Japan's largest restored wooden castle

Since the wooden restoration of the castle in 2004, it has risen to the center of Ozu as a symbol of the city of Ozu and is loved by many Ozu Castle.

The Ozu Castle, which was restored in 2004, is faithfully reproduced with a focus on wooden structures. The wooden structure inside the castle tower, which was restored using traditional Japan techniques, is beautiful and powerful. According to the staff of the Ozu Castle, "The good thing about Ozu Castle is that you can see the scenery that the Castle Lord saw at the time as it is."

In addition, the restoration of the four-story and four-story wooden castle tower is the first in Japan and boasts one of the largest sizes. This was due to the fact that there were enough materials left to restore it, such as wooden templates made in the Edo period that show the internal structure of the castle tower and old photographs of Ozu Castle taken before the dismantling of the castle tower.

History  & Background

Ozu Castle traces its origins back to 1331, during the late Kamakura period, when Toyofusa Utsunomiya, the governor of Iyo Province, built Jizogadake Castle. For 237 years, it served as the residence of various feudal lords. Following Toyotomi Hideyoshi's conquest of Shikoku, Ozu became the domain of several daimyos, including Kobayakawa Takakage, who initiated the modernization of the castle. Following the Battle of Sekigahara, the turbulent times began to settle, and the castle town started to take shape under the rule of notable figures such as Todo Takatora and Wakizaka Yasuharu, both master castle builders. Later, Kato Sadayasu became the lord of the castle, and the Kato clan continued to govern until the Meiji Restoration.

Ozu Castle Restoration of the wooden structure of the castle tower

With the dawn of the Meiji era, most of the castle's structures were dismantled, and in 1888, the main keep was demolished due to deterioration. The current keep was reconstructed in 2004, thanks to local preservation efforts and donations. Experts used traditional construction techniques, and the restoration took nearly a decade. Remarkably, the four-story wooden keep, standing at 19.15 meters, was the first of its kind in Japan to be reconstructed after the war and remains the tallest. The restoration was based on old photographs from the Meiji period and extensive historical records, ensuring an accurate reproduction of its original appearance. The abundance of preserved materials is quite rare, making the restoration of Ozu Castle's keep a true culmination of local residents' dedication and meticulous historical research.

Ozu Castle Stay

Ozu Castle offers "Ozu Castle Castle Stay" where you can stay at the castle tower for the first time in Japan. Recreate the entrance of the castle owner Kato Sadayasu in 1617 and spend the night there. Dinner is also carefully selected from the local area and can be enjoyed in the existing turret. Please have an experience that can only be done in this area.