5 Things to Do in Matsusaka! (Prize to win at the end of the article)
We present five must-do activities in Matsusaka, a small town in Mie just 1 hour and 10 minutes by direct train from Nagoya. Often overlooked though easily accessible, Matsusaka has a rich history as a trading town and still today teems with activities, specialties and unique places to discover. Between Japanese cinema, traditional craftsmanship and local specialties, explore the city’s history and its riches for a true journey through time.
Follow in the footsteps of the renowned director Yasujiro Ozu by visiting the museum dedicated to him and discover his life, his works, and the memories of his youth spent in Matsusaka.
A little hungry? It’s time to taste the famous Matsusaka beef, renowned for its exceptional tenderness. We recommend enjoying it as sukiyaki, a Japanese hot pot of thin slices of beef that will delight your palate.
At the Matsusaka Cotton Artisanal Weaving Center, learn the craft of weaving. Get acquainted with a traditional loom and discover the precise gestures that bring these iconic fabrics to life. Extend the experience by stopping by the shop, where you’ll find a wide selection of Matsusaka cotton creations: accessories, clothing, wallets, hats and many other items. Find your happiness among these numerous creations and depart with an authentic keepsake.
Then put on a traditional kimono in elegant blue tones before wandering through the city’s historic streets.
Continue your exploration with the former home of a wealthy cotton merchant and its beautiful Japanese garden, witnesses to the prosperity of Matsusaka’s merchants, before continuing your stroll to the castle ruins.
A peaceful getaway that will allow you to discover another facet of Mie, combining heritage, craftsmanship and local gastronomy with Japanese tradition.
Read the article to the end to win an artisanal Matsusaka wallet!
👉 More information here
Follow in the footsteps of the renowned director Yasujiro Ozu by visiting the museum dedicated to him and discover his life, his works, and the memories of his youth spent in Matsusaka.
A little hungry? It’s time to taste the famous Matsusaka beef, renowned for its exceptional tenderness. We recommend enjoying it as sukiyaki, a Japanese hot pot of thin slices of beef that will delight your palate.
At the Matsusaka Cotton Artisanal Weaving Center, learn the craft of weaving. Get acquainted with a traditional loom and discover the precise gestures that bring these iconic fabrics to life. Extend the experience by stopping by the shop, where you’ll find a wide selection of Matsusaka cotton creations: accessories, clothing, wallets, hats and many other items. Find your happiness among these numerous creations and depart with an authentic keepsake.
Then put on a traditional kimono in elegant blue tones before wandering through the city’s historic streets.
Continue your exploration with the former home of a wealthy cotton merchant and its beautiful Japanese garden, witnesses to the prosperity of Matsusaka’s merchants, before continuing your stroll to the castle ruins.
A peaceful getaway that will allow you to discover another facet of Mie, combining heritage, craftsmanship and local gastronomy with Japanese tradition.
Read the article to the end to win an artisanal Matsusaka wallet!
👉 More information here
3 Private Experiences in the Heart of Himeji
The Himeji Convention & Visitors Bureau offers three exclusive experiences to explore the castle town in a more private way.
After the public is closed, enjoy an exceptional experience by discovering the Himeji Castle just for you. In the quiet and stillness that envelops the castle after closing, set off to explore it at night, guided by a flashlight, and let yourself be surprised by another facet of this heritage jewel. As the tour progresses, light gradually reveals the details of its architecture and interiors, creating an atmosphere that is intimate, mysterious and fascinating. A privileged way to explore the famous Himeji Castle, away from the daytime bustle, and to live a moment out of time.
At Mount Shosha, open the doors of Engyoji Temple and discover, alongside the abbot, spaces usually closed to visitors and reserved for staff. Delve into a place steeped in more than 1,000 years of history and explore its iconic buildings, some of which are classified as Important Cultural Properties. Then let yourself be guided through a twenty-minute zazen meditation in the temple’s peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
The final experience we present is also not to be missed. Meet master bladesmith Munehiro Myochin and dive into the ancient world of Japanese swords, learning about production techniques and the history of the Myochin family. During this experience you will also be able to assist the bladesmith in hammering metal and observe up close the precise gestures that are passed down from generation to generation. You’ll even have the chance to hold a real Japanese sword and capture the moment in a photo.
👉 More information here
After the public is closed, enjoy an exceptional experience by discovering the Himeji Castle just for you. In the quiet and stillness that envelops the castle after closing, set off to explore it at night, guided by a flashlight, and let yourself be surprised by another facet of this heritage jewel. As the tour progresses, light gradually reveals the details of its architecture and interiors, creating an atmosphere that is intimate, mysterious and fascinating. A privileged way to explore the famous Himeji Castle, away from the daytime bustle, and to live a moment out of time.
At Mount Shosha, open the doors of Engyoji Temple and discover, alongside the abbot, spaces usually closed to visitors and reserved for staff. Delve into a place steeped in more than 1,000 years of history and explore its iconic buildings, some of which are classified as Important Cultural Properties. Then let yourself be guided through a twenty-minute zazen meditation in the temple’s peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
The final experience we present is also not to be missed. Meet master bladesmith Munehiro Myochin and dive into the ancient world of Japanese swords, learning about production techniques and the history of the Myochin family. During this experience you will also be able to assist the bladesmith in hammering metal and observe up close the precise gestures that are passed down from generation to generation. You’ll even have the chance to hold a real Japanese sword and capture the moment in a photo.
👉 More information here
Wa Sakura at IFTM
Wa Sakura will again be exhibiting at the IFTM Trade Show this year! Discover with us the latest updates from the regions of Mie, Fukuoka, Okayama and the city of Himeji on the stand A036.
Do not hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment!
Do not hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment!
Contact Wa Sakura
Wa Sakura is the official representative for the prefectures of Mie, Okayama, Fukuoka, as well as the cities of Himeji and Matsue and the Kintetsu Railway company.
Are you planning a trip to Japan? Do you want to visit sites beyond the famous Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka?
Discover the must-see attractions in Western Japan as well as hidden gems carefully curated by the Wa Sakura team!
Nana Omi
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01 41 95 00 77
Website: wa-sakura.fr
Would you like to discover the full richness of Western Japan?
Sign up for our newsletter
Are you planning a trip to Japan? Do you want to visit sites beyond the famous Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka?
Discover the must-see attractions in Western Japan as well as hidden gems carefully curated by the Wa Sakura team!
Nana Omi
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01 41 95 00 77
Website: wa-sakura.fr
Would you like to discover the full richness of Western Japan?
Sign up for our newsletter
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