A Modern City of Tradition, Festivals and Beef
Located north of Ise, Matsusaka is a great choice for travelers wanting to check out traditional architecture, crafts, food, and festivals, without venturing into the more remote countryside. Matsukawa offers all the comfort and convenience of urban Japan.
Matsusaka was a castle town in medieval times when the shoguns ruled Japan. In those days, kimono production thrived in the city, bringing great wealth to local businesses who sold their wares in Kyoto, Osaka, and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). At marchant district which is located along the river, many of traditional merchant houses are still standing. Built around 1700, the Former Ozu Residence (Matsusaka Merchant Museum) is open to the public. This well-preserved home gives a feel for what the life of a successful Matsusaka businessman was like several hundred years ago. Near the museum is the original home of the Mitsui family, who went on to create what is now the Mitsui conglomerate. Note that this residence is not open to the public.
Matsusaka beef is rightly famous. Although not as well-known internationally as its rival, Kobe beef, some consider the Matsusaka variety even better. The cattle are similarly raised, being treated to full-body massages and beer that reportedly help give the meat its soft texture and rich marbling. Several restaurants in the city serve Matsusaka beef.
Matsusaka was a castle town in medieval times when the shoguns ruled Japan. In those days, kimono production thrived in the city, bringing great wealth to local businesses who sold their wares in Kyoto, Osaka, and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). At marchant district which is located along the river, many of traditional merchant houses are still standing. Built around 1700, the Former Ozu Residence (Matsusaka Merchant Museum) is open to the public. This well-preserved home gives a feel for what the life of a successful Matsusaka businessman was like several hundred years ago. Near the museum is the original home of the Mitsui family, who went on to create what is now the Mitsui conglomerate. Note that this residence is not open to the public.
Matsusaka beef is rightly famous. Although not as well-known internationally as its rival, Kobe beef, some consider the Matsusaka variety even better. The cattle are similarly raised, being treated to full-body massages and beer that reportedly help give the meat its soft texture and rich marbling. Several restaurants in the city serve Matsusaka beef.
