The Unique Wooden Tower Of Ozu Castle: Access, Highlights And More!

Ozu Castle, located in Ehime prefecture, Shikoku, is unusual in that it has a beautifully preserved wooden castle tower, making it one of Japan's top 100 castles. Here are the highlights and access routes to this unique castle.

What Is Ozu Castle?

Built from the 14th to 17th century, many of Ozu Castle's original structures were dismantled, save for some of the towers. In 2004, based on extant historical documents from the Edo era, the four storey tenshu (*1) was restored to its original appearance. The restoration was completed thanks to generous donations from local citizens, and the castle itself is beloved by the town's residents.

This tenshu was fully rebuilt using traditional construction methods and Japanese timber. This makes for a rather unusual reconstruction, as the majority of Japanese castles today were rebuilt using modern materials like reinforced bars and concrete. This tower is roughly twenty meters tall, which also makes it one of the tallest castle towers nationwide.

Because of Ozu Castle's unusual tenshu, preserved original guard tower, and other cultural items, it is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Castles. In this article, we will introduce more about the castle itself, how to reach it, and some other local attractions.

*1 Tenshu: the castle tower, the tallest or main part of the structure itself.

Visiting Ozu Castle

Ozu Castle is open from 9:00-17: 00, with last admission at 16:30. This castle is open all year long. Admission is 500 yen for adults, 200 yen for junior high aged children and under, and is free for children five years and under.

If you are traveling from Tokyo or Osaka direction to Ozu Castle, you'll first want to head to Okayama Station via shinkansen, then change to the JR Seto Ohashi line Limited Express Shiokaze train, and get off at Matsuyama Station. It's located about two and a half hours from Okayama.

From Matsuyama Station, take the JR Limited Express Uwakai train bound for Uwakai and get off at Iyo Ozu Station. This will take about 35 minutes and cost 1470 yen. It's about a twenty minute walk from Iyo Ozu Station to the castle.

Ozu Castle Highlights

The Castle Tower

This castle tower was fully rebuilt using Japanese timber, which gives its interior a warmth characteristic of wooden buildings. There is a diorama inside that faithfully reproduces the appearance of the original castle, as well as replicas of armor worn by the samurai.

The Towers of Ozu Castle

Although the majority of Ozu Castle was dismantled, the four guard towers have been preserved since the Edo era, and have been designated Important Cultural properties of Japan. These turrets are located about a ten minute walk from the castle tower, so if you plan to visit Ozu Castle, be sure to give yourself plenty of time walk the grounds!

Seasonal Events at Ozu Castle

Every Third Saturday of the Month: Ozu Teppotai Matchlock Practice

On the third Saturday of every month at 14:00, samurai reenactors hold a performance using replica matchlock guns. Although live ammunition is not used in this performance, visitors can enjoy the thrill of seeing samurai in action. From 14:30, there is a rubber band matchlock gun experience for children, where they can try firing rubber band shooting replicas of these historical arms.

In addition, for 500 yen, visitors can enter the popular Narikiri Pack and dress up as Japanese warlords of old. Visitors will be helped into these costumes, so those who have never worn a kimono before can enjoy this experience, too!

Sightseeing Spots Around Ozu Castle

Garyu Sanso

Garyu Sanso is a Japanese garden that was constructed in 1907. Within the park grounds are several historical buildings which have been designated Important Cultural assets of Japan. On weekends and national holidays from April to October there are tea ceremonies held in the garden, which are a must-see if you visit during this time. These tea ceremonies take place from 9:30-15:30, and cost 400 yen per person to join.

Garyu Sanso

411-2 Ozu, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture 795-0012

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Cormorant Fishing on the Hijikawa River

Cormorant fishing is a traditional practice performed with the help of a member of the pelican family, native to Japan. This spectacular type of fishing takes place on the Hijikawa river every year from June to September. Those who wish to view this traditional practice can check with the Ozu Tourism Information Center at Asamoya at Ozu Machi Station.

Ozu Castle Ruins

903 Ozu, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture 795-0012