2024年度の運行は終了いたしました。
2025年度の運行については、決まり次第掲載いたします。

The Pristine Waters of the Hiji River Flow Through the Heart of Ozu

Ozu Castle Town, located in the heart of Ozu City, is traversed by the serene waters of the Hiji River. The Hiji River, a first-class river flowing through the Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture, originates at an elevation of 460 meters and is fed by 474 tributaries before it reaches the Seto Inland Sea. This makes it one of the top five rivers in Japan in terms of tributary count. Though the distance from its source to the mouth is only 18 kilometers, as the crow flies, the river winds like an "elbow," stretching a full 103 kilometers. It is believed that this winding path is the origin of its name.

In the past, the Hiji River served as a "waterway" for transporting timber cut from the surrounding mountains down to the river's mouth. The culture of Ozu, including traditional practices such as cormorant fishing (ukai) and the local "imotaki" taro stew, is deeply intertwined with the river's history. The Hiji River remains an essential part of life for the people of Ozu.

1. Ozu Castle Town Boat Tour
2. Scenery from the Boat
3. Other Ways to Enjoy the Hiji River
4. Enjoying Ozu

1. Ozu Castle Boat Tour

*The Garyu Sanso route shown in the image is available from May 27th to September 20th

The Hiji River is home to traditional “houseboats,” allowing tourists to enjoy a leisurely tour of the castle town. Passengers can experience the charm of the town and its historic sites from the unique vantage point of the river. The "Ozu Castle Town Boat Tour" service, which began in July 2022, offers a tranquil journey along the river, providing picturesque views that can only be seen from the water.

Ticket Purchase for the Boat Tour

On the Day of Boarding

Tickets can be purchased at the Ozu Tourist Information Center (located within Asamoya Machi no Eki) or at the Ozu Akarengakan.
When purchasing tickets, please specify your preferred boarding time.

Reservation

To make a reservation,
please contact the Ozu Akarengakan by phone.
TEL: 0893-24-1281 (business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).

Ticket Prices:

Adults: ¥1,100 / Children (middle school age and younger): ¥550
 Groups of 3 or more: The third person and beyond receives a 50% discount (up to 8 people).
  
※Infants are free

Boat Tour Course and Schedule

5/1～5/26、9/21～9/29の期間（運行中）

Schedule
The route lasts approximately 60 minutes for a round trip.

*No service available on Mondays and Thursdays.

Boarding Location
Konan Riverside Departure Point (Takagawara)

Boat Tour Course
(1) Konan Riverside (Takagawara) → (2) Ozu Castle Town → (1) Konan Riverside (Takagawara)
*Boarding is only available at the Konan Riverside Boarding Point
*Disembarkation is only possible at the Ozu Castle Town Disembarkation Dock

5/27～9/20の期間（休止中）

Schedule
Approx. 45 minute course

*Suspended on Mondays and Thursdays (except during the period from July 18th to August 31st, when service is suspended on Thursdays only).

Boarding Location
Konan Riverside Boarding Point

Boat Tour Course
(1) Konan Riverside → (2) Ozu Castle Town → (3) Garyu Sanso (villa) → (1) Konan Riverside
*Boarding is only available at the Konan Riverside Boarding Point
*Disembarkation is only possible at the Ozu Castle Town Disembarkation Dock and the Garyu Sanso (villa) Disembarkation Dock

Notes

• No refunds or changes to the boarding time after ticket purchase.
• Follow the crew's instructions for safety.
• Certain sections of the river may be inaccessible due to seasonal or water level conditions.
• In case of sudden cancellations due to weather, updates will be provided on theVisit Ozu Instagram. For inquiries about the tour's status, please contact the Ozu Tourist Information Center (0893-57-6655).

Boarding Point/Access

Click here for Konan Riverside Boarding Point (Takagawara) (May 1st to May 26th, September 21st to September 29th)

 

Click here for Konan Riverside Boarding Point (May 27th - September 20th)

 

2. Views from the Boat

The regular boat tour allows you to hop on and off at your leisure while sightseeing in Ozu. On calm days, you can enjoy the beautiful reflection of the landscape in the river, offering a serene and refreshing experience. From the boat, you might spot iconic sights such as Garyu Sanso and Furo-an from below, Ozu Castle reflected on the water, cherry blossoms surrounding the castle, or even ayu sweetfish swimming in the river. Unexpected moments of beauty await those who take the journey.

On calm days, you can enjoy the beautiful water reflections.

Experience the charm of Ozu, where life has been sustained along the banks of the Hiji River.

3. Other ways to enjoy Hiji River

There are several other boating options available on the Hiji River:

Hiji River Cruise

Experience the gentle flow of the river as you relax in the cool breeze.
With prior reservations, you can enjoy a meal while cruising.

About Hijikawa sightseeing

Ozu Ukai

Ozu's cormorant fishing (ukai) is one of Japan's three major cormorant fishing traditions. Unique to Ozu, the "combined cormorant fishing" technique involves both the master’s boat and the guest boat traveling together down the river by torchlight, allowing you to witness the cormorants' impressive fishing skills up close. The master cormorant fishers, dressed in traditional eboshi caps and straw skirts, perform their craft with such skill that it leaves spectators breathless.

About sightseeing in Ozu

Hiji River canoe experience

Suitable even for beginners, this guided experience starts with a 30-minute canoeing lesson at Michi no Eki Seiryu no Sato Hijikawa. The calm waters of the Hiji River make it an ideal place for a safe and enjoyable canoeing experience. Through this activity, you can get a glimpse into the lives of the people of Ozu, closely connected with the Hiji River.

About the Hiji River canoe experience

4. Enjoying Ozu

Ozu is a town that has flourished thanks to the blessings of the Hiji River. The townscape, rich with Edo-period charm, still retains much of its historical atmosphere. Take your time to explore the beautiful castle town along the Hiji River at your own pace.

Stay Like a Local [Accommodations]

Immerse yourself in the life of Ozu by staying in one of the traditional townhouses in the castle town or a quiet hot spring inn upstream of the Hiji River. Staying in Ozu allows you to deeply connect with the place, its people, and its way of life. Let yourself be embraced by the calm breeze of the basin and the gentle murmur of the Hiji River. Enjoy a special stay, not in a polished, touristy spot, but in the authentic, untouched beauty of the town and its surroundings.

Explore Ozu’s Historic Town and Architecture

Ozu, with its scenic Hiji River, is home to iconic architecture such as Ozu Castle and Garyu Sanso, nestled along the riverbank. Ozu Castle, originally constructed in the early Edo period, is attributed to master builders like Todo Takatora or Wakisaka Yasuharu. The clear, blue waters of Garyu Pool reflect the surrounding greenery and autumn leaves like a mirror. 
Fresh greenery and autumn leaves are reflected like a mirror, and the clear blue water surface of Uryubuchi is reflected. Torajiro Kawachi, a local famous person who fell in love with its beauty, invited a master craftsman from Kyoto to build Garyu Sanso (villa) as his villa. It is designated as an important cultural property of Japan, and you can enjoy the architectural beauty such as sukiya construction and the beautiful Japan garden. In 2011, it was awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japon. It has also been selected as one of the 100 best buildings in the world by the Museum of Dreams.

Savor Seasonal Delicacies

Ozu, a castle town of 60,000 koku during the Edo period, is renowned for the culinary mastery honed through offerings to the local lord. For 400 years, traditional confections have been passed down without interruption. Enjoy the bounty of sea, mountains, and rivers, nurtured by the flowing Hiji River, as well as sake carefully crafted by brewers in the river’s upper reaches. The wisdom of those who have lived in harmony with the river for generations is evident in the local cuisine.