Ozu Trip Overview
Uchiko Town and Ozu City, are areas rich in nature. In the days of the samurai, Ozu City prospered as a castle town, while Uchiko Town prospered as an industrial town. The area was particularly active in the production of a traditional craft called “mokuro”, also known as Japan wax, and the old streets are still lined with traditional architecture built in those days.
Ozu Castle offers a panoramic view of the city centre and its picturesque cityscape.
The castle town, which escaped the air raids during World War II, still has many old buildings standing. In particular, the Garyu Sanso is a masterpiece of Japanese beauty, and has been listed in the Michelin Guide.
At the Ozu Washi Kaikan, you can enter a washi paper factory, a traditional craft that has been around for more than 1,000 years, and watch skilled craftsmen at work right before your eyes.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Starts: Ozu, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Ozu Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Ozu, Ehime, Japan
Uchiko Town and Ozu City, are areas rich in nature. In the days of the samurai, Ozu City prospered as a castle town, while Uchiko Town prospered as an industrial town. The area was particularly active in the production of a traditional craft called “mokuro”, also known as Japan wax, and the old streets are still lined with traditional architecture built in those days.
Ozu Castle offers a panoramic view of the city centre and its picturesque cityscape.
The castle town, which escaped the air raids during World War II, still has many old buildings standing. In particular, the Garyu Sanso is a masterpiece of Japanese beauty, and has been listed in the Michelin Guide.
At the Ozu Washi Kaikan, you can enter a washi paper factory, a traditional craft that has been around for more than 1,000 years, and watch skilled craftsmen at work right before your eyes.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Hijikawaryokuchi Ryokuchi Park, 424 Nakamura, Ozu, Ehime 795-0054, Japan
In Ozu, buildings from more than 100 years ago still remain intact throughout the city, earning the city the title of “Little Kyoto of Iyo”. At the Hijikawa Green Park, you can see the river running through the town, and the castle towering on the other side of the river, an authentic local scenery.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Ozu Castle, 903 Ozu, Ozu 795-0012 Ehime Prefecture
A location that developed as the town’s political and economic centre. The castle tower stands 19 metres high, making it the tallest reconstructed wooden tower in Japan. From inside the castle, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: 思ひ出倉庫, 103 Ōzu, Ozu, Ehime 795-0012, Japan
Omoide Soko Museum: A museum that recreates the scenery of Japan’s Showa period, in the 1950s and 1960s. Cars and home appliances used in those days are on display, creating a nostalgic space where you can feel what life was like in Japan at that time.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Garyu Sanso, 411-2 Ozu, Ozu 795-0012 Ehime Prefecture
A masterpiece of Japanese beauty and character, built over 100 years ago over a period of 10 years, it has been listed in the Michelin Guide for its excellence and the attention to detail throughout the building. The view of the Hijikawa River from the Furoan teahouse is exceptional.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: 郷土料理 旬, 652 Ōzu, Ozu, Ehime 795-0012, Japan
Regional Cuisine Shun: A restaurant where you can taste the local cuisine of Ozu, made with locally sourced vegetables, fish, and other special ingredients. The building is a renovated samurai residence with a garden, so you will have more to enjoy than just the food.
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Tabirian, 324 Uchiko JR Uchiko Station, Uchiko-cho, Kita-gun 791-3301 Ehime Prefecture
Tabiri-an (Uchiko Travel Information Center): This is the tourist information centre of Uchiko Town. Here, you can rent a bicycle to take you to the next spot. Uchiko is known for its traditional arts and crafts, so be sure to stop by and buy some souvenirs on your way home. After a short bike ride, you will be able to experience the kind of peaceful landscape that you would never see in the city.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Ozuwashi Hall, 928 Hiraoka, Uchiko, Kita District, Ehime 795-0303, Japan
Ozu Washi Kaikan: This is a washi-making factory with a history of over 1,000 years. The experience of going inside the factory and watching the craftsmen at work right in front of your eyes is a very exciting one. There is also a store where you can buy the products made here.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Mokuro Shiryokan Kamihagatei, 2696 Uchiko, Uchiko-cho, Kita-gun 791-3392 Ehime Prefecture
Japanese Wax Museum: Kamihaga Residence: This museum is dedicated to the traditional craft of “mokuro”, or Japan wax, an industry that helped Uchiko to prosper. One of the most gorgeous buildings in the town, you will be able to take a tour of the house and get a sense of the prosperity of the time.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Streets in Yokaichi-Gokoku Areas, Uchiko-cho, Kita-gun Ehime Prefecture
Townscape of Yokaichi-Gokoku District: This is an area where you can enjoy a variety of buildings with rich designs. This 600-metre stretch of old town along the street makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time. You will also stop by a store run by a craftsman where Japanese candles using Japan wax have been made for over 200 years.
Duration: 30 minutes