Matsusaka
Discover 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. The nearest airport is the Chubu Centrair International Airport. Ferries are available to and from the airport in neighboring city of Tsu.
Taste of Matsusaka...
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. For those on a tight budget, most of the food people travel here for isn't exactly the cheapest. A cheap place to grab a snack is the takoyaki and taiyaki stand found on the main street near the station. Chain restaurants and mom-and-pop eateries with decent prices are found throughout the city. 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. Most accommodation in Matsusaka is 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.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe nearest airport is the Chubu Centrair International Airport. Ferries are available to and from the airport in neighboring city of Tsu. The city is also accessible from Kansai International Airport. You'll catch a train from the airport to Osaka-Namba, and go from there to Matsusaka. Total trip from the airport takes about two hours and forty minutes. The city is serviced by the JR and Kintetsu railways. A ticket from Nagoya station costs ¥1250-1650. Add another ¥1300 if taking the faster and more comfortable 'Limited Express' option. From Osaka-Namba Station take the Toba-bound Kintetsu Special Express to Matsusaka Station. About ¥3000 and an hour and a half. From Kyoto take the Kashikojima-bound Kintetsu Special Express to Matsusaka Station. About ¥3200 and two hours. Matsusaka is accessible from the Ise Expressway off the Matsusaka IC (interchange/exit). The main part of town is about ten minutes from the IC....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
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 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. 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. For those on a tight budget, most of the food people travel here for isn't exactly the cheapest.
Where to Stay
Most accommodation in Matsusaka is 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.
Money & Budget
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. 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. For those on a tight budget, most of the food people travel here for isn't exactly the cheapest. A cheap place to grab a snack is the takoyaki and taiyaki stand found on the main street near the station.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
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.