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 can also interact with the "town residents" who live in Ozu.

About the “Spinning Bito” we will introduce to you

We, who live in the town, connect "travelers" with the town and its residents. We explain about the background of Ozu 's regeneration efforts, the activities of residents and the future of Ozu.

Ozu 's residents

Local businesses and residents are involved in Ozu regeneration efforts. Some of them have been involved since the first steps. Why not think about how Ozu will change in the future by hearing directly from them?

Tour itinerary/overview

tour itinerary

List of local organizations receiving donations

YATSUGI

In order to preserve the local townscape of Ozu, we clean and maintain vacant houses, so that they can be used in the future.
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Ozu Hana Kairo Club

Explore the quaint townscape of Ozu with a local guide. We also focus on the training of high-quality guides.
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Konan district, townscape activities executive committee

Events are held in the castle town area of Konan district to promote the charm of the town and local culture. Click here for details
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Other urban regeneration projects

Diego Academia

Focusing on interactions between cities and its surrounding environment (notably, rivers), this workshop offers residents and visitors interested Ozu's regeneration efforts a place to learn and discuss about the state of the town. Ideas for its improvements are debated and enacted.
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Ozu Machitsukuri Daigaku

These regulars study sessions, gathering businesses related to Ozu regeneratioin efforts, encourage cooperation between stakeholders. 
Motto underlying this encounters is "co-education, co-creation, and sharing".
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Education on tourism

We organize learning sessions with local schools, in order to foster awareness on the threats menacing Ozu's old district. And to encourage re-evaluation of Ozu's cultural heritage, with the aim to infuse new perspectives in Ozu's younger generation
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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."