Matsusaka: A Castle City
Matsusaka, Japan is a castle town in the Mie Prefecture on the coast of Kii Peninsula. Historically, it was a merchant town during the Edo era. It mainly served as a production center for quality cotton. The town's kimonos also became popular in Edo, which is now Tokyo. The merchants living in Matsusaka were millionaires of their era, including the Mitsui Group founder. Matsusaka boasts their famous beef, castle ruins, and their traditional and well-preserved Edo-period houses. The city offers a worthwhile one day or half day trip, appreciating both its cultural and historical aspects.
Best Time to Visit
For ideally comfortable weather, it is best to visit between June and August to fully enjoy the tour around Matsusaka. There are also festivals that tourists can enjoy while in the city like the Gion Matsuri (July), which is a parade of portable shrines as well as the Ujisato Festival (November) in honor of Gamo Ujisato, the feudal lord who established the Matsusaka Castle.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Aside from Matsusaka's historical landmarks, the city also offers wonderful nature sites. The Bellfarm consists of wonderful gardens, public greenhouses, farmers markets, restaurants, and picnic areas. For its historical highlights, the Matsusaka Park is where the ruins of the Matsusaka Castle are located together with several interesting museums. Below the castle walls is the Gojoban-Yashiki Residence (Castle Guards' Houses) where the samurai guards of the castle, together with their families used to live. For Matsusaka hotels, the Ace Inn Matsusaka is a recommended budget-friendly place with complete amenities and gives access to the Matsusaka Station. Toyoko Inn Ise Matsusaka Ekimae also offers affordable rates with wonderful facilities, as well as nearby access to Matsusaka's cultural highlights.