HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Castle Stay in Ozu
Travel back in time and experience life as a feudal lord in the recently restored Ozu Castle
KITA Management
From July 2020, visitors to Ozu have been able to enjoy an unusual treat: to stay overnight at a Japanese castle keep. This is a first in the archipelago. The castle donjon was recently reconstructed using original techniques and materials (timber structure), thanks to valuable historical documents depicting its features prior to its disassembling in the late 19th century. From the welcoming ceremony all the way to breakfast service the following morning, visitors can experience life as it was felt by daimyos during Edo Period (1603-1867). Sounds of horagai (shell trumpets) and musket blasts will greet guests at dusk upon reaching the summit of the castle mound, as they did for the Kato daimyos 400 years ago. After taking a bath at a specially built spa, guests are treated to a Shime Kagura performance (Intangible Cultural Property) and a carefully produced dinner. Weather permitting, a tsukimi gathering (moon contemplation) ensues. In the following morning, guests are transferred to Garyu Sanso (Important Cultural Property), a sumptuous tea retreat where breakfast can be enjoyed in full privacy. A unique experience awaits you.
How to get there
It takes 1 hour and 40 minutes from Haneda Airport to Matsuyama Airport. From Matsuyama Airport to Ozu Castle, it takes about 40 minutes. You will be picked up and dropped off by car.
903 Ozu, Ozu-shi, Ehime-ken
