This unique tour offers an in-depth look into Ozu’s urban and community revitalization efforts and will be led by local “ambassadors.”
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The number of vacant houses in Ozu City is increasing as its population declines, making it difficult to maintain the townscape and old buildings.
To preserve valuable regional culture for future generations and protect the town’s identity, Ozu City has focused on the restoration and utilization of old, abandoned residences and historic buildings. 
On this tour, you will learn about the current struggles in the old district and its revitalization efforts.

An in-depth view of Ozu Castle Town

Through this visit, you will be able to experience the current state of Ozu while learning about the challenges the town has faced and the efforts it has made so far, and how Ozu has been revitalized. You also get a chance to interact with the town residents.

About the local "ambassadors"

We, who live in the town, connect visitors with the town and its residents. Our role as “ambassadors” is to explain the background of Ozu’s revitalization efforts, the activities of the town people, and the future of Ozu.

The residents of Ozu

Many local businesses and residents are involved in Ozu’s revitalization efforts. Some have been involved since the very beginning. How about hearing directly from them and then consider how Ozu will change in the future?

Tour itinerary/overview

Tour itinerary

List of local organizations receiving donations

YATSUGI

To preserve the nostalgic and beautiful townscape of Ozu, we clean and maintain vacant townhouses so they can be utilized in the future.
Learn more here

Ozu Reikishi Hana Kairo Club

We guide visitors through the quaint townscape of Ozu, providing tours from a local perspective in the Ozu Castle Town area. We also focus on training high-quality guides.
Learn more here

Konan District Townscape Utilization Committee

In the Konan District town area, we hold events to promote the town’s charm and local culture.
Learn more here

Other urban regeneration projects

Diego Academia

Focusing on the interaction between the town and its surrounding environment, in particular, the river, we provide workshops for local residents and visitors interested in urban revitalization in order to learn and discuss current issues. Ideas are debated and enacted.
Learn more here

Ozu Machitsukuri Daigaku

A study group where Ozu’s business owners gather to learn about town revitalization efforts and encourage cooperation.
We operate under the philosophy of "co-learning, co-creation, and sharing.”
Learn more here

Tourism education

We provide educational sessions at local schools to foster a sense of attachment and pride in the region among the youth who will lead the next generation, aiming to cultivate local talent for Ozu City’s revitalization.
Click here for details

Meeting place

Ozu Tourist Info

This site was created as part of the Japan Tourism Agency's "Model Project for Creating a Virtuous Cycle that Contributes to Sustainable Tourism."