Ōzu: Ōzu Castle and Garyū Sanso - A Stroll Through Iyo's Little Kyoto

A historical stroll course through the castle town of Ōzu in Ehime, known as Iyo's Little Kyoto, to be savored over a full day. Beginning at Ōzu Castle (大洲城), one of the country's rare wooden reconstructions using traditional methods, where you can take in a sweeping view of the Hijii River and castle town, then proceed to Ohanahan Street (お花はん通り) lined with white-walled storehouses. Consolidate your lunch and souvenir shopping at Ōzu Machi no Eki Asamoya (大洲まちの駅あさもや). In the afternoon, savor the masterpiece of sukiya architecture, Garyū Sanso (臥龍山荘), overlooking Garyūfuchi (臥龍淵), the most scenic spot on the Hijii River. Conclude at Ōzu Akarenga-kan (おおず赤煉瓦館), a red brick Western-style building crowned with Japanese tiles. A full day where you can feel the layering of eras through your footsteps—from castles to townhouses to fine architecture to Western halls—a journey truly worth taking for history enthusiasts.