Check into the Ōzu Castle on the coast of Japan and stay overnight and get the royal treatment. The accommodation is for the 4-story tower within the castle, and it includes a traditional Japanese gun salute welcome, a dance performance, along with a “lord’s meal” for the entire group.
A Traditional Experience in Ōzu
The castle was built in the 14th century, but it was restored to its former glory in 2004 with the use of traditional methods and materials. Ōzu Castle is not a far walk from Ōzu’s Old Town, which is a maze of alleyways and old-fashioned houses that are from the Edo Period (1603-1867) and the Meiji Period (1868-1912).
A Beach Getaway in a Castle
Hirado is a coastal city in Japan that is popular for many beach getaways. It is also the location of another castle, which is beginning to prepare for overnight visitors. From July of 2020, guests can book their stay at Hirado Castle through Airbnb.
The castle was once home to the Matsura clan that ruled over the Hirado Province during the Edo Period. It was built in the 16th century, and like most other Japanese castles, it was demolished and destroyed over the past few centuries. The castle was replaced by a reconstructed 5-story fortress that has many traditional details.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), there is no particular reason for the sudden acceptance for overnight stays at these castles. One thing that was mentioned was that it is a way to encourage and allow visitors to these cities to get a truly authentic experience when in Japan.
This is the year to get a true Japanese experience from an old-fashioned and traditional lens.