Ozu Old Town

Ozu, a historic city in Ehime Prefecture, offers a richly textured journey into Japan’s past with its well-preserved streetscape dating back to the Edo Period (1603–1867). The town center is a charming maze of stone-paved alleys lined with traditional machiya townhouses and the remnants of samurai residences, many of which reflect a seamless architectural transition between the Edo and Meiji eras. While most of these historic homes are not open to the public, their facades preserve the quiet dignity of Ozu’s feudal roots. Just north of the old town, visitors can follow the remnants of Ozu Castle’s original stone walls, which stretch toward the elegant Garyu Sanso Villa — a subtle reminder of the castle’s former dominance and the lasting influence of its lords on the town’s development.

Continuing along the path leads to Ozu Redbrick Hall, a striking Meiji-era building that originally served as a commercial bank and now functions as a cultural gallery and rest stop for travelers. Its bold Western-style architecture stands in sharp yet charming contrast to the surrounding wooden streetscape. Nearby, Omoide Warehouse captures the spirit of postwar Japan through a nostalgic collection of retro items from the Showa Period (1926–1989), including vintage Coca-Cola bottles, toys, and household goods. It forms part of Pokopen Yokocho Alley, a retro-style market open on Sundays, where wooden-framed stalls recreate the atmosphere of 1950s Japan. Visitors can browse small trinkets, sample nostalgic street snacks, or enjoy classic festival-style games, making it a lively pocket of Showa-era charm within this historical city.