An Introduction to Ozu, Ehime

This video, titled "A Journey to the Good Old Days of Japan - Ozu, Ehime Prefecture (5-minute version)" (古き良き、往年の日本を訪ねる旅～愛媛県大洲市～（英語：5分Ver)), is a promotional video uploaded by the official channel of Ozu.

Ozu, Ehime, located in Japan's Shikoku Region (四国地方, Shikokuchiho), is known as the "Little Kyoto of Iyo" for its beautiful scenery and tasteful vibe.
Nagahama Bridge (長浜大橋, Nagahamaohashi) astrides the Hiji River (肱川, Hijikawa) that runs through Ozu, at its estuary.
It's a drawbridge that opens and closes in the center.
Under the cold winter sky, a crisp wind known as the Hiji River Storm (肱川嵐, Hijikawa Arashi), a hallmark of the season for Ozu, and it is followed by a vast fog.
This can be seen from 0:12 in the video through time-lapse footage.

The video introduces all of the must-see tourist locations in Ozu, Ehime.
The attractions of the city are packed into this 5-and-a-half minute video.

More About Ozu, Ehime - An Introduction to Beautiful Sightseeing Spots

Photo：Ohanahan Street

In the city, rickshaws run on cobblestone of Ohanahan Street (おはなはん通り, Ohanahandori), along the historical housings from the Meiji Period (1868-1912).
The cobblestone streets can be seen in the video from 1:11.
Pokopen Alley (ポコペン横丁, Pokopen Yokocho), a nostalgic and instagrammable side street, as well as the exotic Ozu Red Brick Building (おおず赤煉瓦館, Ozu Akarengakan), are two popular tourist destinations.
We recommend visiting Nagahama Port (長浜港, Nagamahako) in Ozu if you fancy yourself some gourmet seafood!
You can also travel to Aoshima Island (青島, Aoshima) in the Seto Inland Sea from the beach.

Amago no Satsuma, a specialty of Ozu, is a must-eat local cuisine.
Relaxing at Hiji River Wind Museum – Utamaro Building (肱川風の博物館・歌磨館, Hijikawa Kaze no Hakubutsukan – Utamarokan) is another great option.
It passes on locally cultivated history, culture and tradition to the next generation.

Historical Tourist Sites in Ozu, Ehime!

Photo：Ozu Castle

Ozu Castle (大洲城, Ozujo), built during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) by governor Shugo, the castle was rebuilt by Takatora Todo more than a century later. It is designated as one of the hundred best castles of Japan.
The castle is shown in the video from 2:42.

Ozu is also home to many temples and shrines such as Myoho Temple (妙法寺, Myohoji) (from 2:05), Zuiryu Temple (瑞龍寺, Zuiryuji) (from 2:29), Shusseki Temple (出石寺, Shussekiji) and Sukunahikona Shrine (少彦名神社, Sukunahikona Jinja).
Garyu Sanso(臥龍山荘,Garyu Sanso) (from 2:49), surrounded by the tasteful scenery of a Japanese garden, is known for its characteristic Sukiya Style (数寄屋建築, Sukiya Kenchiku).
It has a different feel depending on the season.
Obie Bridge (帯江橋, Obiebashi) (from 3:23) is a wooden, covered bridge, not often seen in Japan, beloved by locals as a social hub.

Ozu is home to tons of delicious food as well.
Amago no Satsuma, shown in the video from 3:52, is a traditional cuisine consisting of grilled salmon served with a miso-based soup poured on rice.

Other Tourist Destinations in Ozu, Ehime

Photo：Aoshima's cats

There are many sightseeing spots uncovered in the video.
Iyo Ozu Sukunahikona Shrine, Aoshima, Tomisuyama Park (冨士山公園, Tomisuyama Koen), Yanetsukibashi Covered Bridge (屋根つき橋, Yanetsukibashi) (also known as Roman Yatsuhashi (浪漫八橋, Romanyatsuhashi)) and Sambaidani Waterfall (三杯谷の滝, Sambaidaninotaki) are just a few places to visit in Ozu.

The "Kanko Sakura Festival" (観光さくらまつり, Kanko Sakura Matsuri), "Hataki Sakura Festival" (八多喜さくらまつり, Hataki Sakura Matsuri), "Suitengu Fireworks Festival" (水天宮花火大会, Suitengu Hanabi Taikai), "Nagahama Akahashi Summer Festival" (ながはま赤橋夏まつり, Nagahama Akahashi Natumatsuri), "Dragon Boat Festival" (ドラゴンボート大会, Dragon Boat Taikai), "Ozu Festival" (おおずまつり, Ozu Matsuri), "Ebisu Festival" (えびすまつり, Ebisu Matsuri) and "Gion Festival" (祇園まつり, Gion Festival) are some of the popular festivals in Ozu, Ehime.
We recommend scheduling your trip around these events.
You can't go wrong staying in Ozu, thanks to its abundant supply of Onsen Ryokan and hotels.

Summary of Ozu, Ehime

A lot of attractive tourist destinations are captured in this video.
If you're interested, we recommend riding the all-red tourist train "Iyo-Nada Monogatari," shown in the video from 4:11, to access Iyo-Ozu Station.

Ozu and the surrounding area was badly damaged by severe flooding in 2018, but the people are working together to restore the city.
Be sure to go on a sightseeing trip to Ozu, Ehime to support the recovery effort!

【Official Website】Ozu, Ehime Prefecture City Hall Homepage
http://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.ozu.ehime.jp%2F&sandbox=1

【Tripadvisor】Ozu, Ehime
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1022355-Ozu_Ehime_Prefecture_Shikoku-Vacations.html