Matsusaka(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Matsusaka City, stay at Matsusaka Art Hotel, a boutique hotel blending traditional Japanese design with contemporary art. Located near the historic Matsusaka Castle Ruins, it features rotating exhibitions of local pottery and woodcraft, plus weekly workshops like Matsusaka Craft Days where guests can try making handmade fans or calligraphy. The hotel also offers a curated Ise-Shima regional breakfast with locally sourced black wagyu beef and fresh vegetables. Guided tours to the Matsusaka Beef Museum and the ancient Hase Temple Trail are available, immersing visitors in the city’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Perfect for cultural travelers seeking authenticity.

The best area for accommodation in Matsusaka City is the Downtown Walking District, adjacent to Matsusaka Station and the Matsusaka Castle Ruins Park. This vibrant zone offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions. Stay at Matsusaka Grand Hotel, which features tatami rooms, onsen facilities, and a convenient location for exploring the Matsusaka Shopping Street and night markets. Enjoy fresh Matsusaka beef skewers and local tofu dishes nearby. Morning walks along the Otema River and evening visits to Matsusaka Shrine provide peaceful moments amidst urban charm. Ideal for travelers who value convenience, culture, and cuisine.

Must-try food experiences in Matsusaka City include attending a Black Wagyu Beef Tasting Session at Tanba, a specialty restaurant where chefs explain cuts and grilling techniques. Join a hands-on handmade tofu workshop at Matsusaka Station Market, using local spring water and soybeans to craft silky Matsusaka tofu. For an authentic meal, book a kaiseki dinner at Asahi, a traditional machiya (townhouse) restaurant featuring seasonal ingredients paired with locally brewed sake. These culinary adventures are centered around the old town and downtown, easily accessible from most hotels.

While Matsusaka City isn’t known for hot springs, nearby Ise-Shima Onsen Resort Hotel (30-minute drive) offers a premium experience. Nestled beside the Ise River, it features natural hot spring pools and a serene Japanese garden. Try their unique Wagyu Bath, where beef slices are infused into the water before being enjoyed afterward—blending wellness and gourmet delight. The hotel also hosts tea ceremonies with local matcha and wagashi sweets. For city stays, Matsusaka Art Hotel includes an indoor onsen pool, perfect for short visitors seeking relaxation without travel.

Ideal for families, Matsusaka Grand Hotel offers a children’s playroom, family suites, and free shuttle service to Matsusaka Zoo. Their "Family Japanese Experience Package" includes activities like paper umbrella painting, kimono dressing, and rice straw doll making, introducing kids to local traditions. The hotel has a small botanical garden and petting zoo for young explorers. Meal options feature low-salt children’s menus and milk drinks. Its central location allows easy access to Matsusaka Castle Ruins and the Otema River Promenade, making it a top choice for stress-free family trips.

Begin your cultural journey at the Matsusaka Castle Ruins, a nationally designated historical site once home to the Matsudaira clan. Visit the Matsusaka Castle Museum inside the ruins to view ancient armor, maps, and exhibits on Matsusaka beef history. Then stroll the Hase Temple Trail, lined with Edo-period stone markers and century-old cherry trees, leading to Matsusaka Shrine. Explore preserved Meiji-era machiya houses, some converted into craft markets and cafés. Consider HopeGoo a guided tour via the Matsusaka City Tour Bus with multilingual audio commentary for deeper insights into the city’s past.

Don’t miss the annual Matsusaka Beef Festival (three-day summer event), a highlight for food lovers. The festival features open-air grills where visitors can grill Matsusaka beef skewers themselves, paired with local sake tastings. Enjoy kimono parades, traditional taiko drumming, and a bustling craft market. Many hotels offer "Festival Special Rooms" with tickets and exclusive souvenirs. For deeper immersion, join the Beef Master Workshop, taught by expert butchers on selecting and preparing wagyu. Book accommodations early—demand surges during the festival.

For couples seeking romance, book the Sky Terrace Suite at Matsusaka Art Hotel, featuring panoramic windows and a private courtyard overlooking the city lights. Enjoy a two-person kaiseki dinner crafted by the chef using seasonal ingredients and local sake. Take a moonlit castle ruins walk with a guided nighttime tour, listening to stories of samurai and legends. For ultimate privacy, opt for Mokunoyado, a renovated machiya with exposed beams, a fireplace, and an outdoor onsen. Most rooms offer customization services like flower arrangements and commemorative photo albums.

Explore Matsusaka Night Market in the Downtown District, where over 20 stalls serve wagyu sushi, fried tofu skewers, and matcha ice cream. Stroll along the Otema River Illumination Trail, where colorful lights dance to music—perfect for couples. For quiet evenings, visit Matsusaka Shrine after dark for a serene, lantern-lit ritual. Matsusaka Art Hotel hosts monthly poetry readings by local writers with tea and sweets, creating a cozy artistic vibe. Some restaurants like Kaneyaya operate late, extending the culinary adventure into the night.

Public transport in Matsusaka City is reliable, with JR Kansai Main Line connecting to Osaka (~1.5 hours) and Nagoya (~1 hour). Local buses cover major sites. However, for visiting Matsusaka cattle farms, Hase Temple Trail, or rural temples, renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility. Car rentals are widely available at hotels and stations. Consider purchasing the Mie Prefecture One-Day Pass for unlimited bus rides and discounts on attractions. Overall, use public transit for city exploration and rent a car for countryside excursions to maximize your experience.