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- Ozu in autumn
- Ozu's Tsurezure story
- 2024.11.01
Ozu in autumn
The autumn colours of Ozu echo the blessings of surrounding mountains.
It is said that culture in this region saw the light on the banks of Hiji River.
Castles were built around land enriched by water streams. A castle-town flourished, and samurai refinement and culture pervaded the region
For example, Garyu no Fuchi cliff, overhanging the river, is said to have been a favourite recreational area of Ozu lords .
The red colour of autumn leaves is reflected on the clear surface of the river.
Castles were built around land enriched by water streams. A castle-town flourished, and samurai refinement and culture pervaded the region
For example, Garyu no Fuchi cliff, overhanging the river, is said to have been a favourite recreational area of Ozu lords .
The red colour of autumn leaves is reflected on the clear surface of the river.
In the Ozu Basin, as autumn gets closer, a thick mist veils the valleys' mornings. Autumn also delights us at the table. Imotaki (hot pot) is a local celebration of taro. Tonkuri Mabushi enhances local chestnuts over simmered meat slices. Autumn leaves at Garyu Sanso and Nyoho Temple turn red, and the townscape around the castle sees hints of brown, which makes for a pleasant autumn trip.
A quiet mist pervades Ozu in autumn.
Autumn time in Ozu.
Autumn time in Ozu.
Furo-an pavilion in Garyu Sanso, succumbs to autumn colours. Red tones are also reflected on the quiet shore of nearby Garyu Fuchi cliff. The scorching summer has passed, and now the town, its people, and nature all seem to be breathing more slowly. Relax and enjoy a stroll around town in style under the charms of autumn.
New insights on the castle-town
Stroll around elegantly in a rickshaw.
Stroll around elegantly in a rickshaw.
In autumn, with milder weather, you can put on your favourite yukata and enjoy a rickshaw ride. Enjoy the peaceful flow of time while listening to the words of your guide.
- Ohanahan Street
- At Ohanahan Street the town layout, as well as Edo-period rows of houses, have been faithfully preserved, allowing you to get a glimpse of what life was like back in late 19th century. Merchants occupied the north side while the south side was reserved for samurai residences. This street is said to be wider than other streets because it was used as a path to the feudal lord's villa, and it is also thought that consideration was given to prevent a merchant's house fire from spreading to the samurai residence.
- Konan district of Ozu castle-town
- Konan district refers to Ozu's former castle-town. An area developed midstream of Hiji River, over a noticeable twist of the watercourse. Spared of significant damage, many old constructions have survived to our days: Ozu Castle or Garyu Sanso (villa). The medieval town layout, typical of a Japanese castle-town as well as its samurai residences, and merchant houses have been also preserved. Currently, the area is the administrative core of Ozu, yet it is visited by many people as an area that retains its quaint old townscape.
- Treasured traditional sweets
- Shigure (delicacy) is a traditional confectionery, already treasured by lords of the Ozu domain. Gessomochi was created in honour of the second lord of the domain, Yasuoki. 'Kurihana no Utake' has a deep flavour, brought by a rich Japanese chestnut bean paste. Enjoying high-quality Japanese confectionary with the autumn atmosphere is exceptional. Click here to learn about the charm of local delicacies.
Autumn leaves at Garyu Sanso and Nyoho Temple attract many visitors
Autumn leaves at Garyu Sanso and Nyoho Temple attract many visitors
Ozu Garyu Sanso, a teahouse, attracts visitors, especially during the autumn season. A stroll in the garden, where orange, yellow and red tones wrap the picturesque Furo-an pavilion, will create an unforgettable autumn moment in your heart. The view from the opposite shore of the Hiji River is also a great sight, with the reflection of the autumn leaves on the watercourse. A place with visiting.
Garyu Sanso (villa)
The serene, crystal-clear waters of Garyu Pond reflect the lush greenery and vibrant autumn leaves like a mirror. Enchanted by this natural beauty, local notable and wax merchant Torajiro Kouchi invited master craftsmen from Kyoto to create this villa as his private summer retreat. Now designated as a National Important Cultural Property, Garyu Sanso offers a stunning example of sukiya-style architecture and beautiful Japanese gardens. In 2011, it was awarded a star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan and was selected as one of the "100 Dream Museums: The World's Finest Architecture."
Nyoho Temple
A Temple of the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai School, Nyoho Temple was established by Kato Yasuoki, the second lord of the Ozu Domain, with Bankei Eitaku as its founding priest. The temple is unique in that its main hall (butsuden or Buddha Hall), also serves as a Zen meditation area. At the center of the hall is a statue of Shakyamuni Nyorai, which is enshrined as the focal point of worship. On either side of the Buddha, tatami rooms are provided for monks to practice Zen meditation. The Butsuden itself, erected over 350 years ago, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, recognized for its cultural and historical significance.
Ozu 's autumn delicacies,
Imotaki (local hot pot), Tonkuri Mabushi, and freshwater fish.
Imotaki (local hot pot), Tonkuri Mabushi, and freshwater fish.
Imotaki (local taro hot pot), a custom passed down in Ozu for generations, is a relaxing pastime enjoyed on the shores of the Hiji River. To thank for a bountiful harvest, locals eat taro grown in Ozu and boiled over large pots. In addition, local autumn treats include Tonkuri Mabushi, rice bowl made with local chestnuts or freshwater fish such as ayu, amago, and char, which are nurtured by the blessings of the clear waters of the Hiji River.
- Imotaki (local hot pot)
- Imotaki (local hot pot), held on the shores of the Hiji River from late August to mid-October, is an Ozu autumn tradition. At Nyoho Temple River, where Garyu Sanso (villa) is reflected on the water, Look for lively voices of people getting together and laughing. Enjoyed in a natural setting, talks veer into heart's sorrows and passions , making it for a memorable time to bound with fellow patrons.
- Tonkuri Mabushi
- Ozu specialty, Tonkuri Mabushi. A rice bowl topped with pork and chestnuts from Ozu cooked over condiments such as wasabi, mitsuba leaves, green onions, white sesame seeds, chopped seaweed, and chili peppers. At first, you can eat it as served, then add some dashi soup transforming it into a ochazuke. The strong flavour of the meat, the sweetness of the chestnuts, and the flavour of the condiments and stock add a completely different dimension to your typical pork bowl rice.
- Ozu freshwater fish
- Ozu 's freshwater fish enjoys the blessings of Hiji River's clear waters. Satsuma is a traditional dish combining bursting orange sashimi, fluffy cooked rice in a clay pot and a fragrant fish stock blended with barley miso. There are many ways to enjoy it, please explore your preferred one.