Nipponia Hotel Ozu Castle Town is a unique decentralized hotel dating back to the 1300s and offering a heritage stay in Japan. While the main castle was built in the 14th century, the property features eleven other historical houses and mansions belonging to different eras, including the Edo Period (1603 - 1868). Back then, the Murakami and Kato clans had supremacy over the town, so most of the buildings you'll see now belonged to them. The Meiji (1868–1912) and Taisho (1912–1926) Periods saw the most development of the city, with a flourishing wax and silk production. It was also a strategically located port city, thus attracting wealthy merchants. Many of these merchants built houses and teahouses in the area, some of which are now part of the hotel.

One of the hotel's buildings, TUNE, named after the third-generation Kato lord Yasutsune, used to be a ryotei (Japanese restaurant) back in the Edo Period. The SADA building is also named after a Kato lord, Kato Sadayasu. Some of the buildings are even registered as tangible cultural properties as they've stood the test of time. These include the kitchen turret, the Koran turret, the Owata turret, and the Sannomaru south corner turret.

The castle's main structure was built by Yasuharu Wakisaka in 1617. Although it was destroyed in 1888, the castle tower was carefully renovated and restored with wood in 2004 with the initiative of the local community and government. It's, in fact, the first restored castle in Japan to welcome guests. The wood used for the restoration was completely sourced from Japan.

Design and Architecture

You'll find a delightful mix of architectural styles at the hotel, as its buildings belong to different eras. The main castle, for example, features Edo-period architecture. You can admire intricate woodwork made with wood sourced from all over Japan.  The castle is lit up at night to enhance its stunning architecture. The tower also features a beautiful diorama depicting the creation of the Ozu Castle. Other tiny but significant architectural details include a carved wooden ladybird. The hotel's buildings also include the quintessential tatami mats, exposed wooden ceilings, and earthen walls. Despite thorough renovations, the buildings retain most of their natural materials, original decor, and traditional charm.

LE UN

Dining at Nipponia Hotel Ozu Castle Town is a grand affair. The gourmet restaurant LE UN offers the Kato clan’s favorite dishes prepared using French techniques and age-old recipes under the supervision of the current chef, Kazuya Sugimoto. Natural seasonal products are used for the meals, including seafood from Seto Inland Sea, such as sea bream and spiny lobster, fresh river crabs from Hijikawa River, beef local to Ehime, and other produce from the verdant mountains, such as taro, citrus fruits, and chestnuts. This not only highlights Ozu's natural bounty but also helps you connect with the local culture.. The food is served in a visually pleasing manner in aesthetic Tobe ware, a special kind of porcelain local to Tobe, introduced by the Kato family. Drinks unique to the region are also served with the meals, including Silk Ale from Garyu Brewery.

Opening hours: 11:30 am - 3 pm; 5:30 pm - 10 pm
Capacity: 40 people

Koran Yagura and Castle Lounge

Koran Yagura is the watchtower-cum-bar where you can relish local sake and mingle with fellow travelers. This spot used to be the favorite moon-viewing spot for the samurais at Ozu Castle. The lounge in the annex is also a great place to enjoy a nightcap.

Breakfast

Savor a wholesome breakfast unique to Ozu by the Hiji River during your stay. This includes imotaki, a kind of hot pot served in the city, miso soup, and shiny rice.

Serving hours: 7:30 am - 10 am

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The best part about Nipponia Hotel Ozu Castle Town's decentralized concept is that you get to explore all of Ozu during your stay. You'll be picked up in a luxury car from the airport and graciously welcomed at the castle. You can actually roleplay as the lord of the castle on horseback, and you will be treated accordingly! There will be a group of samurai greeting you as you enter the property. You can dress up in samurai armor as well.

The property offers themed dinner nights and vibrant performances by local kagura theater artists. Guided tours and tea presentations are also offered here. You can mingle with locals while touring the castle town on a rickshaw, go for a private cruise on a houseboat, or learn the techniques of ukai cormorant fishing. Yacht charters are also possible if you wish to explore the Seto Inland Sea. Adventure seekers can try stand-up paddleboarding on the Hiji River.

Other Celebrations

The property welcomes private events and celebrations. Feel free to contact the management before your visit and plan your event in advance.