For The First Time Ever, Japan’s Ozu Castle Is Inviting Guests To Stay Overnight

Now you can live like a royal for a night at Japan‘s Ozu castle in the Ehime Prefecture, as it has opened its doors for guests for the first time ever. By Tanvi Jain

 

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On your next trip to Japan, don’t forget to book a stay at its centuries-old Ozu Castle in the Ehime Prefecture, the first and only wooden castle in the country, which has opened its doors for guests to enjoy an overnight stay. 

One of the few remaining timber castles in all of Japan, the Ozu Castle has been successfully restored in its original form to give guests a feel of the actual history and the royal way of living in that era. However, as of now it has allowed a total of only 30 one-night stays.  

 

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The four-storey castle has always remained the focal point of the harbour town of Ozu that emerged during the Edo period in the 1600s. Such architectural style of fortresses was usually built in Japan for the lords as a symbol of their high, imposing status.

Guests here not only get to live like the lords for a night but upon their arrival, they are also given the 1617 ‘Kato Sadayasu’s Entrance’ experience, in which they dress up as warriors and are welcomed with flutes, flags and gunfire. The castle has even set up accommodation in a way to make guests feel like they own the property. Moreover, it also hosts Japanese classical music called Gagaku at dinner, followed by a moon watching experience. 

 

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Another impressive feature of this castle, includes, Garyu Sanso, a tea house villa facing Hiji River, and three pavilions staring at the tea garden. When here, you can also stroll through the old streets for a view of the old samurai houses, or just pay a visit to the beautiful shrines and temples. 

The cost of staying for a night at this castle is JPY 10 lakh, which is approximately INR 7.07 lakh for two people plus taxes, and the property only allows two to six guests at a time. 

So, here’s a royal #DreamEscape for you to start planning now so that you can execute it once #CoronaBeGone. 

Related: A Guide To Some Of The Few Remaining Original Castles In Japan