Ozu Castle Town Streetscape

This castle town district stretches along the Hiji River in Ozu, Ehime Prefecture. It flourished as the castle town of the Ozu Domain during the Edo period, and traces of that history remain throughout the area. Its scenery also reflects the successive Edo, Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods. Old merchant houses, storehouses, temples, shrines, and Western-style buildings dot the town, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

One of the best-known spots is Ohanahan Street. The street retains much of its Edo-period layout and rows of buildings, with merchant storehouses lining the north side and buildings lining the south side. It was named after serving as a filming location for the NHK serial drama “Ohanahan.” Notable buildings are scattered nearby, including the reconstructed wooden Ozu Castle, Garyu Sanso, an architectural masterpiece in the sukiya style, and Ozu Akarengakan, housed in a former bank building.

In recent years, renovated traditional houses have become accommodations, shops, and cafes, offering opportunities to stroll, shop, and visit cafes while taking in the historic scenery. Walk leisurely through the castle town while experiencing the flowing Hiji River and the town’s peaceful atmosphere.