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The keep in the main enclosure, linked by corridors to Daidokoro Yagura and Koran Yagura, December 2020. The keep is a 2004 wooden restoration; the two turrets survive from the Edo period and are Important Cultural Properties.
Saigen JiroCC0Wikimedia Commons

Ehime · Ōzu

Ōzu Castle

大洲城

Ōzu, Ehime

CastleHilltop castle (hirayamajiro)Japan's 100 Fine Castles No. 82

What makes this castle distinctive

Torn down in the Meiji era, the keep was rebuilt in wood in 2004, guided by old photographs and an Edo-period wooden model of its frame.

Why?

Ozu's keep was dismantled in 1888 because it had grown old, but photographs taken from three directions in the Meiji era survived, along with a wooden framework model of the keep (tenshu hinagata) kept by the family of the domain's master carpenters. Using these, local donations and traditional building methods, the four-tiered, four-story keep was rebuilt over about ten years. Its size would normally break Japan's Building Standards Act, but after nearly two years of negotiation it was approved as a preservation building.[3][4]

Three things not to miss

01
Inside the keep: the timber framework and the stairs between the first and second floors, October 2005. All the timber used is from Japan.CarpkazuCC BY-SA 3.0Wikimedia Commons

The four-story keep rebuilt in wood

Where
The keep in the main enclosure (paid entry).
What to look at
Inside, the heavy timber framework of pillars and beams; outside, the curved karahafu gable on the fourth tier.
Why it's interesting
The north-side photograph is so clear that the shapes of the wall stones and even the number of rafters could be counted. All the timber is Japanese; the walls were built on a bamboo lattice with layer after layer of clay and finished with plaster in seven or eight stages; and the hand-forged nails were made by a blacksmith using old methods. The city says it is the first four-story keep rebuilt in wood since the war, and at 19.15 m the tallest.[1][3][4]
Can you see it?
Visible from outsideFree to see from outside. Entry to the keep costs 550 yen for adults.
02
Koran Yagura (left) and Daidokoro Yagura (right), photographed in February 1994, before the keep was rebuilt. Both are Edo-period buildings reconstructed after the great Ansei earthquake of 1857.ReggaemanCC BY-SA 3.0Wikimedia Commons

Daidokoro and Koran turrets, linked to the keep

Where
The main enclosure: the two turrets joined to either side of the keep by corridors.
What to look at
The lattice smoke windows of Daidokoro Yagura, and the balcony with railings (koran) around the second floor of Koran Yagura.
Why it's interesting
Daidokoro Yagura is the largest turret at Ozu; a third of its floor is beaten earth, and it is thought to have served as a kitchen for the garrison during a siege. Railings like Koran Yagura's are very rare on a turret, suggesting it ranked just below the keep. Both were badly damaged in the great earthquake of 1857 and rebuilt in 1859 and 1860, and both are Important Cultural Properties. A wooden keep rebuilt in 2004 joined to genuine Edo-period turrets is what makes Ozu unusual.[2][5]
Can you see it?
Partly visibleThe exteriors can be seen from the main enclosure. Whether parts of the turrets can be seen as part of the keep visit was not confirmed.
03
Ozu Castle seen from across the Hiji River, June 2017. The castle stands on a low hill on the riverbank and used the river behind it as a natural moat.SuicasmoCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

The castle across the Hiji River

Where
The opposite bank of the Hiji River and Hijikawa Bridge. Owata Yagura stands right by the water at the east end of the second enclosure.
What to look at
The keep on its hill above the river, and the tall stone base of Owata Yagura facing the water.
Why it's interesting
Ozu Castle stands on a hill by the Hiji River and used the river behind it as a natural moat. Owata Yagura guarded the east, watching up and down the river, but floods damaged it again and again, and when it was dismantled for repair in 1959 its stone base was raised about 2.6 m. The river and castle together form the classic view of Ozu.[1][2][5]
Can you see it?
Visible from outsideFree to view from the riverside. The official site recommends the riverside route on foot from Iyo-Ozu Station.

At a glance for visitors

Nearest station
30 min walk from JR Iyo-Ozu Station
Climb
Some climbing
Time neededEditors' estimate
About an hour for the keep and main enclosure; half a day if you add Garyu Sanso and the old town.
Admission
Adults 550 yen, junior high school and younger 220 yen. Combined ticket with Garyu Sanso: adults 880 yen, children 330 yen; with Garyu Sanso and Bansenso: adults 1,100 yen, children 440 yen. Free for children 5 and under with a guardian, and for Ozu residents aged 65+.
Hours
9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Access
Open to visitors

The grounds around the main enclosure are free. Entry to the keep is paid. Owata Yagura and Sannomaru Minami Sumi Yagura stand away from the main enclosure and are seen from outside. The location of the Japan 100 Castles stamp was not confirmed.

Checked:

View on mapOpen in Google MapsOzu Castle (official site)Ozu City tourism: Ozu Castle

The story of this castle

01
Historical record

A hill with a river at its back

Ozu Castle is a hill-and-plain castle (hirayamajiro) built on a low hill beside the Hiji River. The river behind it served as a natural moat, while the second and third enclosures were laid out to the south and ringed with inner and outer moats. The town was originally called Otsu, written with the character for 'port'.[10][5]

02
Historical record

From a medieval fort to an early-modern castle

The castle is said to have begun in 1331, at the end of the Kamakura period, when Utsunomiya Toyofusa, the provincial governor of Iyo, built a fort on Jizogatake hill. After Toyotomi Hideyoshi conquered Shikoku in 1585, the castle passed in quick succession to Kobayakawa Takakage, Toda Katsutaka, Todo Takatora and Wakisaka Yasuharu. It is thought to have been rebuilt as a full early-modern castle under Todo and Wakisaka.[10][4][5]

03
Scholarly interpretation

Wakisaka Yasuharu and the mystery of the keep

In 1609 Wakisaka Yasuharu arrived from Sumoto on Awaji Island. Architectural historian Miyakami Shigetaka, who drew up the basic design for the rebuilt keep, suggested that Wakisaka may have moved the keep from Sumoto and renamed the town from Otsu to Ozu. In 1617 Kato Sadayasu took over, and the castle remained the seat of the Kato family's 60,000-koku domain until the Meiji era.[10][5]

04
Historical record

The keep came down; four turrets survived

In the Meiji era the castle's 18 turrets were lost one after another, and in 1888 the aging keep was also dismantled. Local people saved part of the castle, and four turrets survived: Daidokoro, Koran, Owata and Sannomaru Minami Sumi Yagura. All four were designated Important Cultural Properties in 1957. The oldest is Sannomaru Minami Sumi Yagura, rebuilt in 1766.[10][2][4][5]

05
Historical record

Rebuilt in wood with local support

A committee to rebuild the keep was formed in 1994, and in 1996 Miyakami Shigetaka reported that a complete restoration in wood was possible, setting the project in motion. The construction cost was about 1.3 billion yen, and a campaign aimed to raise 500 million yen in donations as well as gifts of timber. Work began in 2002, carpenters from Inami in Toyama Prefecture worked with local builders to raise the frame, and the keep was completed in 2004.[3][4]

People of this castle

Timeline

  1. Utsunomiya Toyofusa is said to build a fort on Jizogatake hill[10]

  2. Todo Takatora arrives and makes Ozu (then Otsu) his base[10]

  3. Wakisaka Yasuharu arrives from Sumoto[10]

  4. Kato Sadayasu arrives; the Kato family rules until the Meiji era[10][5]

  5. The keep is dismantled[10][4]

  6. Four turrets are designated Important Cultural Properties[10][2]

  7. The four-story keep is rebuilt in wood[10][3][4]

Buildings and remains

The keep today

Historically documented reconstruction

Dismantled in 1888. Rebuilt in wood in 2004 as a four-tiered, four-story keep based on Meiji-era photographs, a wooden framework model and other records (described as a 'restoration' by the castle and the city).

The site today

The rebuilt keep and Edo-period turrets stand in the main enclosure, and the castle site is a prefectural historic site. The second and third enclosures are now part of the town, with Owata Yagura and Sannomaru Minami Sumi Yagura standing on their own.

Main buildings

Rebuilt in wood

Keep (tenshu)

Rebuilt in wood in 2004; linked by corridors to Daidokoro and Koran Yagura.[2][4]

OriginalImportant Cultural Property

Daidokoro Yagura (kitchen turret)

Badly damaged in the 1857 earthquake and rebuilt in 1859; dismantled and repaired in 1970.[2][5]

OriginalImportant Cultural Property

Koran Yagura (balcony turret)

Badly damaged in the 1857 earthquake and rebuilt in 1860. Has a balcony with railings on the second floor.[2][5]

OriginalImportant Cultural Property

Owata Yagura (turret)

Rebuilt in 1843; its stone base was raised about 2.6 m during repairs in 1959.[2][5]

OriginalImportant Cultural Property

Sannomaru Minami Sumi Yagura (turret)

Rebuilt in 1766, the oldest surviving building at Ozu. Hidden loopholes are built into its walls.[2][5]

Key facts

Type
Castle
Setting
Hilltop castle (hirayamajiro)built on a low hill rising from the plainEditorial article
Period
Medieval (c.1185–1570s), Early modern (1570s–1871)Editorial article
Keep (tenshu)
Historically documented reconstructiona building reconstructed from plans, photographs or other historical recordsEditorial article
Built by
Utsunomiya ToyofusaJapan Castle Foundation
Built
1331Japan Castle Foundation
Main lords
Katō clan, Tōdō clan, Utsunomiya clan, Toda clanJapan Castle Foundation
Abandoned
1871Wikipedia (ja)
Remains to see
Turrets or turret bases, Stone walls, Moats, Baileys / enclosures (kuruwa), Keep base (tenshudai)Editorial article
Designation
Ehime Prefectural Historic Site (Ozu Castle site) (1953); Important Cultural Properties (four turrets) (1957)Editorial article
Selection
Japan's 100 Fine Castles No. 82Japan Castle Foundation

Visiting

Access

Open to visitors

The grounds around the main enclosure are free. Entry to the keep is paid. Owata Yagura and Sannomaru Minami Sumi Yagura stand away from the main enclosure and are seen from outside. The location of the Japan 100 Castles stamp was not confirmed.

Address

903 Ozu, Ozu, Ehime[4]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Nearest stations and how to get there

JR Iyo-Ozu StationJR Yosan Line

about 30 min walk · Some climbing

About 30 minutes (about 2 km) on foot; the official site suggests either the old Ozu Kaido route through town or the riverside route. Alternatively take the Gururin Ozu loop bus to Ozu-jo-mae (about 10 minutes) and walk about 5 minutes, take a taxi (about 10 minutes), or cycle (about 15 minutes; rental bikes at the station tourist office).[1]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Hours and admission

Ozu Castle keep
Hours
9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Closed
Open every day
Admission
Adults 550 yen, junior high school and younger 220 yen. Combined ticket with Garyu Sanso: adults 880 yen, children 330 yen; with Garyu Sanso and Bansenso: adults 1,100 yen, children 440 yen. Free for children 5 and under with a guardian, and for Ozu residents aged 65+.[1][4]
Checked: 2026-10-03

By car / parking

About 10 minutes from Ozu-Hijinan IC on the Matsuyama Expressway. Use the Ozu Civic Hall car park (paid) or the Ozu City Tourist Car Park No. 1 (free).[1][4]

Checked: 2026-10-03
Grounds opening hours
Not confirmedChecked: 2026-10-03
Time neededEditors' estimate
About an hour for the keep and main enclosure; half a day if you add Garyu Sanso and the old town.
Steps, slopes and footing
The main enclosure sits on a low hill reached by a slope. Inside the keep are wooden stairs.[5][6]
Wheelchairs and strollers
The official site asks wheelchair users to contact the castle in advance. Details of facilities were not confirmed.[1]Checked: 2026-10-03
Toilets and rest
Not confirmed
English signs / audio guide
The official site shows fees with English labels. English signage inside the keep was not confirmed.[1]
Seasons
Not confirmed (check the official news page for seasonal events).[7]
Photography
Not confirmed
Works, closures and restrictions
Events such as a samurai dress-up experience and public practice by the Ozu Domain matchlock gun corps are listed for October 2026 (check the official news page for dates). The keep is also used for an exclusive overnight stay, the Ozu Castle Castle Stay.[7][8]Checked: 2026-10-03

Around the castle

Garden

Garyu Sanso

A villa and garden overlooking the Garyu pool on the Hiji River. Three buildings are Important Cultural Properties and the grounds are a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Open 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30), every day; adults 550 yen. Combined tickets with Ozu Castle are available.[6]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Editors' guide

An editorial guide based on sources and confirmed information — not a first-hand visit report.

Who will enjoy it

Good for anyone who wants to see how a wooden castle is put together, who enjoys the story of bringing a lost building back from old photos and records, or who wants to enjoy a castle and a riverside town together.

What makes it interesting

Inside the keep, look up at the new timber pillars and beams. Outside, compare the 2004 keep with the Edo-period Daidokoro and Koran turrets joined to it, and notice the differences in color and texture between new and old.

Before you go

Today's keep is a 2004 wooden reconstruction, not an Edo-period building (the two turrets joined to it are). It is about 30 minutes on foot from the station, so consider the bus or a rental bike.

Ways to enjoy it

Walk to the castle along the Hiji River for the view across the water, then visit Garyu Sanso and the old streets on the way back to see how castle, river and town fit together.

Photos

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Open questions

Sources

  1. 1
    利用案内大洲城公式ウェブサイトofficialChecked:
  2. 2
    建造物・史跡大洲城公式ウェブサイトofficialChecked:
  3. 3
    天守復元大洲城公式ウェブサイトofficialChecked:
  4. 4
    大洲城(観光情報)大洲市municipalChecked:
  5. 5
    大洲市文化財探訪① 大洲城跡大洲市municipalChecked:
  6. 6
    臥龍山荘(観光情報)大洲市municipalChecked:
  7. 7
    大洲城公式ウェブサイト(トップ・お知らせ)大洲城公式ウェブサイトofficialChecked:
  8. 8
    大洲城キャッスルステイ大洲城キャッスルステイ(公式)officialChecked:
  9. 9
    日本100名城 一覧公益財団法人日本城郭協会jokakuChecked:
  10. 10
    歴史・沿革大洲城公式ウェブサイトofficialChecked:
  11. 11
    List of Japan's 100 Fine Castles and the Next 100公益財団法人日本城郭協会jokakuChecked:
  12. 12
    Wikipedia「大洲城」Wikipedia日本語版wikipediaChecked:
  13. 13
    Wikidata Q1036874WikidatawikidataChecked:
  14. 14
    OpenStreetMap way/244039533© OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)osmChecked:

Listing status

  1. Candidate foundChecked
  2. Confirmed as a castle siteChecked
  3. Basic informationChecked
  4. In-depth articleChecked
  5. Photo rights checkedChecked
  6. Visit info checkedChecked

Castles nearby

Kita Takamori Castle3 km · Not yet confirmedNiiya Jin'ya6.3 km · Not yet confirmedHagimori Castle10.7 km · Not yet confirmedIyo Moto Castle12 km · Not yet confirmedKurose Castle17 km · Not yet confirmedRyugamori Castle20.1 km · Not yet confirmed

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