Jcastle.info

Guide to Japanese Castles

Ozu Castle

大洲城

donjon and yagura
Picture Donated by Raffi
←      →
Alternate Name Jizogatake-jo
Founder Utsunomiya Toyofusa
Year 1331
Reconstructed 2004 (wood)
Type Hilltop
Structure 4 levels, 4 stories
Condition Reconstructed
Admin's Rating ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Historical Site Prefectural Historic Site
Historical Value Top 100 Castles, Important Cultural Properties
Historical Artifacts Important Cultural Properties:
Sannomaru South Sumi Yagura, Owata Yagura, Daidokoro Yagura, Koran Yagura
Location Ozu, Ehime Pref.
Map Google Map
Access Iyo Ozu Sta. (Yosan Line), taxi
Website Ozu City
Notes not personally visited
History The first fortifications on this site were constructed in 1331 by Utsunomiya Toyofusa. From 1585-1617 the castle was ruled by a quick succession of lords including Kobayakawa Takakage, Toda Katsutaka, Todo Takatora and Wakisaka Yasuharu. The castle you see today was most likely built up during this time. Kato Sadayasu arrived in 1617 and his descendents ruled until the Meiji Restoration. The donjon was destroyed in 1888. The reconstruction was completed in 2004 using wood and traditional methods. It also connects 2 of the original yagura.
Photo Tags

Viewer Comments

(2) | Post Comment
  • Rheagan_Greene    April 16, 2010 at 09:50 PM
    I would strongly recommend visiting this Castle. I was there on 7th April 2010. Yes, it is reconstructed, but using the same techniques and materials as would have been employed during the Edo period. The craftsmanship is breathtaking. Iyo Ozu village is also well worth walking round. Iyo Ozu is easy to get to, take the JR line south for about 45 minutes from Matsuyama. The Castle is visible from the train, slightly further south from the station. It’s easily walkable, but I took a taxi there (to find the way) and walked back.
  • MM    March 16, 2008 at 07:02 AM
    This Shiro is worth going to as the interior looks as all japanese castles did shortly after construction.