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About Ozu
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About Hiji River and Ozu castle-town
Ozu is located in the Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture.
A castle-town that prospered due to the blessings of Hiji River.
Good old townscapes dating from the Edo and Meiji golden erasa
can be admired, even today
From the deep mountains to the coast of the Seto Inland Sea
diverse cultures have taken root along the river clear streams.
A castle-town that prospered due to the blessings of Hiji River.
Good old townscapes dating from the Edo and Meiji golden erasa
can be admired, even today
From the deep mountains to the coast of the Seto Inland Sea
diverse cultures have taken root along the river clear streams.
The Hiji River was once
a bustling artery, carrying significant numbers of people and goods
The Hiji River winds its way through the mountains to reach the Ozu Basin and, ultimately, the Seto Inland Sea.
In flat areas, the river opens up and flows slowly, bringing in many blessings to the town.
In days of yore, locals used the river as their way to connect with the outside world and developed industries such as silk cultivation, wax production or timber distribution.
In addition, agriculture flourished in its fertile soil, and the culture of `` imotaki (local hot pot)'' developed, thanks to an environment prone to taro cultivation.
A region ranging from high mountains to river banks or sea shores, each area in Ozu has its own speciality.
Among them, it is worth highlighting Japanese confectionary or local sake, created by craftsmen who know well local ingredients.
These beloved tastes have been passed down from ancient times till our days.
In flat areas, the river opens up and flows slowly, bringing in many blessings to the town.
In days of yore, locals used the river as their way to connect with the outside world and developed industries such as silk cultivation, wax production or timber distribution.
In addition, agriculture flourished in its fertile soil, and the culture of `` imotaki (local hot pot)'' developed, thanks to an environment prone to taro cultivation.
A region ranging from high mountains to river banks or sea shores, each area in Ozu has its own speciality.
Among them, it is worth highlighting Japanese confectionary or local sake, created by craftsmen who know well local ingredients.
These beloved tastes have been passed down from ancient times till our days.
Castle town culture and aesthetic appreciation
It is said that the cradle of cultures are river banks. This adage can be applied to Ozu without hesitation.
Castles in the area were regularly built on land shaped by rich Hiji River's streams. Later on, a castle-town flourished and early modern culture pervaded the city.
For example, the Garyu whirpool, at the eastern edge of town by the in the Hiji River, is said to have been a favorite recreational area of successive Ozu lords.
The colours of lush greenery and red autumn leaves covering the mountains are reflected along the clear surface of the Hiji watercourse.
Kouchi Torajiro, a 19th local patron fascinated by the river beauty.
and the changing of seasons or wabi-sabi aesthetics... summoned up Kyoto craftsmen to create a refined architecture overhanging the whirlpool and enhancing Japanese Aesthetic appreciation.
Interestingly, Torajiro was a beneficiary of Hiji River developments, as he made his fortune through trade of locally produced wax, being shipped on the river.
Castles in the area were regularly built on land shaped by rich Hiji River's streams. Later on, a castle-town flourished and early modern culture pervaded the city.
For example, the Garyu whirpool, at the eastern edge of town by the in the Hiji River, is said to have been a favorite recreational area of successive Ozu lords.
The colours of lush greenery and red autumn leaves covering the mountains are reflected along the clear surface of the Hiji watercourse.
Kouchi Torajiro, a 19th local patron fascinated by the river beauty.
and the changing of seasons or wabi-sabi aesthetics... summoned up Kyoto craftsmen to create a refined architecture overhanging the whirlpool and enhancing Japanese Aesthetic appreciation.
Interestingly, Torajiro was a beneficiary of Hiji River developments, as he made his fortune through trade of locally produced wax, being shipped on the river.
Time to be enveloped in morning mist and Sea of clouds
Morning mist appears in Ozu from late October, when the weather gets colder by the day.
Chilled evening air blows down from the mountains along the flow of the Hiji River.
and stays in the Ozu Basin, eventually turning into fog at dawn, when temperatures rise on higher grounds.
This world filled with morning mist feels like a fairyland.<br>completely detached from reality.
A foamy world, awaiting you.
Chilled evening air blows down from the mountains along the flow of the Hiji River.
and stays in the Ozu Basin, eventually turning into fog at dawn, when temperatures rise on higher grounds.
This world filled with morning mist feels like a fairyland.<br>completely detached from reality.
A foamy world, awaiting you.
How to enjoy Ozu
Accommodation
Staying at a kominka -old abode- in the old castle-town or at a centennial hot spring inn, quietly lingering in upstream grounds, will enhance your visit and allow you a closer look into Ozu's environment and history. Lose yourself among old tales and relax surrounded by he murmuring of Hiji River and the gentle wind flowing through its basin. Enjoy a special stay in Ozu where space is presented wild, unprocessed and undecorated.
Activities
In a fast moving world, we tend to look for things that remain unchanged. Ozu represents a remarkable experience, where you can trace history, enjoy delicious food, and appreciate traditional performing arts. There are many ways to enjoy your trip, such as a couple's trip through the atmospheric castle-town, or a solo trip where you can feel the passage of time and think about history. Enjoy a leasurely trip to Ozu, where time passes peacefully.
restaurant
Ozu castle was the fief of the Ozu lords, overseeing a small domain of 60,000 koku. This was a region gifted with sea, mountains, and water streams, bundled by the Hiji River. Local produce abounded and has been nurturing the area for more than 400 years. In days of yore, delicacies were presented to local lords. Refined sake, grown with great care by brewers in the upper reaches of Hiji River, has filled local souls for centuries too. Enjoy local food brought to you by the wisdom of local ancestors, who lived with the flow.
Locally produced
Ozu local and seasonal delicacies, handicrafts, etc. are displayed at 'Ozu Akarenga-kan', a former bank built in Japanese-Western style more than 100 years ago. They are equally available at 'Ozu Machi no Eki, Asamoya', which also serves as a tourist information center. These carefully selected items allow you to feel the "quality" and "sophistication" of local craftmanship. Take home a souvenir that garners memories of your trip or embodies Ozu's local spirit.