Matsusaka

Located in the very center of Mie, Matsusaka has historically been a town of merchants selling all sorts of goods to pilgrims travelling to the sacred shrine in Ise. In modern times, Matsusaka continues this tradition, but now serves tourists and pilgrims alike as people continue to pass by in droves to visit the shrine. The city is best known for 'Matsusaka beef', which is among the finest 'wagyu beef' in the country. Whether you're a twenty-something backpacker passing through, a family on vacation, or a culinary connoisseur, this city has something for everyone.

Most of the main sites can be traveled to on foot nearby Matsusaka station, where the majority of hotels and restaurants are located. Buses are available near the station that can take you to places such as Bell Farm and Iinan village. A car rental agency (Toyota Rent-a-car) is near the station.

• 🌍 Matsusaka Castle Ruins (松坂城跡), Tonomachi. 24/7. While there are no longer any buildings from the original castle, a beautiful set of ruins remain and function as a local park. The ruins are known for their well-preserved castle walls, and the grounds are particularly beautiful during spring and autumn. Cherry blossoms and wisteria bloom in the spring, and there are many colorful autumn trees in the fall. Historical monuments and markers dot the castle grounds, including several stone coffin lids used when materials were lacking during its construction. There's a bar/restaurant in the lower part of the main bailey, and an old-school coffee stand in the second bailey that are usually open whenever the owners feel like opening them (usually PM for the bar, morning/early afternoon for the coffee stand). Be extremely careful around the edges of the castle, as there are no guard rails near the steep castle walls. Free. (updated Jan 2022)

• 🌍 Gojoban Yashiki (御城番屋敷), 1385 Tonomachi. A traditional street right outside the castle with preserved houses from the Edo period that were inhabited by samurai, and are now inhabited by their descendants. Be mindful with noise and pictures as people do live in the houses here. An open house is found towards the end of the road across the street from the castle where you can walk around one of the houses for free. (updated Jan 2022)
• Museum of Motoori Norinaga (本居宣長記念館). A museum dedicated to a renowned scholar who came from the city. While largely unknown outside Japan, it's still quite interesting to tour his house and take a glimpse into the daily life of someone living in 18th century Japan. (updated Mar 2024)
• Matsuura Takeshirō Museum (松浦武四郎記念館). This museum is a bit difficult to access but is an interesting experience. You can learn about the exploration of Hokkaido by the man from Matsusaka who gave the island its name. It's also fun to try on traditional Ainu clothing. (updated Mar 2024)
• Matsusaka Rockers Club - A rowdy place where you can occasionally see performances by local punk and metal bands. Expect a crowd of punks, bikers, and businessmen who had a long week at work all drinking and moshing together. Don't forget to wear ear protection, as this place gets extremely loud.

• Hiking - Mt. Hossaka (堀坂山) looms over the city and is visible from almost anywhere. The mountain trail is great for people that are relatively new to hiking, as it isn't too rough or steep. From the summit, one can see as far as Nagoya on a clear day.
• Festivals - Seasonal festivals are held throughout the year. In particular, the 'Ujisato Festival' in November is quite the spectacle. Samurai march through the city streets and meet at the castle ruins to honor the former lord of Matsusaka.

Matsusaka has historically been a merchant city. It still continues this tradition to this day, and is a great place to shop for a variety of locally made goods.

• Souvenir Store - There's a souvenir store connected to the station and located right next to the JR entrance. If you're just passing through, it's a great place to pick up locally made snacks, sauces, crafts, and even a bottle of tea made from leaves grown in Iinan village.
• Bell Farm (松阪農業公園ベルファーム). A short bus ride away from Matsusaka station, Bell Farm is a local agricultural park that is very popular with locals. The park is famous for selling ice cream, though the place sells a little bit of everything. Local artisans sell handmade goods at the market, and farmers sell locally grown produce at the grocery store there. (updated Mar 2024)
• Matsusaka Momen (松阪木綿) - Although mostly known for beef, the city is also renowned for its production of an indigo cloth known as Matsusaka Momen. Kimono made from this cloth is unique and of great quality, but is extremely expensive. However, one can buy handkerchiefs, wallets, bags, and other goods made from the cloth at Matsusaka station.

Perhaps the main reason people visit Matsusaka is to eat some of the delicious food found at its prestigious restaurants. Matsusaka beef is the main attraction for most. The beef is regarded as nearly holy in nature, as every product that remotely includes it is marketed as 'Matsusaka beef'. This includes everything from rice crackers flavored with it to finely marbled choice cuts.

Matsusaka has a vibrant nightlife, though a bit different from the youthful clubs of Osaka and Tokyo. The bars and clubs here are marketed towards a more middle aged working class audience. While not as energetic as a place such as Dotomburi or Roppongi, there's a genuinely friendly atmosphere in most of the local watering holes.

• Popcorn - Right outside Matsusaka station on the JR side. Owner/bartender is a friendly and funny man that speaks English well. Drinks are quite expensive, but he makes them very strong.
• Gappa Ramones - This little hole in the wall is a true gem of an establishment if you like punk music. The restaurant is decked out in punk memorabilia and everything from local underground metal to The Pogues is played on the speakers there.
• Posse - A brand new bar with a modern vibe to it. Like the aforementioned Gappa Ramones, the bartender has a penchant for heavy metal, so you'll often hear it playing.
• Shots Bar Owl - A cozy little bar hidden away in an alley near Matsusaka station. For some reason, they always have an Audrey Hepburn movie playing on the television with smooth jazz in the background.
• Wally Cook - Right in front of Matsusaka station on the Kintetsu side. Japanese style izakaya with a modern vibe to it. Food is pricy, but decent.

Most accommodations in Matsusaka are geared toward business trips, so you'll find a wide variety of mid-range hotels in the city. However, both an excellent hostel is available for people on a budget, as well as a renowned ryokan for those who can afford it.

Matsusaka, like most Japanese cities, is extremely safe and crime against tourists is practically unheard of.

The city has a large red light district known as 'Atago-machi' that locals will claim is very dangerous, but it's not really the case. You'll definitely know if you wander into this district, but at the very worst you might get solicited (a simple 'no thank you' will always suffice), or hear a drunken businessman singing terrible karaoke through a thin wall. Avoid places with 'snack' in the name, unless you want to pay exorbitant prices for watered down drinks poured by pretty girls.

Do not go to the Matsusaka castle ruins after dark, unless there is an event going on. The walls are extremely steep with no guard railing, so it's very easy to lose your step.

People in Matsusaka can drive somewhat erratically compared to other places, so be careful along narrow and dark roads.

Matsusaka is centrally located in Mie Prefecture, so it's a decent base for travel no matter where you want to go in Mie. It's also well-connected to Nagoya.

• Ise
• Tsu
• Taki (Mie)
• Meiwa
• Odai
• Iga
• Nabari
• Kumano
• Higashiyoshino