Sightseeing Routes
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Route2
(Nanyo Tour Route)
A
scenic walk through the classical Japanese sights of Nanyo, the southern
part of Ehime (Nanyo Tour Route)
Ozu Castle - Garyu Sanso(mountain villa) - Uchiko Antique Street
(Please note that specific closure dates for the New Years period are not included on this page.)
<Features of this route>
Connecting Ozu-city, affectionately referred to as Iyo's own ÔLittle Kyoto' and historical Uchiko-town, this is a lovely route where you can experience traditional Japan. A castle town, Ozu is well-known for the Hiji-kawa River, as it is one of the only three places in Japan where traditional cormorant fishing still continues today. Uchiko is famous for its classical streets where well-preserved 150 year-old whitewashed houses and storehouses still remain standing and continue to be used. These historical structures are evidence of the prosperity of the times when the region flourished through the production of hand-made wax and washi, Japanese paper. Enjoy a relaxing and nostalgic stroll through Ôthe Japan of yesteryear' in the carefully preserved streets of Uchiko and Ozu.
From Matsuyama:
Access: By train: take the JR Yosan-Line Limited Express
from JR Matsuyama Station,
and get off at JR Iyo Ozu Station. (37 minutes; express fare: 1,430yen).
Taxi: From JR Iyo Ozu Station take a taxi to Ozu Castle (6 minutes; fare:
710yen)
Ozu Castle
Reconstructed in 2004, the four-story timber castle tower is the highest of its kind to be restored to its former glory in the post-war period. On display inside the castle are numerous models, plans and information about its construction and the outlook from the tower provides visitors with a panoramic view of Ozu. A memorial stone has been placed close to the castle entrance in front of the Ozu Civic Center in honor of Kanhan, a noted Korean dynasty scholar, known as the father of Confucianism in Japan.
Access: 6 minutes by taxi, fare: Approximately 710yen
Garyu Sanso (mountain villa)
Situated overlooking the Hiji-kawa River, Garyu Sanso(mountain villa) boasts a classically beautiful Japanese garden, a recreation of the days when this region was a prosperous trading place. This massive project, created by a wealthy trader, took over 10 years just in the planning itself, followed by a 4-year construction of the villa and its picturesque surrounds. Within the extensive villa grounds, an area of over 9,900 square meters, stand serene garden and three hermitages. From Garyu, the beautiful views of Mt. Tomisu and the Hiji-kawa River are sure to make guests forget time altogether.
Location: 441-2 Ozu, Ozu-city
Open: daily all year round 9:00 am-5:00 pm (tickets on sale until 4:30 pm)
Admission: 500yen
Time required: Approximately 40 minutes.
Access: By taxi from JR Iyo Ozu Station: 7
minutes; fare: 700yen By train: take the Yosan-Line
Limited Express from JR Iyo Ozu Station, get off at JR Uchiko Station (9
minutes; fare: 570yen)
By taxi from JR Uchiko Station: Approximately 5 minutes; fare: 670yen
Retro Bus service(ÒChagamaru"): departs JR Uchiko Station regularly between
9:35 am
and 2:50 pm daily (Approximately 10 minutes; fare: 800yen) & 2-minute
walk Timetable may
vary according to the season)
Uchiko Antique street
Experiencing a walk through the beautifully restored streets of Uchiko is like walking into a time-slip. Fine examples of old-style merchants' houses line both sides of these paved streets. Visitors can also enjoy observing craftsmen at work creating Japanese umbrellas and candles. Other highlights of the walk include a visit to the Uchiko-za Theater Playhouse, a small old-style theater, and learning about the production of Japanese traditional vegetable-based wax by viewing the displays at the historic Kamihaga residence.
Location: Uchiko, Kita-gun
The walk through the Uchiko takes about 1 hour.
Garyu
crossing
Enjoy
a relaxing cruise on the clear-flowing waters of the Hiji-kawa River.
Take in the beauty of the natural surroundings from the comfort of a
roofed pleasure boat as it meanders along a 200-m course along the river.
The cruise provides excellent views of Garyu Sanso nestled among the
lush greenery high above the river.
Note: Boat cruises operate from April to the end of May, on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays only 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Fare: 100yen for a one way ticket (cruise time: Approximately 5 minutes)
Access: 6 minutes by taxi from JR Iyo Ozu Station; fare: Approximately 710yen
Cormorant
fishing
The
Hiji-kawa River is one of only three major cormorant fishing locations
in Japan, and over the summer months, the spectacle of traditional cormorant
fishing is truly a Ômust-see' event for all visitors to Japan. You might
just be captivated by the skill of the cormorant master as he/she has
his/her trained birds dive the river to deftly capture their freshwater
prey, while enjoying the ambience of firelight and a delicious evening
meal on-board a riverboat.
Location: Ozu, Ozu-city.
When: Cruises depart daily at 7:00 pm during cormorant fishing season (from June 1 to September 20)
Fares: Adults 3,000yen per person Private boat charter: from 25,000yen
Cruise time: Approximately 2 hours
Access: 6 minutes by taxi from JR Iyo Ozu Station; fare: Approximately 710yen
Experience
fruit-picking and harvesting
From
mid-July to late November, visitors to the Uchiko Tourist Orchards can
enjoy picking, eating and taking home delicious seasonal fruits such
as peaches, grapes, pears, apples and figs.
Note: Participating orchards are located around Uchiko, Kita-gun.
Time: 9:00 am-5:00 pm (may vary slightly at some venues)
Holidays: during fruit season orchards operate daily
Cost: prices (from 500yen) may vary according to fruit variety (time: Approximately 1 hour)
Access: walk or by car from JR Uchiko Station (holidays, operating hours, etc., may vary from year to year)
Mt.Tomisu's
Azaleas
Mt.Tomisu
(elevation 320 m) was named after Mt. Fuji, as its shape is said to resemble
the tallest mountain in Japan.
The park features 63,000 azalea bushes and over 3,000 cherry trees, and is at their most spectacular during the months of April and May. Entry is free.
Time required: Approximately 1 hour
Access: 12 minutes by taxi from JR Iyo Ozu Station; fare: Approximately 1,350yen
