Things To Do
in Ōzu
Ōzu is a charming and historic city located in Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku in Japan. It is known for its well-preserved samurai residences, traditional streets, and beautiful waterfront views along the Hijikawa River. Visitors can explore various historical sites such as Ozu Castle and the Garyu Sanso Villa, as well as enjoy scenic boat cruises or relax in the peaceful atmosphere of the city.
Ōzu also hosts several traditional festivals throughout the year, offering a glimpse into the local culture and traditions.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Ōzu Castle, a historic site with beautiful views. Stroll through the surrounding gardens and appreciate the serenity of the area.
Head to the nearby Garyu Sanso Villa to enjoy lunch and view traditional Japanese architecture. Spend some time roaming the picturesque landscape and relaxing by the river.
Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya, experiencing authentic Japanese cuisine. Take a leisurely walk along the riverbank, soaking in the calm atmosphere.
Visit the Ōzu Shiroyama Park to enjoy cherry blossoms if in season. Take some time for a leisurely walk and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Explore Ōzu’s quaint shops and local markets for some unique souvenirs. Sampling street food will give a taste of the local flavors.
Dine in a cozy restaurant specializing in local delicacies. Finish the day by participating in a local cultural experience or workshop.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and rivers.
- Rich cultural heritage with traditional festivals and temples.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
- Low crime rates, contributing to safety and peace of mind.
- Access to fresh, local produce and seafood.
- Limited job opportunities outside of tourism and agriculture.
- Public transportation options may be less frequent and less extensive.
- Can be prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons.
- Access to modern amenities and entertainment may be limited.
- Language barrier for non-Japanese speakers can be challenging.
Best Activities in Ōzu
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic cycling route that traverses multiple islands and bridges, offering beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Explore this historic villa and garden, known for its tranquil setting and traditional architecture surrounded by lush greenery.
Embark on leisurely or challenging hikes through the picturesque forests and trails in this serene natural setting.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ōzu with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ōzu
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area
Food in Ōzu
Ōzu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Taimeshi is a local specialty featuring sea bream (tai) served on a bed of rice, often seasoned with fragrant ginger and soy sauce. Recommended place to try: Various seafood restaurants along the Uchiko coastline.
Must-Try!
Jakoten are delicate, crispy fish cakes made from small fish such as sardines or horse mackerel. They are a popular snack in Ōzu and can be found at local street food stalls and markets.
Satsumaage is a type of deep-fried fish cake originating from Kagoshima Prefecture, but it's widely enjoyed in Ōzu. Look for it at traditional izakayas and local eateries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ōzu better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This market offers a wonderful array of fresh produce, local snacks, and artisanal crafts. It's a great place to sample street food like jakoten and other regional delicacies.
This bustling shopping street is lined with vendors selling an assortment of snacks and street food. Visitors can savor freshly prepared takoyaki, yakitori, and various other Japanese street foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ōzu, it is customary to remove shoes before entering someone's home or certain traditional tatami-mat rooms to show respect and keep the living space clean.
When meeting someone, it is polite to bow as a sign of respect. The depth of the bow can vary depending on the formality of the situation.
The culture in Ōzu places a strong emphasis on showing respect for elders. It is important to use honorific language and gestures when interacting with older individuals.
Safety
Tipping in Ōzu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Ōzu. It is not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, taxis, or other service industries. In fact, tipping may even be considered rude or confusing in Japanese culture.
In Ōzu, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the most common form of payment. Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, especially in larger establishments, but it's always a good idea to carry cash for smaller shops, restaurants, and rural areas. Mobile payment methods such as Suica or IC cards are also gaining popularity in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see cherry blossoms blooming, pleasant weather, and traditional Japanese festivals such as hanami.
Warm weather with occasional rain, vibrant green landscapes, and popular events like the Nihon Kaido road race.
Beautiful fall foliage, mild temperatures, and opportunities to experience the unique culture and heritage of the region.
Cold weather, snow-covered landscapes, and fewer tourists, making it a peaceful time to explore the local attractions and hot springs.
Ōzu at Night
Hiking in Ōzu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination offering scenic views and diverse flora along marked trails.
Known for its vast grasslands and panoramic landscapes, this hiking area provides a peaceful environment for walkers.
A gentle trail following the Tsuya River, perfect for families and casual hikers looking for a relaxing walk.
A more challenging hike, Mount Hiko features steep paths and rewarding vistas at the summit.
A beautiful cycling and walking route with stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea, featuring various access points for hikers.
Aiports
How to reach Ōzu by plane.
Located approximately 55 kilometers from Ōzu, this airport serves domestic and limited international flights.
About 130 kilometers away, Fukuoka Airport is one of the main international airports in southern Japan, offering a variety of domestic and international flights.
Situated around 140 kilometers from Ōzu, this airport provides both domestic and some international services.
Approximately 150 kilometers away, Miyazaki Airport serves domestic flights and some international connections.
Located roughly 200 kilometers from Ōzu, this airport operates domestic flights and some international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary demographic group consisting of citizens of Japan, making up a significant majority of the population in Ōzu.
A notable minority population that includes both permanent residents and descendants of Korean immigrants.
This group includes Chinese nationals and their descendants who have settled in Ōzu.
A smaller group including migrant workers from various countries, involved in local industries.
A diverse group of individuals residing in Ōzu temporarily for educational purposes from various countries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Ōzu, with local leagues and school teams actively participating in competitions.
Soccer has a strong following in Ōzu, with numerous youth and amateur clubs providing opportunities for players of all ages.
Kendo, the traditional Japanese martial art of swordsmanship, is practiced widely in Ōzu, with local dojos offering training and tournaments.
Table tennis is a popular recreational sport in Ōzu, enjoyed by individuals and families, with various clubs available.
Basketball is also favored in Ōzu, particularly among younger players, with school teams and community leagues being quite active.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ōzu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood, many restaurants in Ōzu strive to provide vegetarian and vegan-friendly alternatives like tofu-based dishes, vegetable tempura, and fresh salads.
Visitors with a gluten intolerance can enjoy dishes like sashimi, rice-based meals, and gluten-free soba noodles at various eateries in Ōzu. It's recommended to communicate dietary needs clearly with the serving staff for a tailored dining experience.