411-2 Ozu, Ozu 795-0012 Ehime Prefecture

Located on the banks of the Hijikawa River, Garyu Sanso is a premier scenic spot that embodies the essence of Japanese culture. This masterpiece of architecture was meticulously built over a period of more than 10 years by Torajiro Kochi, a prominent trader around the turn of the 20th century. The name Garyu, meaning "reclining dragon," was supposedly given by the third lord of Ozu Domain, Yasutsune Kato, who believed that the shape of Mt. Horai resembled a resting dragon. At Garyu Sanso, you can immerse yourself in the serene beauty and breathtaking views once cherished by feudal lords. Step outside of Torajiro Kochi's carefully crafted Garyu-in and be enchanted by the meticulously designed stone pathways and the stunning moss garden. In 2011, Garyu-in was awarded one Michelin star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. In 2016, Garyu-in, Furoan, and Bunko were designated as National Cultural Properties. In 2021, Garyu Sanso was designated as a National Scenic Spot.

903 Ozu, Ozu 795-0012 Ehime Prefecture

Surrounded by lush greenery and located on the banks of the Hijikawa River, Ozu Castle stands as a historic landmark. Originally built as Jizogatake Castle by Utsunomiya Toyofusa in 1331, it was later renovated by his successors and transformed into the castle we see today during the 17th century. Although the main keep was dismantled in 1888 due to deterioration, it was meticulously reconstructed in 2004 based on old photographs and historical blueprints. All the wood used in the reconstruction is domestically sourced, and stepping inside the main keep allows visitors to admire the impressive wooden structures unique to Japanese castle architecture. In addition to the main keep, four turrets have survived since the Edo period (1603-1868) and are designated as National Important Cultural Properties. Two of these turrets, the Daidokoro Turret and the Koran Turret, are connected to the reconstructed main keep and can be visited together.

Ozu, Ozu 795-0012 Ehime Prefecture

Ozu, Ozu 795-0012 Ehime Prefecture

Ohana-han Street is a charming street located at the eastern end of the downtown area of Konan. It faithfully preserves the town layout and houses from centuries ago, allowing visitors to experience the lifestyle of the common people of that time. On the north side, there are rows of storehouses that belonged to merchants, while on the south side, there are samurai residences, illustrating the boundary between the merchant and samurai districts. This wide street was not only used as a ceremonial path to the feudal lord's villa, but also served as a firebreak to prevent fires in the merchant district from spreading to the samurai residences. Along the street is the Ohanahan Street Rest Area, where memories and photographs of Ohanahan are on display.

103, Ozu 795-8601 Ehime Prefecture

Starting at an arch with the words "Pokopen Yokocho" written on it, this shopping street is steeped in retro atmosphere reminiscent of the 1950s. The street is filled with old-fashioned eateries serving favorites like Chuka-soba (ramen) and croquettes, shops selling toy trinkets, and even a spot where you can play games from the past. Pokopen Yokocho is exciting and enlightening for both kids and adults. Don't miss the Omoide Soko, where numerous vintage signs, cars, and toys are on display. You can also see replicas of cars, motorcycles, old-fashioned telephones, and even a beauty salon, offering visitors a valuable look back in time.

60 Ozu, Ozu 795-0012 Ehime Prefecture

The Ozu Akarenga Hall is a brick building built in 1901 as the headquarters of the Ozu Commercial Bank and conveys the prosperity of early 20th century Japan. It also served as a storage facility for silkworm cocoons that were used as collateral at the time. Today, the building is utilized as a tourist center and local product shop. The building is primarily constructed with bricks imported from England, with a roof adorned with Japanese tiles and a distinctive hybrid architecture that features the character for "commerce" on deccrative tiles on the roof. The first floor of the main building has a variety of Iyo/Ozu crafts for sale, and the second floor houses a café. The annex building has rest areas on both the first and second floors, making it a popular place for locals and tourists to relax. Adjacent to the museum is Pokopen Yokocho, an area designated as a tangible cultural property by Ozu; and the Omoide Soko, which showcases retro mid-20th century memorabilia.

Ozu, Ozu Ehime Prefecture

649-1, Ozu, Ozu 795-0012 Ehime Prefecture

Situated in the heart of Ozu, the Hijiminami District was once a bustling castle town of the ruling Kato clan. Even today, the town's layout reflects its history from centuries ago. Asamoya - Ozu Machi no Eki is situated in the center of this district, and serves as the starting and ending point for tourists visiting Ozu. It houses the Ozu Tourist General Information Center, where visitors can make reservations for rickshaw rides or guided tours through town. Bicycles are also available for rent to make trips out to neighboring attractions, and you'll find dining options on-site. In the shop, you'll find a wide selection of local products from Iyo and Ozu, including sweets like Tominaga Shoeido's famous Shigure.

302 Nagahamako, Ozu 799-3401 Ehime Prefecture

The Nagahamaohashi Bridge is the oldest operating bascule (rising) bridge in Japan, spanning the mouth of the Hiji River. Nagahama is a port town that developed as an important hub connecting river and sea transportation, with many ships coming and going to transport goods. To accommodate these ships, the bridge features a bascule mechanism that lifts part of the road and opens the 18-meter central section. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property on December 10, 2014, it is currently only opened for inspection and tourism. Originally painted gray, it was later painted red after WWII and is affectionately known as the Red Bridge by the locals. The bridge is lit up during the summer months in the evening.

937-2 Sugetacho Odake Otsu, Ozu 795-0083 Ehime Prefecture

The Sukunahikona Shrine, established in 1928, is a unique type of shrine in Japan, as it was built as the final resting place of Sukunahikona, a god in Japanese mythology. The Sanro-Den, built on the slope of a mountain, is constructed in a unique Japanese architectural style called "kake-zukuri," where the entire structure rests upon an enormous lattice of wooden pillars. The interior space of the canopy, which is about 13m high and has windows on three sides, is a truly unique experience. The building is also known as the Kiyomizu-dera of Ehime because it is built in the same way as the Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. It designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Ozu, and the interior of the building is open to visitors.

Ozu 799-3470 Ehime Prefecture

848-1 Ozu, Ozu 795-0012 Ehime Prefecture

1 Toyoshige, Ozu 799-3462 Ehime Prefecture