Castle stay programs such as the one in Ozu are drawing attention across Japan as a catalyst for attracting tourists well into the prospective aftermath of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Even pricier stay plans are on offer by castles that have started accepting lodgers. The central government has also entered the picture by providing assistance to similar programs in hopes they will help enliven castle towns. [...] Apart from the castle stay, the company has also refurbished historical buildings that dot the castle town, such as samurai houses and traditional townhouses, into accommodations and has revived them as constituent parts of Nipponia Hotel Ozu Castle Town, a decentralized hotel complex. "Castles in Japan used to be all about preservation," said Jun Tarikino, president of Value Management. "You can, however, contribute to regional development by working with the private sector to combine preservation efforts with effective use."