2025 Matsusaka Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Today, I am delighted to present to you: "Introducing Early-Blooming Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Mie Prefecture! 🌸" In Mie Prefecture, there are places where you can enjoy the sight of early-blooming cherry blossoms! ✨ I am eager to guide you through these enchanting early-blooming cherry blossom locations! ☺️ 📍Kasamatsu Kawazu Cherry Blossom Road (Mid to late March) Address: 2378 Hoshiai-cho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, 515-2101 Operating Hours: 24 hours (Please note, this is private property) Cost: Free Recommendation: This is a spot where you can admire a tree-lined avenue of early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms! 🌸 Capturing them with the morning sun is also highly recommended! ⚠ Caution: The wind can be quite strong, so it's advisable to dress warmly! 📍Takehara Tan-zome Cherry Blossom Park (Mid to late March) Address: 1051 Misugi-cho Takehara, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, 515-3201 Operating Hours: 24 hours (Please note, this is private property) Cost: Free Recommendation: You can marvel at a large, single Tan-zome cherry tree here 🌸 It's a recommended spot where you can also photograph the cherry tree with the tea fields ☺️ ⚠ Caution: As the cherry tree is on private property, please be mindful of your manners ☺️ There have been recent reports of poor behavior 😣

I went to Minoda Bamboo Forest Highway in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture (((((((っ･ω･)っ The 180m long bamboo forest highway is a promenade that local volunteers have cleared out of the dilapidated bamboo grove (ง🔥Д🔥)ง It splits into two courses midway, one of which has gravel underneath and is easy to walk on｡｡｡"8-(*o･ω･)o TEKTEK The other one has just been cleared so that you can walk on it, and the bottom is still dirt ⸜(* ॑꒳ ॑* )⸝ It's in its natural state, so it's hard to walk on, but personally I enjoyed this one more (ˊo̴̶̷̤ ̫ o̴̶̷̤ˋ)♡ 🏍Minoda Bamboo Forest Highway🏍 Address: Nomura-cho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture #Domestic travel #Touring #Touring trip #Mie #Mie Prefecture #Mie sightseeing #MieTrip #MieTrip #MatsusakaCity #MatsusakaTourism #MinodaBambooGroveHighway #BambooGrove #BambooGrovePath

Speaking of Matsusaka in Mie, you probably think of a place with delicious meat, right? Matsusaka City Hotel is a hotel where you can casually enjoy Matsusaka beef as curry for breakfast. It has the atmosphere of a long-established business hotel in front of the station, and you can see Matsusaka Station from the window of your room. Many long-established hotels do not have USB ports, but this one is equipped with them. Air purifiers are also available. Near the front desk, there are maps of Mie prefecture and the area around the station, restaurant maps, and pamphlets about Ise Shrine, which are information that we would like to see for those who are traveling using this as a base. The breakfast buffet where you can eat Matsusaka beef tendon curry is available from 6:30 to 9:00 in the morning. The price is 800 yen for guests and 850 yen for general users. It is a nice point that general users can also use it. Some of the buffet menu items are provided without seasoning as toppings or ingredients, so you can decorate your Matsusaka beef tendon curry in your favorite way. When you pour the broth over the noodles, you get "Matsusaka beef tendon curry udon." The curry roux has a firm texture, and you can feel the meat in it. It was a wonderful breakfast buffet using local ingredients. 150m from Matsusaka Station on the Kintetsu and JR lines "Matsusaka City Hotel" 729-1 Hino-cho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture 515-0084 #Mie #MieTrip #MieTourism #Matsusaka #MatsusakaBeef #Curry #MatsusakaGourmet #HotelBuffet #BusinessHotel #Hotel #MieHotel #MatsusakaHotel #DomesticTrip

There is nothing more authentic than eating Matsusaka beef in Matsusaka city. This is the most accurate destination for Wagyu lovers. Their Matsusaka beef is from the local farm and they also have A6 wagyu. It is so delicious and worth going! Price is reasonable to me, they provide a set but i think a la carte might suite us better. Nice restaurant and is one of the must go in Mie Prefecture W#myperfectstaycation

Spot: Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road Address: Kasamatsu-cho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture 515-2103 Photo date: March 12, 2023 I went to see the "Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura" that can be seen around Nagoya. There are about 350 "Kawazu Sakura" trees along the approximately 1,500m waterway that flows through Kasamatsu-cho, Matsusaka City. These Kawazu Sakura trees were planted by local people and are a famous spring spot in the Mikumo area of ​​Matsusaka City. #Nagoyaview #CherryBlossoms #CoupleTrip #BreathtakingView #KawazuSakura #sakura #nagoya

\\Tourist Spots// Matsusaka is the birthplace of the famous high-quality beef, Matsusaka Beef. As soon as we left the station, we were greeted by a cute cow monument dressed in Halloween costume. There are souvenir shops selling meat and shops where you can enjoy Matsusaka Beef. There were many recommended places to explore, such as the Motoori Norinaga Memorial Museum and the Matsusaka Castle ruins. We visited on October 23rd, when the leaves had just started to change color, but from now on, you can enjoy walking around the city and the leaves! #AutumnLeafSpots #MiePrefecture #MatsusakaTourism #AutumnLeafViewing #Shrines andTemples #Shrines andTemplesVisiting #Shrines #Halloween #AutumnTrip

Name of restaurant: Wadakin Address: 1878 Nakamachi, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture Budget per person: 15,000 yen and up Rating (out of 5): ★★★★★ \\Points// I ate Matsusaka beef sukiyaki at Wadakin, a famous restaurant that I would like to visit at least once. I was surprised at the size of the building, and also at how gorgeous the interior was. It was a magnificent building like a ryokan. The meat was, of course, very delicious and I enjoyed it. You can enjoy the autumn leaves and flavors in the coming season. When I visited on 10/23, the leaves were starting to change color in places! #Gourmet #GourmetTrip #MiePrefecture #MatsusakaGourmet #AutumnLeafViewing #AutumnTrip

●Name Isshobin Main Store ●Access Approx. 15 minutes by car from Matsusaka IC Approx. 15 minutes on foot from Matsusaka Station Approx. 6 minutes by taxi from Matsusaka Station ●Points If you want to enjoy Matsusaka beef at a reasonable price, this is the place to go! ️ From A5.4 Matsusaka beef to offal, you can enjoy delicious food at a great price Personally, I also recommend the chicken thighs The tatami room has been replaced with table seats, and credit cards are now accepted I'm really happy Even if it's not the main store, there are about 10 stores in Mie Prefecture, so if you're in Mie, please come by 🐮 #SupportTourism #MiePrefecture #MatsusakaBeef #Yakiniku #SupportTourism

Gyugin Wagyu Restaurant – Main Shop was a truly unforgettable experience. I learned that they’re both a producer and a restaurant, with a butchery on one side selling fresh Matsusaka beef, and the dining area on the other where they expertly prepare it. We had the Matsusaka beef served in the traditional sukiyaki style, and a dedicated server carefully cooked the meat right at our table. It was reassuring to have an expert handle the cooking so the beef wouldn’t be under or overdone—every bite came out perfectly tender and juicy. The texture and flavor were honestly out of this world—rich, buttery, and incredibly tender. It’s no wonder Matsusaka beef is so prized, and I’m glad we finally got to try it, even though it was definitely a splurge. The meal was the most expensive I’ve had in Japan, costing over US$1,000 for seven people, but every bite felt worth it for the rare and exquisite experience. If you love wagyu and want to taste one of the best beef varieties in the world prepared traditionally, Gyugin is the place to go. #summervacay #GyuginWagyu #MatsusakaBeef #SukiyakiExperience #WagyuLovers #JapanFoodie #LuxuryDining #JapaneseBeef #RareTreat #CulinarySplurge #UnforgettableMeal #japan #japantrip

Nestled in the mountains of Iitaka Town, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, "Tenkaizan Taiunji Temple" is a serene Soto Zen temple located at an altitude of approximately 500 meters. Known as the "Kannon of Child Blessing," the temple is beloved for its seasonal beauty—cherry blossoms and rhododendrons in spring, lush greenery in summer, and vibrant autumn foliage in fall 🌸🌿🍁. Autumn is particularly breathtaking, with the temple grounds adorned by colorful leaves and the prefecture-designated cultural property, the "Octagonal Bronze Bell," creating a mesmerizing scene. I visited in mid-November, when fallen leaves painted the ground red, resembling a natural red carpet✨. Amid the tranquility punctuated by the resonating sound of the bell, the time spent connecting with nature felt cleansing for the soul. It's incredible that such stunning views and soothing experiences are available for free—truly perfect for a "journey of the heart." 🚃【Access】 - Address: 631 Haze, Iitaka Town, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture - By car: About 1 hour from "Matsusaka IC" on the Ise Expressway (via Route 166) - Parking: 7 spaces at the entrance to the approach, 2 spaces near the main hall (both free and wheelchair accessible) 🅿️ * Note: The roads are narrow and steep, so drive carefully! 🧭【Travel Tips】 - Best time for autumn foliage: Mid-November to early December 🍂 - The path to the main hall includes about 130 stone steps—wear comfortable walking shoes 👟 - Recommended photo spots: Octagonal Bronze Bell, pond with koi fish, and the autumn foliage water basin 📷 - Nearby "Haze Station" offers Matsusaka beef bowls and game meat dishes 🍴 - Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxed experience ⛩️

Matsusaka Park isn’t just about the castle ruins—it’s where cherry blossoms breathe new life into ancient stone. As petals danced through the air like confetti from the past, I wandered along quiet trails lined with sakura, feeling time slow down. Locals picnicked beneath the trees while I stood in awe, watching sunset hues reflect off fallen petals. A hidden hanami gem in Mie. #cherryblossom25

Starbucks in Japan is amazing

[Ushigin Main Branch] The sukiyaki here is seasoned only with sugar and soy sauce, without using any warishita sauce. When you sit down, the staff will be there to carefully prepare your sukiyaki right in front of you. Not only will they teach you how to cook and eat it, but they will also give you some trivia about meat and Matsusaka city, so you can have a great time! The meat is large, like a large plate, and is grilled on a hot plate, sprinkled with sugar, and eaten! It was sweet and very delicious. The rice served at the end is about two bowls, so I was very satisfied with the meal. [Access] 13 minutes walk from Matsusaka Station [Opening hours] 11:00-20:00 #0 yen trip #Matsusaka city

🏖️Overview: Kikajiyama is located a little outside the Daidaka Mountains in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture. It is a mountain with an altitude of 1,230m. The summit is divided into the South Peak and the North Peak👥, and there is a triangulation point on the North Peak. You can't expect much of a view from the summit😢, but there is a ridge called "Heiheidai" along the ridge of the South Peak👀 that offers a view👀. 💞Reasons why we recommend it: Park your car at the Kikaji Observation Rest Area. The parking lot🅿️ is fairly large. The first hour or so is a half-paved road. The hiking trail is a lazy climb🚶, and before you know it, you've climbed this far😊 type of mountain. The road was wide overall and very easy to walk on. However, the view at the top and along the way was completely🙅♂️. The view is better at Mt. Kikaji's Minami Peak△I ate my meal here🍱. On the way back, I saw a deer🦌 and a black snake🐍. I wonder if something good will happen⁉️ 📍Location: Iinan-cho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture 📍Access: 🚞Train: From Kintetsu JR Matsusaka Station 🚌Bus: To Sumeru, get off at "Hori-de" after about 55 minutes About 60 minutes walk to the new trail, about 40 minutes walk to the old trail #DomesticTravelGuide #MatsusakaEleven #Mt.Kikaji

🏖️Overview: Tsukugatake is a mountain located in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, with an altitude of 1,029m. It is one of the Ise Sanzan mountains, and is also called Ise no Yarigatake because of its sharp shape ⛰️. The summit has a good observation deck 🏬, so you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Ise Bay, Sewa and the mountains of the Daigyo Mountains. 💞Reasons why we recommend it: The parking lot 🅿️ is spacious. Despite it being a sunny Sunday ☀️, we only spoke to one person who had climbed from the Mie Prefecture side at the summit 🗣️ It was almost a private place. The mountain trail had a clear uphill ⤴️ and downhill ⤵️, and the 🌲 trees had been thinned out, so it was easy to climb, although the climb was steep. We ate 🍝 at the summit with a view 🙆♂️. You can't expect any other views 👀. 📍Location: Miyamae, Iitaka-cho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture 📍Access: 🚞Train: Take Mie Kotsu bus from Kintetsu JR Matsusaka Station Get off at Horide. It's about a 40-minute walk to the trailhead. 　　 🚙Car: Take National Route 166 from Matsusaka IC on the Ise Expressway for about 50 minutes ※90 minutes from the trailhead to the summit #DomesticTravelGuide #Tsukugatake ：：#MatsusakaEleven

This time I will introduce a cafe in Mie Prefecture. I stopped by on a drive this time, and it was a cafe with a great atmosphere. This time I only ordered a drink, but next time I'd like to have lunch there. Please give it a try. 📍MOMOcafé Address: 26-9 Nishinosho-cho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, 515-0816 Opening hours: 11:00-17:00 #Spring 0 yen trip

☕️ Rokukan Coffee Nestled in the quiet nature of Mie Prefecture, Rokukan Coffee is a hidden cafe that is popular among locals. The "six senses" in the shop's name refer to a special experience felt with the heart in addition to taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch. The space and menu that attracts visitors provide a truly heart-warming moment. Specialty "Black Latte" and "Seasonal Tiramisu" The most popular item at Rokukan Coffee is the "Black Latte," which is visually and tastefully impressive. It features a deep color created by using bamboo charcoal and a slightly fragrant taste. The mellowness of the milk and the richness of the coffee are exquisitely mixed, and you're sure to be hooked after just one sip. It also looks great on social media, so it's a dish you should definitely order when you visit. You'll also want to enjoy the "Seasonal Tiramisu," which changes with each season. Tiramisu, made with luxurious seasonal ingredients, offers different flavors depending on the season. For example, strawberries in spring and chestnuts in autumn, the fresh flavors of the ingredients tickle the hearts of sweets lovers. A special space in harmony with nature The shop is located in a naturally rich area of ​​Mie, and the interior has a calming atmosphere with the warmth of wood. You can enjoy the leisurely flow of time while looking at the lush green scenery from the window. If you stop by during a sightseeing or drive, you're sure to be soothed in both mind and body. Enjoy a memorable moment at Rokkaku Coffee, where you can spend a special time. #Gourmet Summary

#Spring0yenTrip Matsusaka was a relaxing town where you could enjoy history and delicious food. A short walk from the station, the ruins of Matsusaka Castle spread out before you, and the quiet atmosphere soothed my heart. The castle ruins are not very large, but the surrounding greenery and scenery are beautiful, and I was able to feel the history while walking around. In addition, Matsusaka is also home to the remains of samurai residences, and there are places scattered around that give you a sense of the townscape of the time. In this area, which still retains the appearance of a castle town, you can experience the atmosphere of the samurai residences and townhouses of the time. And when you think of Matsusaka, you think of Matsusaka beef. The Matsusaka beef steak I had at a local restaurant was so tender that it melted in my mouth, and the flavor of the meat was so strong that it was an unforgettable taste. Also, although Motoori Norinaga's old house no longer remains, it was a place where you could feel that it was the place where he walked. Matsusaka was a relaxing town where historical charm and delicious food were in harmony.

Kushida Shrine is one of the most important shrines in Fukuoka and the main venue for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, with a history of over 1200 years. The shrine houses many precious cultural relics, including the giant 'Fountain of Youth' stone monument, which is said to grant longevity to those who drink from it. Additionally, the shrine displays the lavishly decorated floats used during the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, so even if you miss the festival period (every July), you can still admire these spectacular works of art. When visiting, you can make a wish under the '8000-year-old Cedar,' a tree said to be over 800 years old and possessing strong spiritual energy. The area around the shrine is dotted with unique shops and the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, where you can further explore Hakata's traditional culture. Kushida Shrine is not only a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts but also a spiritual site for those seeking health and success, making it well worth a visit.

#cherryblossom25 [Kick Off Cherry Blossom Season Early 🌸: Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road, Mie] The Kawazu sakura is a type of early-blooming cherry blossom that differs from the more common Yoshino cherry, which blooms from late March to early April. Typically, Kawazu sakura begins to bloom in mid-February and reaches full bloom by early March. ✨ Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road, in Mie features a stunning 1.5-kilometer stretch of Kawazu cherry trees lining an agricultural waterway. With around 350 cherry trees forming a picturesque arch over the water, the site is particularly famous for the breathtaking reflections of the blossoms on the water's surface, attracting many visitors each year. From picturesque boats and rice fields to breathtaking reflections on the water, this spot is packed with perfect photo opportunities. Snap stunning, Instagram-worthy shots that will leave everyone in awe! 📷✨ Visiting Central Japan a little early for the usual cherry blossom season? Don’t fret! Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road might just surprise you with its gorgeous early-blooming Kawazu sakura. Why wait for spring when you can start the magic now? ✈️ From Centrair to Kasamatsu Kawazu Sakura Road Take a train from Centrair to Nagoya Station. From Nagoya Station, transfer to a train bound for Matsusaka Station. From there, take a bus to Tenpaku (Kaizenba), then walk for 25 minutes.

📍Kaizu Main Branch Everything is wonderful! The food, the style and atmosphere are all high quality and classy. The gate and garden are all beautiful. The staff will grill all the sukiyaki for you. The best restaurant in Mie✨ [INFORMATION] Kaizu Main Branch 📮515-2121 1340 Ichibasho-cho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture 🕑11:30-14:30 #0 Yen Trip February 2025

#2月好地方2025 Ichisho-bin Honten, located next to Ise Jingu Shrine, is a great place to taste Matsusaka Wagyu beef. This place is famous for its high-quality Wagyu beef, attracting countless diners to come here. When you enter Ichisho-bin, you will be surrounded by a warm atmosphere. The restaurant's decoration combines traditional and modern elements, making people feel comfortable. The most eye-catching item on the menu is Matsusaka Wagyu beef, which is tender and evenly fattened. Whether it is grilled, hot pot or eaten raw, it can show its unique flavor. During your meal, the waiter will introduce you to the origin and characteristics of each type of Wagyu beef, allowing you to learn the story behind this delicious food while tasting it. When the beef is roasted on the fire, it makes a sizzling sound and the aroma is so tempting that it makes you salivate. Each bite melts in your mouth, giving you a sense of the tenderness and rich flavor of the meat. Ichisho-bin Honten is not only a place to enjoy delicious food, but also a great place to share good times with family and friends. After arriving at Ise Jingu Shrine, tasting authentic Matsusaka Wagyu will add unforgettable memories to your trip.

📍Gyugin Main Store 1618 Uomachi, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture 🚃Nearest Station JR Kintetsu Matsusaka Station 🚶♀️Access About 15 minutes walk from the south exit ⏱Business Hours 11:00 - 20:00 L.O. 19:00 🗓Closed Please check each time⚠️ 🎫Budget From ￥10,000 🌸Recommended points A restaurant where you can enjoy sukiyaki made with the finest Matsusaka beef procured on the day🍲 I was shocked at how delicious it was...🤤🤍 The restaurant was originally a ryokan inn that was renovated into a restaurant, and you can enjoy a relaxing meal in a spacious private room the day before✨ For the main sukiyaki, the staff will be there to make the sauce, vegetables, and meat, so you can just eat the delicious, freshly made sukiyaki🫶 Matsusaka beef is so soft and melts in your mouth that you can eat it forever, but it's not heavy, so it's a gourmet dish you should try at least once in your life🥰 #0yentravelFebruary2025

Matsusaka Castle is famous as a famous castle from the Warring States period, and is a spot where you can feel its historical value⛩️ When you stroll around the castle ruins surrounded by magnificent stone walls, you can feel its vastness...! Inside the castle, there is the Matsusaka City History and Folklore Museum, where you can experience the history and culture of Matsusaka📚. It is a rare opportunity to look at the exhibits, think back to the past, and learn about the historical background of the castle✨ #MatsusakaCastle #HistoryAndFolkloreMuseum #Matsusaka #Mie #HistoricalSpot #0YenTravelFebruary2025

📍Location: Matsusaka Castle Ruins The castle tower no longer exists, but there are many things to see, including the Folklore Museum and the Motoori Norinaga Museum nearby.

📍Nakamuraya 311-2 Ishizucho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, 515-0006 Business hours: 9:30-15:00 (closes when sold out) Check the store's Instagram for regular holidays Parking: Available *Business hours and menus may change. Please check the official website or SNS in advance🙇 Kohagi ¥1,100 You can enjoy 5 types of ohagi at Kohagi💖💖 I tried many different types and they were all delicious‼ ️ They look cute so they're also recommended as gifts🎁" Strawberry Daifuku is a limited-time product The inside is white bean paste🍓 Be careful, if you don't go early it will sell out⚠️ This is a really recommended Japanese sweets store, so please go and check it out💟💟 #FuriTabiWinter

The best beef I've ever had 🍖 🍖 The restaurant has an English menu with clear details. The quality of the beef is excellent. I highly recommend trying it. All other dishes prepared in the restaurant are also very delicious. We ordered 2 main dishes and 2 plates of beef for grilling. The price is reasonable for the quality of the beef. The meat is tender and bounces back when you chew, not tough, and it melts in your mouth 👍👍

I went to the Matsusaka Ice Cream store at 21:00 in Mie Prefecture! There are so many varieties that it's hard to choose! It opens at night, so it's perfect for an evening dessert. #0yentravelautumn 📍Address: 1147-1 Ichibasho-cho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, 515-2121