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- History & Culture
Ozu Castle was constructed during the early Edo period, either under the famed castle architect Todo Takatora and Wakisaka Yasuharu. The Kato family later took residence and governed the area until the Meiji Restoration. The culture of Ozu, shaped by its feudal lord’s deep appreciation for learning, has been carefully preserved and passed down through the generations.
The Kato family subsequently entered the castle and ruled the area as lords until the Meiji Restoration.
The culture of lords has had a great impact in Ozu, where a love of learning still pervades among its citizens.
The Kato family subsequently entered the castle and ruled the area as lords until the Meiji Restoration.
The culture of lords has had a great impact in Ozu, where a love of learning still pervades among its citizens.
The Streets of the Castle Town
Running along the Hiji River, the castle town is protected by embankments that resemble moats.
Miraculously spared from the ravages of war, the town still retains its rows of Edo and Meiji-era houses.
Walking along the stone-paved or brick streets, one can feel the distant past, while the sight of someone sprinkling water at their doorstep evokes a sense of the old, everyday life.
The enduring way of life here is etched into the town like the rings of a tree, marking the passage of time.
Miraculously spared from the ravages of war, the town still retains its rows of Edo and Meiji-era houses.
Walking along the stone-paved or brick streets, one can feel the distant past, while the sight of someone sprinkling water at their doorstep evokes a sense of the old, everyday life.
The enduring way of life here is etched into the town like the rings of a tree, marking the passage of time.
- Ozu Akarengakan
- This Meiji-era brick building is a blend of British and French masonry styles, representative of the time when Japan increased its exchanges with the outside world. With a hipped roof covered in traditional Japanese tiles, the fusion of Western and Japanese design reflects the era of modernization in Japan. Inside, you'll find a selection of high-quality souvenirs from Ozu.
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- Aburaya (Restaurant)
- Directly across from the Akarengakan once stood a ryokan (inn) established in the late Edo period. The present-day Aburaya (Restaurant) is a faithful replica of that inn, where lanterns are lit at night, and the scent of charcoal-grilled delicacies fills the air and will surely put a smile on your face. It's a place to reminisce about times gone by.
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- Ohanahan Street
- This street once marked the boundary between the merchant and samurai districts during the feudal period. Here, you can catch glimpses of the daily lives of ordinary people in the past. Flowers float in the waterways, and carp swim lazily by. The street takes on a different charm in the evening.
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Ozu Castle Standing by the Riverbank
Ozu Castle stands as a testament to the hopes and aspirations of those who once lived here.
The story of its 10-year-long wooden reconstruction began with the discovery
of original blueprints, long thought to be lost. Guided by old photographs
and historical wooden models, the castle’s main keep was restored
to its former glory in 2004 using 250-year-old Kiso cypress from Nyoho Temple,
The castle’s wooden framework, typical of castle architecture, exudes a sense
of both strength and elegance. The soft breeze from the Hiji River and the gentle
touch of the cypress bring the rich history of this revived fortress to life.
The story of its 10-year-long wooden reconstruction began with the discovery
of original blueprints, long thought to be lost. Guided by old photographs
and historical wooden models, the castle’s main keep was restored
to its former glory in 2004 using 250-year-old Kiso cypress from Nyoho Temple,
The castle’s wooden framework, typical of castle architecture, exudes a sense
of both strength and elegance. The soft breeze from the Hiji River and the gentle
touch of the cypress bring the rich history of this revived fortress to life.
Immerse yourself in a truly unique experience by spending the night in the meticulously reconstructed main keep. Relive the grandeur of the Kato Clan, who ruled this domain for over two centuries, as you stand atop the castle tower and take in the breathtaking views.
This unparalleled stay offers you the chance to be the lord of your own castle, a one-of-a-kind experience found only in Japan.
Exquisite Masterpieces of Architecture: Garyu Sanso
Garyu Sanso is a villa that epitomizes refined elegance.
A stone wall portrays a small boat and the moon, a teahouse reflects the moonlight gently rippling on the Hiji River.
Every detail, down to the expression of wabi-sabi, showcases the craftsmanship of master artisans.
The scenery from the veranda of Garyu-in, the main building, is ever-changing,
teaching us the richness of being immersed in tranquil moments.
A stone wall portrays a small boat and the moon, a teahouse reflects the moonlight gently rippling on the Hiji River.
Every detail, down to the expression of wabi-sabi, showcases the craftsmanship of master artisans.
The scenery from the veranda of Garyu-in, the main building, is ever-changing,
teaching us the richness of being immersed in tranquil moments.
Enjoying the Seasonal Beauty of Garyu Sanso:
A Masterpiece of Sukiya Architecture by the Hiji River
A Masterpiece of Sukiya Architecture by the Hiji River
Garyu Sanso offers a perfect spot to appreciate the changing seasons. The crystal-clear waters of Garyu Pool reflect the vibrant green of spring and the deep reds of autumn like a mirror. Captivated by this beauty, the local notable Torajiro Kouchi invited skilled craftsmen from Kyoto to construct Garyu Sanso as his private summer villa.
Temple of the Castle Lords
Nestled halfway up the tree-covered Mt. Tomisu lies a serene temple precinct,
giving the impression that it is protected by unseen forces.
Nyoho Temple, a Rinzai Zen temple founded by the second lord of Ozu, Kato Yasuoki,
serves as the family temple of the Kato clan. Seven of the lords who governed Ozu over 13 generations rest here.
giving the impression that it is protected by unseen forces.
Nyoho Temple, a Rinzai Zen temple founded by the second lord of Ozu, Kato Yasuoki,
serves as the family temple of the Kato clan. Seven of the lords who governed Ozu over 13 generations rest here.
Nyoho Temple
In 2015, a major restoration returned the temple’s main hall, with its traditional hip-and-gable roof and tiled eaves, to its original appearance. Inside, visitors can admire the exquisite ceiling painting of a dragon and a golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha gleaming in the dim light.
Riverboats and Ukai Fishing
As the fresh breeze of early summer fills the air, you can gaze up at Garyu Sanso from a pleasure boat.
In the evening, the traditional practice of ukai takes place,
where master fishermen skillfully handle cormorants to catch sweetfish (ayu) by the light of flickering bonfires.
These time-honored traditions, born from the pure waters of the Hiji River, continue to be cherished today.
Onboard the boat, the vivid sounds of water and rustling leaves, along with the ever-changing colors of the sky, create an unforgettable experience.
In the evening, the traditional practice of ukai takes place,
where master fishermen skillfully handle cormorants to catch sweetfish (ayu) by the light of flickering bonfires.
These time-honored traditions, born from the pure waters of the Hiji River, continue to be cherished today.
Onboard the boat, the vivid sounds of water and rustling leaves, along with the ever-changing colors of the sky, create an unforgettable experience.
Ozu Ukai
Witness the thrilling sight of master cormorant fishermen, dressed in traditional garb, skillfully guiding their birds from small boats to catch sweetfish (ayu). Board a boat and get a close view of the action, where the flickering flames illuminate this moving and ancient spectacle.