Ōzu Castle in Ehime Prefecture is the first and only castle in Japan that allows tourists to stay overnight. Ōzu Castle, which dates back to 1617, is one of the few remaining wooden castles in Japan. Although the transformation of Osu Castle into a hotel is a unique task, it is actually part of a larger mission. It is revitalizing a declining rural town. Osu is famous for its beautiful Hiji River, historic architecture and the four-story Osu Castle.
Once a political centre during the Edo period (1603-1868), Ōzu Castle was famous for its wax and silk production and trade. But like many other rural towns in Japan, Ozu’s fortunes have fallen sharply in recent decades. The city has experienced a significant population decline since the 1950s, dropping from 79,000 residents in 1955 to 42,000 in 2020.
Therefore, in many cases, former houses became empty plots of land. Or were used as parking lots. Kita Management sought solutions to reverse this trend. Accordingly, for an organization that seeks to preserve old houses, its team recreates them sustainably and respectfully for the community.
After the demolition of the original Herb Castle structure in 1888, the city decided to rebuild their lost symbol from the ruins in the 1990s. Accordingly, the use of wood instead of concrete. Timber construction was several times more expensive and the post-war construction law did not allow wooden structures taller than 13 meters. Osu Keep is 19 meters high. After years of lobbying the national ministries, Osu received approval to build the timber depot and the renovation work was completed in 2004.
Ōzu Castle Hotel opened its doors to guests in July, allowing visitors to enjoy the castle building in person. Only 30 accommodations are permitted for the first year, with up to six guests allowed in each accommodation. As the palace has no shops, toilets or air-conditioning facilities, a luxury bathroom and attached lounge for hotel guests have been built in its hidden corner. Visitors can choose to wear traditional kimonos and medieval warrior costumes.
But the Castle Hotel isn’t the only new accommodation option in town. The overall Nipponia Hotel Ōzu Castle Town project includes several locations around Ōzu. Another 11 hotel rooms have been built in three renovated houses across the city.
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