A towering castle and red brick craft house make this town a little gem
Ozu is a small town located not far from Matsuyama, the capital city of Ehime Prefecture. It is often referred to as the Little Kyoto of Iyo, as it offers the historical allure of Kyoto in a tranquil countryside setting. This charming town is a great place to visit, with its towering castle and red brick craft house.
One of the main attractions in Ozu is the Ozu Castle. This petite castle overlooks the sweeping Hiji River and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The castle has been lovingly restored and its interior is just as beautiful as its exterior. Inside, visitors can learn about the history of Ozu and get up close to armor worn by feudal lords. From the top of the castle, one can enjoy panoramic views of the river and the city. Below the castle, there is a charming café called Rarirurero Cafe, where visitors can enjoy coffee and homemade sweets.
Another must-visit spot in Ozu is the Akarengakan, a rare red brick building that houses locally crafted artisanal goods. Here, visitors can find handmade items such as washi paper, silk bags, candles, and local foods. Next to Akarengakan is the Pokopen Yokocho, a retro market and museum. On select Sundays, the street outside the museum comes alive with vendors selling food and games. Inside the museum, visitors can find a collection of Showa period memorabilia, including a recreation house, a barber shop, and a car garage.
Ozu is also known for its delicious local delicacies. One of the must-try dishes is tonkurimabushi, which is a rice dish topped with succulent pork, sweet chestnuts, and a tangy sauce. Another popular dish is taimeshi, which is sea bream rice inspired by the neighboring city of Uwajima. In this dish, the fish is served raw, giving it a unique flavor.
The town of Ozu is not only rich in history and culture but also offers natural beauty throughout the year. In early May, the summit of Mt. Tomisu is covered in blooming azalea trees, creating a stunning sight. In the fall, visitors can try the local hot pot dish called imotaki, which is made with satoimo (Japanese taro root), deep-fried tofu, mushroom, and chicken. During winter, the town experiences misty cloud formations called hijikawa arashi, which are caused by the temperature difference between day and night.
One of the highlights of visiting Ozu is witnessing the old art of Ukai cormorant fishing. This traditional fishing method uses trained cormorant birds to catch small Japanese trout called ayu. The fishing takes place in the Hiji River and typically starts at around 7 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the spectacle while eating, drinking, and relaxing by the waterside.
Ozu is also a convenient base for exploring other attractions in the area. To the north of Ozu is Matsuyama, a major city filled with history and home to one of japan‘s last original castles. To the south of Ozu is Uwajima, a coastal city known for its impressive castle and bullfight events.
To get to Ozu, visitors can take the Yosan Line Uwakai Limited Express from Matsuyama. The journey takes around 40 minutes. Once in Ozu, the main attractions of the town are about a 20 to 30-minute walk from the station. There is also a bus that travels from the station to Ozu Castle, which runs twice an hour and takes around five minutes.
In conclusion, Ozu is a hidden gem in Ehime Prefecture that offers a taste of Kyoto’s historical allure in a tranquil countryside setting. With its towering castle, red brick craft house, delicious local delicacies, and stunning natural beauty, Ozu is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience in Japan. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply want to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, Ozu has something to offer for everyone. So, plan your trip to Ozu and discover the charm of this little gem in the heart of Iyo.
Address And Maps Location:
Ozu-shi, Ehime-ken
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