You can be the Lord of a Japanese Castle for $8,400 for night

The castle, located in a village on the island of Shikoku with about 39,000 inhabitants, is open for guests to stay for $8,400 a night. Despite the high price, 11 groups have reserved stays from March to June, two of which are from abroad. There are people waiting for a cancellation during the cherry blossom season.

In Ozu, which once flourished as a fortified city, there are many old houses in private hands. The city government has leased or bought some that were uninhabited turning them into hotels. The objective is to take advantage of the cultural assets of the area, working together with local companies. Castle stay packages are just one of Ozu’s tourism offerings.

Ozu Castle opened its doors to hotel guests in July, giving them the chance to enjoy the castle construction in private after the gate closes to the public at 5:00 pm though seating is limited .

As the castle keep has no shops, toilets or air conditioning, a luxurious bathroom and attached lounge have been built in a hidden corner of the grounds for hotel guests.

Upon arrival, guests, who can choose to dress in traditional kimonos and medieval warrior outfits, are greeted by the sound of shell trumpets, fluttering flags, and a gunpowder squad.

Guests are then taken to a local kagura, a traditional dance performance that is registered as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

Dinner is served in one of the four towers of the castle compound, followed by a moon-gazing session with sake and poetry recitation.

The towers are original, having survived the last four centuries.

After spending the night at the resort, guests have breakfast at Garyu Sanso, a historic cliffside villa with a teahouse overlooking the Hiji River.