Castle Town Stories
2021.12.17

Discover the reasons that makes this castle town unique

Passionate stories await you in this quaint castle-town.
Come here and listen to the past.

What does "memories" mean when it comes to travel?
Deepen your knowledge of local history and appreciate the beauty of local things,
Maybe it's time to enjoy locally produced food.
But looking deeper, it is "encounters with people" that create a memorable experience.
May be that it is what makes traveling a truly enriching experience.
The old folk houses that remain in Ozu Castle contain vestiges of the lifestyle that our ancestors have carefully passed down.
new uses are being attempted.
Getting closer to locals, you might be able to get a spiritually enriching trip.
Discover the reasons that makes this castle town unique

Konan area is Ozu's old district, occupied by the former castle-town. It spreads along Hiji River's mid-course, where it curves sharply. Because it was spared war damage, many cultural assets, such as Ozu Castle and Garyu Sanso (villa), have been preserved. Additionally, traces of its medieval town layout including narrow streets and merchant houses have also been preserved. Also, from late 19th century, vegetable wax production, silk spinning, and timber trade flourished leaving noticeable traces of this thriving activity spread over town. Currently, Konan district is the core area of Ozu, where administrative offices and other institutions are located, yet it is visited by many people as an area that retains its quaint old townscape.
Spend your time among locals, feeling all the past they have accumulated.
[NIPPONIA MUNE building]
NIPPONIA MUNE, a historic mansion, wrapped by a magnificent courtyard. Once a significant wax production site (numerous wells are remnant of such activities), it has been carefully renovated into chic accommodation. Relax and feel the presence of those labourers that helped to build up our town. 
NIPPONIA MUNE compound 
NIPPONIA MUNE compound 
NIPPONIA MUNE compound 
NIPPONIA MUNE compound 
Relax in an old Japanese merchant house
Reminiscing about the past.
A compound of row houses, part of the NIPPONIA Hotel Ozu Castle Town. Guests can stroll the inner courtyard freely or enjoy drinks at the lounge. The street level is lined with shops displaying Ehime crafts and produce, adding colour to your travel time. This historic renovated compound combines past flair with modern comfort. The abodes, each with its own unique design, make use of furnishings related to the industrious past of the site, giving a feeling of nostalgia.  
Explore local produce, crafts and environmental friendly towels [OZU+] 
With the keyword of "sustainability", we offer a wide variety of local products. Edible towels? Hand-made soy sauces? There are many hidden gems here that will enable you to lead a more balanced life. 
OZU+
OZU+
A melting pot of Ozu and Ehime craftsmen and farmers.
A place to enjoy locality and quality.
In addition 'IKEUCHI ORGANIC' organic towels -from Imabari (Ehime)-, we sell environmental friendly products locally outsourced. This includes Ozu original blended coffee. While exploring the carefully displayed items, you can have a lively conversation with Yamaki-san, the shop owner. She is really committed to this project. Her towels or her choices on Ozu Washi paper (registered as an Ehime's valuable craft). The shop reflects the owner's sensibilities and is decorated with unique accents that give it a unique Ozu feel. 
A casual place to enjoy Ozu's seasonal flavours. [Aoi CAFE] 
As if invited, passersby stop by the cafe and wonder. Upon reflection, they take a seat. By the window, they gaze a book while waiting for drink and food. Reflecting on their day's visits. If the weather is nice, the courtyard and its lush green grass await for patrons. You can spend a blissful time in a space that is usually only available to guests of NIPPONIA Hotel Ozu castle-town. 
Aoi CAFE
Aoi CAFE
Aoi CAFE
Take a break in this quaint store or in the courtyard surrounding this row of ancient houses. 
A cafe run by Aoi, a Japanese restaurant in Ozu. We care about local food. Our Hamokatsu (congeer eel) burger is exquisite. Aoi CAFE users are allowed to use NIPPONIA HOTEL inner courtyard for a limited time (noon to 3pm). On days when the weather is nice, grab a drink and your favourite food and enjoy Ozu's lush mountains. Taking a deep breath in the silence of Ozu while being surrounded by quaint old Japanese-style inns will enrich your trip. 
A quality moment where you can touch each piece of craft.
[Craft ROSA]
A quality moment where you can touch each piece of craft. There are ceramics, bamboo crafts, Japanese candles, and other items that enrich your life with care. All of these items were purchased by the shop owner himself from the makers, and when you learn about the makers' thoughts and background, you become even more attached to them. Because it is craft, no two pieces are the same. That's why you can enjoy the luxurious pleasure of comparing them and forgetting the time. 
Crafts ROSA
Crafts ROSA
Visiting a workshop in Ehime
The lineup of master craftsmen reflects the heart of the shop owner.
Because it is craft, no two pieces are the same. A shop that sells excellent crafts and miscellaneous goods from Ehime Prefecture, such as Tobe ware and Uchiko Japanese candles. We purchase all of our products directly from the makers, and we place great importance on conveying the makers' ideas to our customers.
Saryo is a local confectionary, trying to build bridges between Ozu's past and future.
[Saryo Hiranoya]
Smooth bites of warabi mochi still in motion in the bowl. Equally difficult to grab with chopsticks than exquisite. The pure and straightforward taste has been loved in Ozu since the Meiji period. Enjoy to your heart the sweetness provided by Saryo, Japanese confectionary from old and new. Once your stomach and heart are satisfied, where should you go next? 
Saryo Hiranoya
Saryo Hiranoya
Authentic warabi mochi makes you dream while it lasts.
Be rapacious and finish it before 20 minutes... 
Hironaya, a traditional Japanese confectioner, was founded in 1896. In addition to warabi mochi, which needs to be eaten within 20 minutes of completion, you might try Shigure (delicacy) and seasonal fresh sweets along with matcha and sencha teas. Warabi mochi: a jiggly black warabi mochi floating in a bowl. Smooth, chewy, fluffy...Difficult to describe it, but the exquisite texture is so enjoyable. Enjoy it with your favourite flavour, be it kinako or brown sugar syrup. 

Stores details

NIPPONIA MUNE compound 
NIPPONIA MUNE compound 
NIPPONIA MUNE compound occupies a row of renovated old abodes. It boasts a pleasant courtyard where guests can freely stroll around. 
OZU+
OZU+
You can enjoy souvenirs made by artists from Ehime Prefecture, as well as a cafe with menus specializing in Ehime and Ozu. Exhibitions are also held regularly. 
Aoi Cafe 
Aoi Cafe 
A cafe run by Aoi, a local Japanese restaurant. We are particular about both food and drinks, and the Hamokatsu burger from Ehime is exquisite. 
Crafts ROSA
Crafts ROSA
A tool shop that sells a wide variety of high-quality souvenirs, including excellent crafts, miscellaneous goods, and carefully selected foods from Ehime Prefecture. 
Saryo Hiranoya
Saryo Hiranoya
Hironaya, a traditional Japanese confectioner, was founded in 1896. In addition to warabi mochi (a lovely 20-minute delicacy), you can enjoy Shigure (delicacy) and seasonal fresh sweets that go well together with matcha and sencha teas.