.
Captivated by its beauty, Kouchi Torajiro, a local patron in the 19th century, invited Kyoto craftsmen to create architecture overhanging the pool that reflects the changing seasons and the aesthetics of wabi-sabi, embodying Japanese aesthetic sensibilities.
Torajiro also benefitted from Hiji River’s developments, amassing a fortune through trading locally produced wax.
Enveloped in morning mist and a sea of clouds
A morning mist begins to appear from late October, as the days grower colder.
Chilled evening air descends from the mountains following the flow of the Hiji River.
Lingering in the Ozu Basin, it gradually forms a mist at dawn when the temperature rises on higher ground.
The world shrouded in morning mist feels like an ethereal realm, a transient world removed from reality, elusive and dreamlike.
Chilled evening air descends from the mountains following the flow of the Hiji River.
Lingering in the Ozu Basin, it gradually forms a mist at dawn when the temperature rises on higher ground.
The world shrouded in morning mist feels like an ethereal realm, a transient world removed from reality, elusive and dreamlike.
How to enjoy Ozu
Accommodation
Immerse yourself in the life of Ozu by staying in one of the traditional townhouses in the castle town or a quiet hot spring inn upstream of the Hiji River. Staying in Ozu allows you to deeply connect with the place, its people, and its way of life. Let yourself be embraced by the calm breeze of the basin and the gentle murmur of the Hiji River. Enjoy a special stay, not in a polished, touristy spot, but in the authentic, untouched beauty of the town and its surroundings.
Activities
In these ever-shifting times, we seek what remains unchanged and authentic. Ozu offers a unique experience where you can explore history, savour delicious food and appreciate traditional performing arts. Whether it’s a couple's trip through the nostalgic castle town, or a trip for one where you can reflect on history while feeling the passage of time, there are various ways to enjoy yourself. Come to Ozu, where time flows by peacefully.
Restaurants
Ozu, a castle town of 60,000 koku during the Edo period, is renowned for the culinary mastery honed through offerings to the local lord. For 400 years, traditional confections have been passed down without interruption. Enjoy the bounty of sea, mountains, and rivers, nurtured by the flowing Hiji River, as well as sake carefully crafted by brewers in the river’s upper reaches. The wisdom of those who have lived in harmony with the river for generations is evident in the local cuisine.
Local products
Ozu’s local sweets, seasonal delicacies and handicrafts are available at the “Ozu Akarenga-kan,” a former bank built with a blend of Japanese-Western architecture over 100 years ago, as well as at the “Ozu Machi no Eki, Asaymoya,” which doubles as a tourist information centre. From classic items to unique finds, you can sense the quality and sophistication of local craftmanship. Take home a charming souvenir along with your memories of Ozu.