This time I visited the Ozu Castle Town in Ehime. I didn’t have very high expectations at first, but it turned out to have much more character than I imagined! Walking along the old streets, with traditional Japanese buildings preserved on both sides, it felt as though time had slowed down and I had stepped into an earlier era of Japan.
The most iconic spot here is “Ohanahan Street,” named after the NHK morning drama Ohanahan, which was filmed here. The street has fully preserved its Edo-period layout, and everything from the exteriors of the houses to the streetscape gives off a strong sense of nostalgia.
We came on a weekday, and there were hardly any tourists on the entire street. It was especially relaxing to explore without crowds, and we could take our time admiring the old buildings along the way. We didn’t have to wait at all to take photos, either.
Nearby attractions include Ozu Castle, Garyu Sanso, and the Ozu Red Brick Hall, so they can all be visited together. Compared with lively, popular tourist spots, I really like quiet little towns like this with a sense of history. Without too much hustle and bustle, it’s even easier to appreciate the charm of traditional Japanese streets.
