Discovering Ozu: Dosen-to, Kumamon and Waterways

Ozu brings together regional food culture, character-themed attractions and the history of water use across several distinct visitor experiences. Highlights include Dosen-to, places associated with Kumamon and ONE PIECE, historic irrigation systems, parks and seasonal events. If you’re looking for hotels in Ozu, these highlights can help you choose where to stay: consider whether you’d like to focus on local specialties, culture, outdoor activities or the flowering season.

Dosen-to and Seasonal Events

Ozu’s Dosen-to sweet is made from rakugan powder based on rice or glutinous rice flour. The powder is mixed with sugar and wrapped around red bean paste. Dosen-to is currently made and sold at three shops in Ōzu; availability may change, so check what’s currently on offer before visiting. Another seasonal highlight is the Ōzu Karaiimo Festival, held every November and attracting visitors from Ōzu and beyond. Individual festival dates may change, so check the latest schedule if you’re planning your trip around it. At the Ōzu Tsutsuji Festival in central Ōzu, there is a samurai parade led by local children as well as a mikoshi parade. If the festival is a key part of your plans, check its date before travelling.

Waterways and the History of Irrigation

The Uwaide and Shimoide irrigation systems were conceived by Katō Kiyomasa, the first lord of Kumamoto Castle, and recognized as “World Irrigation Heritage.” At Uwaide Park, you can enjoy the connection with water while out for a walk: the park is ideal for strolling and walking along the Uwaide waterway, and you can also see the waterwheel there. This brings the history of irrigation together with a place to enjoy outdoor exercise.

Kumamon and ONE PIECE

A statue of Zoro stands in Ōzu Central Park. It was installed as part of the “Straw Hat Crew: Hino Country Reconstruction Arc,” a ONE PIECE reconstruction project. The statue faces Ōzu Budokan, a distinctive detail of this character-themed attraction. Kumamon Base was created by renovating the visitor center at the south exit of Higo-Ōzu Station and was designed as Kumamon’s “secret base.” A Kumamon-themed Honda Monkey is displayed there as a photo spot. Exhibits may change, so check the latest information before travelling if you plan to visit for this attraction.

Shrines, Sports and Activities

Hiyoshi Shrine in Ōzu is currently the only place in Kumamoto Prefecture where a “soccer omamori” is offered. Visitors also come from other prefectures to worship and obtain the amulet. If this is part of your plans, check before travelling whether the amulet is currently available. Ōzu Sports Park offers people from toddlers to seniors opportunities to enjoy various sports, including soccer, basketball and volleyball. The options range from a special shrine visit to sporting activities in the park.

Spring Blossoms and Motorcycle Rentals

At Showaen, cherry trees bloom first in spring, followed by various azaleas. If you’d like to plan your trip around the blooms, this sequence is a useful guide to the season. The Higo Ōzu Tourism Association offers motorcycles for hourly rental in Ōzu, which you can ride freely. Check availability and terms of use before renting. This gives you a range of options for planning your trip: seasonal blossoms, waterways and walks, cultural attractions or motorcycle activities.

Discover more destinations: Ashikita, Kamimashiki District, Kikuchi, Tamana, Hokamaki, Kikuyo, Aso and Hitoyoshi.

For the main travel guide: Kumamoto Prefecture.