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- Ozu, spring time.
- Ozu's Tsurezure story
- 2021.03.25
Ozu, spring time.
Enjoy the breath of spring and gourmet food as you explore the colours of Ozu
Invited by a spring cheerful atmosphere, you might consider heading towards Ozu Castle grounds.
The breath of spring can be felt everywhere.
A light breeze blowing from nearby Mt. Tomisu, which is turning into vivid green.
On the banks of the clear Hiji River, birds chirp cheerfully.
It's the season when flowers and plants compete to burst out in color, as if they've been waiting to show off their strength.
Spend a luxurious, seasonal time feeling the breath of spring with local delicacies or sake.
The breath of spring can be felt everywhere.
A light breeze blowing from nearby Mt. Tomisu, which is turning into vivid green.
On the banks of the clear Hiji River, birds chirp cheerfully.
It's the season when flowers and plants compete to burst out in color, as if they've been waiting to show off their strength.
Spend a luxurious, seasonal time feeling the breath of spring with local delicacies or sake.
Ozu Basin has a unique climate due to a peculiar topography and stark temperature differences. The Hiji River flows majestically through its center. Spring attains this land early April. It has been doing so since time immemorial. As such, it accompanies the culture that has been built by our ancestors, offering a memorable blending of rejuvenation and past traditions.
Enjoy the beauty of western Japan from a river boat
Cormorant fishing boats are used to bring you new perspectives of this old Japanese castle-town
Cormorant fishing boats are used to bring you new perspectives of this old Japanese castle-town
As soon as you leave the pier, you will soon see Garyu Sanso's 'Furo-An tea pavilion', perilously overhanging the river cliff. Its elegant appearance is beautifully reflected on the river surface. Eventually, Ozu Castle comes into view, with the foot of the mountain dyed in pale pink by the Yoshino cherry trees. You will be captivated by the beautiful scenery that embodies the image of Japan and that can only be seen during this season.
A key player, who adds coloured tones
Local architecture, food and atmosphere shine out in this period of the year, to add colour to your cherry blossom viewing experience. Enticing each of the five senses, explore leisurely Ozu's hidden corners and get a glimpse of the new life soon to be.
- Ozu Castle
- The splendid castle architecture that stands on the shore of the Hiji River includes a reconstructed wooden castle tower and four turrets that have been designated as nationally designated cultural properties. It is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, with around 200 Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom within the main enclosure.
- Garyu sightseeing
- Garyu contemplation' where you can ride a boat along the clear Hiji River while feeling the pleasant spring breeze on your skin. The 20-minute ride takes in the beautiful scenery of Garyu cliff and Furo-an tea pavilion, as well as Ozu Castle with its reconstructed wooden castle tower.
- Japanese confectionary
- Pack your Ozu delicacies, such as shigure or gessomochi and head out to the mountains to contemplate local nature. Admiring the cherry blossoms while enjoying the traditional sweetness that has been preserved in our castle-town is a real treat.
A moment to feel the fullness of spring
Why is it that our hearts get excited by the beautiful yellow and pink colors that nature produces? Beyond sakura trees, spring is signalled in Ozu also by the dazzling yellow of rape blossoms fields that spread all over the place. Or the azaleas that line Mt. Tomisu, overlooking the Ozu plain, heralding the proximity of summer. A spring trip where you can take a leisurely stroll and be fascinated by the flowers that the people who live in this area cherish.
Goro's nanohana blossoms (canola flower blossoms)
On the left bank of the Hiji River there is a vast flower field with 3.5 million canola flowers. The best time to see them is in early March. A sea-like of yellow waves, as far as the eye can see. This enticing yellow carpet expands until reaching iconic 'Goro no Akahashi' red bridge. These fields of canola blossoms are one of the seasonal features that symbolize spring in Ozu.
Azalea of Mt. Fuji
Mt.Tomisu's name might well be connected to its shape, resembling famed Mt. Fuji. The Japanese character of the latter was twisted, generating the Tomisu name. From the top of the its 320 meters, rising at the centre of Ozu plain, you can observe on the entire central Ozu Basin and the large curving of the Hiji River. From April to May, the area is known as a scenic spots for azaleas, with vibrant rows of pink and white flowers.
Taste fresh sake on a sake brewery tour
Fresh sake can be enjoyed in spring. Ozu is home to high-quality sake brewed with the rich waters of the Shikoku Mountains and locally grown rice. If you visit a sake brewery and experience the spirit of the makers up close, the youthful and fresh taste of new sake will become even more special.
Kaze no Sato is a sake brewery pice wine produced in a small sake brewery founded in 1923.
All sake brewing is done by hand, resulting in a rich flavor that brings out the natural flavor of rice. Although the brewery suffered severe damage from the heavy rains in western Japan (2018), it overcame wreckage and further refined its brewer's skills. At the sake brewery, you can see the process of creating rare sake, including the brewery, koji room, workshop, and bottling process.