Matsusaka Town Walk - a History of Business and Culture
Spend anywhere from half a day to a full day exploring the many historical and interesting spots right around Matsusaka Station. Try your hand at weaving with a loom. Sample world-famous Matsusaka Beef products. Learn how local families became successful merchants due to the endless flow of foot traffic to Ise Shrine.
Castle Guard Residences
One area I was looking forward to was the castle guard residences. The houses are not open to the public. Why? Because the descendants of the original castle guard live there even now!
Out on the road leading to it, you can find a traditional postbox. These are always fun to pose with for photos!
Out on the road leading to it, you can find a traditional postbox. These are always fun to pose with for photos!
Just around the corner you will find the Former Mie Prefectural Technical School Drawing Room. Built in 1908 as the first technical high school drafting room in the prefecture, it is a wood-framed building and has a distinct reddish brown exterior.
Finally, you will reach the castle guard residences. They are on a straight road leading directly to the castle. One can imagine the warriors rushing out to help their lord in times of emergency. Just beyond this road, you can see the hill upon which Matsusaka Castle used to stand.
Time needed: about 5 minutes
Time needed: about 5 minutes
Matsusaka Castle Ruins
Built in 1588 by Gamo Ujisato, the original castle tower was lost in a typhoon many years ago, but the formidable stone walls remain.
Although there is not much to see up on top, the castle ruins are a great place to take a break and enjoy the nice view. You can enjoy a variety of blossoms in the spring and colorful leaves in the autumn as well.
Time needed: 10 to 15 minutes, longer if you take a break.
Time needed: 10 to 15 minutes, longer if you take a break.
Matsujiro Honey Store
Located on the corner of one of the main roads, just to the east of the castle, this quaint shop features a variety of delicious, locally made honeys. It has a wooden exterior, and if you look closely, you’ll notice an “oni,” or demon mask on the corner of the building.
Inside, you will find a large variety of honeys, available in various sizes, as well as other souvenirs. There is a small area to sit down in the back of the shop. To help you choose from the many kinds, you can sample the honey before you make a purchase!
They also have various flavors of ice cream for sale, each infused with honey. Normally, I’m a “chocolate” kind of guy, but today I felt like trying the black sesame ice cream. It came in a clamshell-like cone, so you can hold it like a sandwich. At 380 yen, the price was comparable with other ice cream shops. But the taste was unlike any other! Sesame and honey are definitely a good match!
Time needed: 5 to 10 minutes
Time needed: 5 to 10 minutes
Maruko Butcher Shop
Located only a few minutes walk from the station, Maruko Butcher Shop has been popular since it was established more than 70 years ago, and is a great place to try out Matsusaka beef snacks freshly made each day! You can get a variety of beef croquettes and more. There were people waiting in line more than 30 minutes before the serving time, 3:00PM.
The staff members cannot speak English, but Kento Nitta, the fourth generation owner said that many foreigners use some kind of translation device to communicate with the staff. Kento said, “Our shop is loved by the locals. Matsusaka Beef is delicious. If you are interested, please come try it. You are sure to love it too!”
I tried the freshly fried beef croquette. It was awesome! I should have bought more!!
Maruko Butcher Shop
Hours: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sunday)
Tel: 0598-26-2988
HP: http://29marukou.com/
Note: Due to the high volume of orders for the New Year’s season, it’s best to avoid coming in December.
Maruko Butcher Shop
Hours: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sunday)
Tel: 0598-26-2988
HP: http://29marukou.com/
Note: Due to the high volume of orders for the New Year’s season, it’s best to avoid coming in December.
Isshoubin “Yakiniku” Grilled Meat Restaurant
Isshoubin “Yakiniku” Grilled Meat Restaurant
If you want to experience old-style BBQ restaurant dining, this is the place! Here you can sit at a counter seat or low-table, and grill famous Matsusaka Beef on a “shichirin” or ceramic pot. It’s a bit pricey, but if you want to enjoy some great meat in an old style fashion, come check it out!
Isshoubin - Hiraomachi Shop
Hours: Weekdays 4:30 - 11pm, weekends 11am - 3pm, 4:30 - 11pm, closed on Mondays
Tel: 0598-23-9689
HP: isshobin.com
If you want to experience old-style BBQ restaurant dining, this is the place! Here you can sit at a counter seat or low-table, and grill famous Matsusaka Beef on a “shichirin” or ceramic pot. It’s a bit pricey, but if you want to enjoy some great meat in an old style fashion, come check it out!
Isshoubin - Hiraomachi Shop
Hours: Weekdays 4:30 - 11pm, weekends 11am - 3pm, 4:30 - 11pm, closed on Mondays
Tel: 0598-23-9689
HP: isshobin.com
In addition to the places I listed up, there were several other temples and shrines that were fun to spend a few minutes hunting for good snapshots. One of my favorites was this wall made of roofing shingles that surrounded a graveyard. This graveyard, as it turns out, is the final resting spot of Jiro Harada. You’re sure to have an enjoyable time as you explore Matsusaka City!