최종 검수 완료 · 안내된 엔화(¥) 요금은 참고용입니다. · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Matsusaka (松阪市, Matsusaka-shi; Local dialect: Mattsaka or Massaka) is a city located in Mie Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 August 2021, the city had an estimated population of 157,235 in 66,018 households and a population density of 250 people per km2. The total area of the city is 623.64 square kilometres (240.79 sq mi). The city is famous for Matsusaka beef.
Within Mie Prefecture (Kansai region), Matsusaka (松阪市) serves as a city in mie prefecture. Travelers exploring Mie often combine a stop in Matsusaka with regional highlights such as Ise Jingu (Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine complex) and Okage Yokocho lane, Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks), Toba pearl islands, Iga-Ueno ninja castle town, and Suzuka Circuit.
| 항목 | 상세 정보: Matsusaka (松阪市) |
|---|---|
| 일본어 표기 | 松阪市 (Matsusaka) |
| 행정 구역 지위 | City in Mie Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Mie Prefecture (Capital: Tsu) |
| 일본 지방 구분 | Kansai |
| 인구 | 169,571 residents |
| 총면적 / 인구밀도 | 623.82 km² · 272 people per km² |
| 시 승격 / 설립 | 1933-02-01 |
| 좌표 | 34.5779°N, 136.5276°E |
Getting to Matsusaka & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Iseshi, Toba, Kuwana & Tsu Stations (JR & Kintetsu Limited Express)): 1h 20m from Nagoya or 1h 50m from Osaka-Namba/Kyoto on the Kintetsu Limited Express (including the luxury Shimakaze train).
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Mie Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Tsu with Matsusaka. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Mie have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Matsusaka en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Matsusaka are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Mie can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
Matsusaka & Mie의 대표 음식 및 특산물
Matsusaka에서는 Mie현과 Kansai 지방의 풍부한 미식 전통을 만날 수 있습니다. 방문 중 꼭 맛봐야 할 대표 특산물은 다음과 같습니다:
- Matsusaka wagyu beef (one of Japan's top three wagyu) — a signature specialty across Mie Prefecture.
- Ise udon (thick soft noodles in dark tamari glaze) — a signature specialty across Mie Prefecture.
- Akafuku mochi — a signature specialty across Mie Prefecture.
- Ise-ebi (spiny lobster) & Matoya oysters — a signature specialty across Mie Prefecture.
- Tekone-zushi — a signature specialty across Mie Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Matsusaka.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Year-round pilgrimage to Ise Jingu; spring and autumn for Kumano Kodo Iseji coastal trails; winter for Nabana no Sato illumination in Kuwana.
Regional highlights across Mie Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Matsusaka include: Ise Jingu (Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine complex) and Okage Yokocho lane, Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks), Toba pearl islands, Iga-Ueno ninja castle town, and Suzuka Circuit.
Matsusaka 여행 실용 팁 및 주의사항
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter at the regional hub (Iseshi, Toba, Kuwana & Tsu Stations (JR & Kintetsu Limited Express)) or major stations in Mie Prefecture for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Matsusaka accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
자주 묻는 질문 (FAQ)
Where is Matsusaka (松阪市) located in Japan?
Matsusaka (松阪市) is a city located in Mie Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan (coordinates: 34.5779°N, 136.5276°E). It has a population of approximately 169,571 across an area of 623.82 km².
How do I get to Matsusaka by train?
Most visitors reach Matsusaka via the main prefectural gateway of Iseshi, Toba, Kuwana & Tsu Stations (JR & Kintetsu Limited Express). 1h 20m from Nagoya or 1h 50m from Osaka-Namba/Kyoto on the Kintetsu Limited Express (including the luxury Shimakaze train). From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Matsusaka. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Matsusaka and Mie known for?
In Matsusaka and across Mie Prefecture, top local dishes include Matsusaka wagyu beef (one of Japan's top three wagyu), Ise udon (thick soft noodles in dark tamari glaze), Akafuku mochi, as well as Ise-ebi (spiny lobster) & Matoya oysters and Tekone-zushi. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Matsusaka?
Year-round pilgrimage to Ise Jingu; spring and autumn for Kumano Kodo Iseji coastal trails; winter for Nabana no Sato illumination in Kuwana. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: