When to go to Ozu
Seasons, a month-by-month table, local festivals and when Ozu is busiest.
Ozu lies in a river basin: summers are hot, winters bring cold mornings and dramatic river fog. Each season has its own draw, with the river at the centre of all of them.
Spring
Cherry blossom around the castle in late March and early April, azaleas in May, and comfortable temperatures for walking.
Summer
Hot and humid, but this is cormorant-fishing season, and evenings on the river are the highlight of the Ozu year.
Autumn
Imotaki riverside dinners from late August into October, clear days, and maples at Garyu Sanso in late November.
Winter
On cold, clear mornings fog pours down the river to the sea — the “Hijikawa Arashi”. Sights are quiet and never closed for long.
Ozu month by month
| Month | High / low | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10° / 1° | 60 mm | ★★★ Fair |
| February | 11° / 1° | 80 mm | ★★★ Fair |
| March | 15° / 4° | 125 mm | ★★★ Good |
| April | 20° / 8° | 125 mm | ★★★ Best |
| May | 25° / 13° | 150 mm | ★★★ Best |
| June | 27° / 18° | 270 mm | ★★★ Good |
| July | 31° / 22° | 250 mm | ★★★ Good |
| August | 32° / 23° | 140 mm | ★★★ Good |
| September | 29° / 19° | 200 mm | ★★★ Good |
| October | 24° / 13° | 120 mm | ★★★ Best |
| November | 18° / 7° | 80 mm | ★★★ Best |
| December | 12° / 2° | 65 mm | ★★★ Fair |
Temperatures (°C) and rainfall are rounded long-term averages for this part of the prefecture, for orientation only — check a forecast before you travel.
Festivals & events in Ozu
- 1 June – 20 SeptemberCormorant fishing (ukai)
Nightly torchlit fishing viewed from pleasure boats on the Hijikawa.
- Late August – OctoberImotaki
Taro hotpot parties on the riverbank; restaurants and the tourism association take bookings for visitors.
- Early AugustOzu river festival fireworks
A summer fireworks display launched over the river beside the castle.
- October – MarchHijikawa Arashi
A natural spectacle rather than an event: morning fog streaming down the valley on cold, still days.
Crowds & booking ahead
Ozu is seldom crowded. The castle and villa see tour groups in late morning; summer weekend ukai boats and the handful of heritage rooms are the things that sell out, so reserve those early.
Ready for Ozu?
Lock in a guide, a tasting or a day trip for Ozu now — most GetYourGuide bookings can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before.