Top Things to Do in Ozu Japan – Complete Travel Guide to Ehime’s Hidden Gem

Last Updated on 03/06/2026 by Mayi

Take a journey to Ozu, a quaint town in Ehime Prefecture that blends traditional Japan with quiet countryside charm.

Tucked away on the western coast of Shikoku Island, Ozu is one of those places that catches you by surprise. I hadn’t even heard of it before arriving in nearby Matsuyama, but the detour turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of my trip to Japan.

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With its restored castle, nostalgic Showa-era streets, riverside tea villas, and friendly locals who greet you with flag waves and festival invites, Ozu offers a glimpse of Japan far from the usual tourist path. If you’re planning a trip to Ehime or want to slow down and soak up authentic culture, here’s your complete guide to discovering Ozu.

Ozu was just one stop on my journey through Ehime Prefecture. Discover more of this captivating region by reading my complete travel guides to Matsuyama and Uchiko.

Why Visit Ozu City?

• A beautifully restored castle where you can actually stay overnight.
• The picturesque Garyu Sanso Villa overlooking the Hijikawa River.
• Showa-era nostalgia at Pokopen Alley and Omoide Soko.
• Traditional festivals, cormorant fishing, and riverside serenity.
• Fewer tourists, more charm.

If you love low-key, quiet towns, adding Ozu to your Japan itinerary is essential. Visiting the Japanese countryside is one of the most rewarding things to do in Japan for travellers seeking authentic experiences.

How to Get to Ozu

Getting to Ozu City

From Matsuyama

• By Train: Take the JR Yosan Line to Iyo-Ozu Station. Express trains take ~40 min; local trains ~100 min. Covered by the Japan Rail Pass
• By Bus: Uwajima Buses run hourly; 1 hr ride.
• By Car: About a 50-minute drive.

From Tokyo or Osaka

Take the Shinkansen to Okayama, then transfer to the Limited Express Shiokaze to Matsuyama. From there, follow the steps above.

Getting Around Ozu City

Ozu is small and mostly walkable. Ozu Castle is a 20-30-minute walk from the station. You can also:

• Rent a bike next to the station.
• Take the local loop bus.
• Pick up a free map at the Ozu Tourist Information Centre. 

Things to Do in Ozu Japan

Your Essential Ozu Japan Travel Guide Map. Navigate Ozu like a local with our interactive map. Click on each pin to find detailed information about the town’s different areas, from the historic Ozu Castle and charming old quarter to nearby attractions and accommodations. It’s the perfect companion for planning your things to do in Ozu Japan.

Explore Ozu Old Town: Historic Architecture in Ehime, Japan

One of the best things to do in Ozu is to wander. The old town is small enough to explore on foot but full of atmosphere. I loved walking along the narrow cobbled streets in the early morning, just as shopkeepers were setting up. Traditional wooden houses, some with beautiful bamboo and tiled façades, line the streets. The scent of tatami mats and miso soup drifting from open windows makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era.

Don’t miss Ohanahan Street, made famous by a 1960s NHK drama. The street is lined with Meiji-period townhouses and has that beautiful, quiet air of somewhere time has passed by gently. I stopped at a tiny cafe here and had an iced matcha while people-watching — easily one of my favourite memories.

Tour the Reconstructed Ozu Castle

Ozu Castle isn’t one of Japan’s original castles — it was lovingly reconstructed using traditional methods in 2004 — but that doesn’t make it any less magical. Built entirely from wood, without a single nail or screw, it stands tall on the stone foundations above the river.

The best part? You can stay overnight in the main keep like a feudal lord (if your budget allows!). When I visited, I couldn’t book a stay, but I climbed the steep stairs and looked out over the town and river from the top floor — the view was incredible. The museum inside the castle tells the story of its reconstruction, and I found it surprisingly touching how much effort went into doing things the traditional way.

After leaving, we stumbled upon a group of locals waving flags. They were waiting for the express train to pass, which is a bit of a ritual here. When they saw me, they insisted I join in. With my friend translating, I chatted with a few of them — it was a small but special moment that perfectly sums up Ozu’s welcoming vibe. 

• Entry: Adults 500 Yen / Children 200 Yen
• Address: 903 Ozu, Ehime 795-0012
• Open: 9:00–17:00 

Explore the Ozu Red Brick Museum

This little red brick building caught my eye as I was wandering through town. Built in 1901, it originally served as a local bank, and its mix of British red brick with a Japanese tile roof gives it a unique charm.

Inside is a small gallery and shop where you can browse local crafts, sweets, and souvenirs. I picked up a few jars of yuzu marmalade and a handmade bookmark for my travel journal. It’s not a big stop, but a lovely one.

• Address: 60 Ozu, Ehime 795-0012, Japan
• Free admission – Open: 9:00-17:00  

Step Back in Time at Pokopen Yokocho & Omoide Soko

If you’re nostalgic for retro Japan or love vintage curiosities, you’ll love these spots. Pokopen Alley is set up like a 1960s street fair — snack stalls, toy shops, and memorabilia all laid out in narrow alleys. Kids will love it, but so will adults who want a peek into everyday life from a bygone era.

Next door is Omoide Soko, a memory warehouse filled with retro scenes like a police box, barbershop, and an old-style cinema. I was surprised by how immersive it was — you can walk into rooms set up like someone’s living room in 1960, complete with rotary phones and vintage posters.

• Fee: 200 Yen (Omoide Soko)
• Address: 103 Ozu, Ehime 795-0012

Garyu Sanso Villa in Ozu, Japan: Traditional Tea House

Garyu Sanso is everything you’d want a traditional Japanese villa to be: peaceful, elegant, and meticulously crafted. The main house, Garyu-in, has a thatched roof and polished wooden floors, and the rooms open out onto a tiny moss garden that looks like it’s been frozen in time.

What really stood out to me was the tea house, Furo-an. It’s perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the Hijikawa River, and feels almost like it’s floating. I stood there for a while just soaking in the view of the gentle current and distant hills, wishing I had a cup of green tea in hand.

It took ten years to design and four years to build Garyu Sanso — and it shows. Every detail, from the door handles to the garden path stones, has been thought out. Despite all that effort, it doesn’t feel showy. Just serene.

You can easily walk there after visiting the Red Brick Building and Pokopen Yokocho.

• Entry: 500 Yen (or 800 Yen combined with the castle)
• Address: 411-2 Ozu, Ehime 795-0012
• Open: 9:00–17:00

Walk Along the Hijikawa River

Even if the river is low, like it was when I visited, the walk along the Hijikawa is peaceful and pretty. In summer, traditional ukai (cormorant fishing) takes place here. You can join an evening boat ride to watch the birds dive for fish by torchlight — a tradition that dates back over a thousand years.

One evening, we were invited by a couple we met while exploring town to tag along to a local waterfall festival. I didn’t fully understand what was going on at first, but I loved being swept up in the excitement as people cheered and a giant ball of fabric was thrown toward the falls. Totally random. Totally wonderful.

• Ukai Schedule: June–Sept | From 4,000 Yen

Go Hiking at Shirataki Park

If you love nature and local legends, this short trail near Shirataki Station is worth your time. We did a 30-minute hike along the Taki River up to Shiro no Taki waterfall, where the autumn leaves were blazing red and gold.

Along the way, there are storyboards recounting the tragic tale of Princess Ruri, who escaped a castle siege with her child and leapt into the waterfall. It gives the whole place a mystical, poignant feel. You’ll end the walk feeling both uplifted and reflective.

Attend the Shirataki Rurihime Festival

This was one of the most unique festivals I’ve attended in Japan. It honours Princess Ruri, and children dressed in bright kimonos throw flower-decorated portable shrines into the waterfall as part of the ritual.

There were harvest dances, taiko drumming, food stalls, and even a mochi-pounding station where I got to try my hand at the mallet (not as easy as it looks!). It was local, warm-hearted, and a real community celebration.

Where to Stay in Ozu

If you decide to stay a night or two in Ozu, I recommend choosing a traditional guesthouse to make the most of the town’s heritage. Several are ideally located in the historic quarter, offering an authentic Japanese experience.

Stay in a Traditional Guesthouse

We stayed at Omeguri-an in Seiyo. The accommodation is run by a young couple, Misami and Ben. Our room was spacious and opened onto a large veranda overlooking a lovely garden. There are only futons available, so if you’re not comfortable sleeping on the floor, this might not be for you. I was delighted to discover that the veranda had a heated Japanese kotatsu (coffee table). We didn’t waste any time getting our feet under the kotatsu blanket to enjoy our welcome tea and mikans, along with other snacks we’d bought at the farmer’s market.

The next morning, after a leisurely stroll through the neighbourhood, we were served a delicious traditional breakfast on the veranda. The spread consisted of miso soup, a bowl of plain rice, grilled fish, a Japanese omelette (tamagoyaki), and pickles, a perfect start to the day.

You can find more options via Booking.com / Trip.com

Best Time to Visit & Local Events

• Ebisu Festival (January 9-11)
• Sakura Festival (March–April): Cherry blossoms at Tomisuyama Park
• Tsutsuji Azalea Festival ( April-May)
• Firefly and Japanese Iris Festival ( June 1-15)
• Ukai Fishing (June–September): Book a river cruise
• Ozu Fireworks Festival (early August)
• Momiji Maple Festival (November)
• Shirataki Rurihime Festival (late November)

Nearby Day Trips from Ozu

Visit Uchiko Town

Step back in time with a visit to Uchiko Town, another beautifully preserved small town where Edo-period architecture lines the historic streets. Just a short journey from Ozu, Uchiko is famous for its traditional wax production and crafts passed down through generations. Stroll along Yokaichi Old Town’s atmospheric streets, where historic merchant houses with their distinctive white plaster walls and latticed windows transport you to feudal Japan. Don’t miss the chance to visit a candle-making workshop or explore the town’s museums dedicated to its wax-making heritage. The town also offers excellent local cuisine and artisan shops, perfect for unique souvenirs. Read my Uchiko travel story for a full itinerary and insider tips.

Visit Matsuyama

Just an hour from Ozu, Matsuyama – Shikoku’s largest city – offers the perfect blend of history and relaxation. Explore the stunning Matsuyama Castle, perched majestically on Mount Katsuyama with panoramic views over the city and Seto Inland Sea. After your castle visit, unwind at Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring bathhouses, which is said to have inspired the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away.” The city also boasts excellent shopping arcades, the beautiful Ishite-ji Temple (part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage), and delicious local specialities, including Ehime’s famous mikan-flavoured treats. Matsuyama makes an ideal base or day trip to complement your Ozu Japan travel guide.

Stop at Uchiko Fresh Park Karari

While travelling from Uchiko to Ozu, we stopped by Uchiko Fresh Park Karari to pick up some fresh fruit and take a break. The market resembles a large hangar filled with stalls displaying an impressive array of seasonal fruits and vegetables, all neatly wrapped or bagged. I have to say, Japan’s approach to packaging can be quite excessive – not the most eco-friendly practice!

Of course, since we’re in Ehime, mikan (the region’s star citrus fruit) takes centre stage, with several tables devoted to it. There’s an amazing variety of citrus fruits in the orange and lemon family to explore. Beyond the market itself, there’s also a restaurant (Karari) and bakery (Karari Pan Kojo) on site.

If you’re visiting, you can reach the market at 2452 Uchiko by taking the Iyotetsu Nanyo Bus from Uchiko to the Uchiko-bashi stop.

Discover Shikoku’s Four Castles

Did you know that Shikoku has four of the twelve original castle towers remaining in Japan? If you’re a castle buff or simply love architecture, exploring these historic fortresses should be at the top of your things to do in Ozu Japan and beyond.

Starting with Ozu Castle itself, this beautifully reconstructed castle offers a glimpse into feudal Japan’s architectural heritage. But your castle adventures don’t need to stop there – Ehime prefecture is home to three other remarkable castles worth adding to your Ozu Japan travel guide.

The first is Matsuyama Castle, the largest castle on the island. Once you’ve reached the main tower via the ropeway, you can enjoy spectacular views from the top floor over the city and the Seto Inland Sea.

The second is Uwajima Castle, perched atop a mountain. This castle is well known as one of the twelve Japanese castles that still have an original Edo-period donjon, making it a truly authentic piece of history.

The third is Imabari Castle, which faces the Seto Inland Sea and features an impressive entrance by the sea. This coastal fortress offers a unique perspective on Japan’s castle architecture.

FAQs About Ozu, Japan

Is Ozu worth visiting?

Yes! It’s ideal for travellers looking to explore authentic, crowd-free Japan with historical architecture, cultural festivals, and peaceful scenery.

Can I stay in Ozu Castle?

Yes – it’s one of the few castles in Japan where you can book a night in the main keep. It’s pricey but unforgettable.

How long should I spend in Ozu?

One to two days is ideal, especially if combined with Uchiko or Matsuyama.

When is the best time to visit Ozu?

Spring (for cherry blossoms) and autumn (for festivals and foliage).

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Have you been to Ozu or are you planning a trip to Ehime? Let me know your thoughts or drop your questions below!

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Written by

Mayi

Mayi is the writer and photographer behind SecretMoona — a space for travellers who care more about culture and quiet corners than tick-box sights. She writes honest, first-hand guides to France, Japan and beyond, a journey that began with a solo trip to Japan in 2017.

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