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

For authentic cultural immersion in Tsu City, stay at Yamato Hotel Tsu, located near Tsu Castle and Ise Shrine Outer Garden. This hotel offers traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats and kōshi ceilings, along with access to a private onsen overlooking Ise Bay. The property hosts monthly tea ceremony workshops using local Uji matcha, and guests can join guided tours to nearby Tsu Historical Museum and Kuji Town’s old merchant district, where Edo-era architecture still stands. It’s ideal for travelers seeking deep-rooted Japanese heritage.

The central business district of Tsu City is the most convenient area for hotel stays, situated just steps from Tsu Station, Tsu Castle, and Ise Bay Port. Top accommodations like Hilton Garden Inn Tsu offer modern amenities and easy access to major attractions including Ise Grand Shrine and Suzuka Circuit. Evening walks along Kuji Street reveal preserved Edo-period alleys, while nearby restaurants serve fresh Tsu seafood cuisine. With excellent public transit and proximity to both nature and culture, this zone balances comfort, convenience, and authenticity.

Tsu City offers unparalleled cultural experiences centered around Ise Shrine’s outer sanctuaries and the sacred Isuzu River. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony at Tsu Cha-no-ma, where skilled masters prepare matcha from locally grown leaves. Attend the annual Tsu Gion Festival in May, featuring elaborate floats, taiko drumming, and night illuminations. During spring, visit Tsu Park during the Cherry Blossom Festival, where thousands of Prunus yedoensis trees create a pink canopy, enhanced by folk performances and craft markets—perfect for capturing Japan’s timeless spirit.

Tsu no Yu Ryokan, nestled beside the Isuzu River, is one of Tsu City’s finest onsen ryokan. Its private outdoor baths draw mineral-rich waters from underground springs, known for skin-rejuvenating properties. Traditional wooden interiors feature shoji screens and futon bedding. Guests enjoy daily kaiseki dining featuring fresh Ise shrimp and local vegetables. Some rooms offer panoramic views of the Suzuka Mountains, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and immersive Japanese hospitality.

Tsu Family Resort "Little Dolphin House" is designed specifically for family travelers, offering a children’s playroom, indoor pool, and interactive workshops like sea life discovery sessions. Located next to Ise Bay Nature Park, it provides direct access to tidal flat exploration trails where kids can collect shells and crabs. Each evening features a marine-themed storytelling session led by local guides sharing maritime legends. The restaurant serves nutritious kid-friendly meals and includes smoke-free zones, ensuring a safe, fun, and memorable vacation for all ages.

Tsu City’s culinary identity centers on Ise shrimp and Tsu-bred sea bream. Try grilled Ise shrimp at Tsu Yakiniku Dining, served over charcoal with lemon zest for a bright finish. Don’t miss Tsu Ramen, a rich broth made from bonito and pork bones, topped with chashu, tamago, and soy-based seasoning. For a deeper experience, join a morning fishing tour at Tsu Port, where you’ll buy fresh catch directly from fishermen, then have it prepared by a chef on-site—savoring the true taste of the sea in its purest form.

The Tsu Castle Keep is the city’s most iconic photo spot, its vermilion turret reflected perfectly in the moat, especially during golden hour. Along the Isuzu River, cherry blossom pathways create a dreamy pink tunnel in spring—ideal for portrait photography. The historic machiya districts of Kuji Town showcase weathered wood facades and paper lanterns, evoking old Japan. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the harmony between architecture and nature. At night, the Tsu Light Festival transforms the riverbanks into a glowing wonderland with thousands of lanterns, perfect for long-exposure shots.

Yes, Tsu City is well-connected via JR Central Line, with Tsu Station offering fast links to Nagoya (40 min) and Osaka (90 min). Free tourist shuttle buses cover key sites including Tsu Castle, Outer Ise Shrine, and Ise Bay Port. For road travel, the Ise Expressway connects seamlessly to other parts of Mie Prefecture. Additionally, Tsu Port provides ferry services to Ise City and Suzuka City, enabling easy exploration of coastal regions. The city’s efficient infrastructure supports both short trips and extended itineraries across the region.

Don’t miss the Tsu Gion Festival in May, featuring grand parade floats, taiko drum performances, and nighttime illuminations. In October, the Tsu Bay Harvest Festival celebrates local seafood with live fishing demonstrations, cooking contests, and exclusive Ise Shrimp Donburi tastings. During winter, the Tsu Lantern Festival lights up the Isuzu Riverbanks with tens of thousands of lanterns, accompanied by music and projection shows—creating a magical atmosphere perfect for couples and families alike.

The Isuzu River is a must-visit natural gem, flowing clear through the city with lush banks lined with hundreds of weeping cherry trees, creating a stunning pink corridor in spring. Walking trails along its edge allow sightings of waterfowl and native insects. The Suzuka Mountain foothills offer scenic hiking routes with panoramic views of Ise Bay and the city skyline. For relaxation, Tsu Forest Wellness Park provides forest bathing sessions and aromatherapy courses amidst pine forests. At low tide, Tsu Bay’s tidal flats expose vast rocky expanses—perfect for family beachcombing and shell collecting, blending adventure with nature.