Ozu Castle stands above the Hiji River in the castle town of Ozu, sometimes called ‘little Kyoto’ for its old streets and riverside setting. Unusually, its four-storey wooden keep was faithfully reconstructed in the early 2000s using traditional methods and authentic materials, making it one of Japan’s most convincing modern wooden castle rebuilds — you can even stay overnight in the keep as a special experience. In summer, the river below comes alive with ukai, traditional cormorant fishing, in which fishermen in boats use trained cormorants to catch sweetfish by torchlight, a spectacle watched from pleasure boats. Together, castle, old town and river fishing make Ozu one of Ehime’s most atmospheric small-town destinations.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Ozu, Ehime |
| Hours | Castle ~9:00–17:00; ukai summer nights |
| Admission | Castle small fee; ukai boat extra |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Summer for cormorant fishing |
What to See
- A faithfully wood-rebuilt four-storey keep.
- The old ‘little Kyoto’ town by the Hiji River.
- Summer cormorant fishing (ukai) by torchlight.
- The rare chance to stay overnight in the castle keep.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Uwajima Castle further south.
- Pair with Ehime mikan from the region.
- Read our Ehime overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR to Iyo-Ozu, then a walk or taxi to the castle.
- By car: parking near the castle and old town.
Tips
Come in summer to catch the cormorant fishing on the river at night, booking a viewing boat ahead as it runs only in season. Explore the old ‘little Kyoto’ streets and riverside by day, consider the unique overnight castle stay if it fits your budget, and pair Ozu with Uwajima to the south for a day of Ehime’s smaller castle towns.
