Ozu Castle Town — Preserved Edo Architecture

**Ozu Castle reconstruction:** The castle keep was rebuilt in 2004 using authentic Edo construction techniques — entirely wooden structure with traditional joinery (no nails), hand-carved beams, and clay-and-plaster walls. Unlike concrete reconstructions, the building feels genuinely historical inside. The castle's relatively recent construction means the wood is fresh and bright rather than darkened by centuries of age. **Merchant house visits:** Several Edo merchant houses are open to the public: (1) Garyu Sanso (¥550, covered separately) — cliffside villa. (2) Ozu Akarenga-kan — Meiji-era red brick building, free entry, now a cafe. (3) Ohanahan Street machiya — several homes open for tours (¥300–500 each), featuring interior gardens, Buddhist altars, and period furnishings. **River cormorant fishing:** Ozu practices ukai (鵜飼, cormorant fishing) on the Hijikawa River June–September. Fishermen use trained cormorants on leashes to catch ayu (sweetfish) at night, a 1,300-year-old tradition. Viewing boats ¥3,500/person, 90-min excursion, departs 19:30. The spectacle of burning torches reflecting on water while birds dive is visually striking, though the fishing yield is more symbolic than productive. **Stay in a machiya:** Several machiya townhouses operate as guesthouses (¥8,000–15,000/night), offering futon bedding, private gardens, and wooden-soaking tubs. These provide a more intimate historical experience than standard hotels. Book 2–3 months ahead for weekends.