Stay Overnight at Japan’s Historic Ōzu Castle
With a rich history that dates back to 1617, the impressive Ōzu Castle in Japan’s is the crowning jewel of Ōzu town. Now, it has become the first and only wooden castle in the country to welcome guests for overnight stays.
One of the few remaining timber-framed castles in all of , the structure recently pivoted towards guest experiences. It has been restored as it once was, thanks to historical documents, photographs, and wooden models, allowing guests to experience what it would have been like to stay there centuries ago. “You can experience [a part of] history itself, which makes you feel as if you were back in time,” a representative stated. Currently, only 30 one-night stays are permitted.
Emerging during the (the era between 1603 and 1868), Ōzu became a harbor town, with the wooden, four-storey castle as its focal point. Fortresses like this were typically built in Japan as lavish homes for lords that displayed their status while looking imposing and defensive. Moreover, guests now have a chance to live sumptuously like those lords. In addition to overnight stays, visitors will dress up as warriors upon their arrival at the castle, enjoying a celebration featuring shell flutes, flag-waving, and gunfire. Accommodations are set up to make guests feel as though they were castle owners.
The property includes a tea house complex, which boasts stunning views of the Hiji River, with three pavilions overlooking a lush tea garden. Guests can also visit a shrine and a temple and stroll through the streets of the old town to see the former houses of samurai.
“We had our first customer to stay at Ōzu Castle in July, and they loved it. They appreciated the unique opportunity to experience staying at a Japanese castle, stating it felt very special,” a representative from the castle conveyed.
Prices start at one million yen (approximately US$9480) for one night with two people, and extra guests can be added to the experience for ¥100,000 (US$947) each.
For more details on enjoying this unique overnight experience at Ōzu Castle, you can visit the official website.
