Ōzu Castle, Japanese castle in Ōzu, Ehime Prefecture.
Ōzu Castle sits on elevated ground beside the Hijikawa River and features layered stone walls with wooden structures following traditional Japanese building methods. The site includes several buildings and pathways that guide visitors through the historical layout.
The castle was founded in 1331 by Utsunomiya Toyofusa and suffered multiple destructions from natural disasters before undergoing major restoration in 2004. That final reconstruction preserved the historical form of the site for visitors to experience today.
The castle draws people interested in traditional Japanese architecture and its role as a regional landmark tied to local identity. Visitors today experience it as a place where historical craftsmanship and landscape combine to reflect how communities honored defensive structures.
The castle sits roughly 25 minutes walk southwest of Iyo-Ozu station and is easy to reach on foot. Plan your visit in the morning when light falls on the stone walls and fewer visitors are around.
The castle offers the unusual chance to stay overnight as a guest, dining in the tower and having breakfast at the historic Garyu Sanso building. This experience lets a small number of visitors encounter the structure under conditions that echo life from earlier times.
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