Mie Prefecture · Kansai Region · 桑名市

Kuwana (桑名市) Travel Guide & City Profile

日本Mie縣Kuwana(桑名市,人口約 140,816 人)完整旅遊指南:收錄基本資訊、JR 與鐵路交通方式、在地特色美食、最佳造訪季節與鄰近城市。

最新審閱完成 · 所列日圓 (¥) 價格僅供規劃參考。 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Kuwana (桑名市, Kuwana-shi) is a city located in Mie Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 March 2021, the city had an estimated population of 141,045 in 60,301 households and a population density of 1000 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 136.68 square kilometres (52.77 sq mi).

Within Mie Prefecture (Kansai region), Kuwana (桑名市) serves as a city in mie prefecture. Travelers exploring Mie often combine a stop in Kuwana 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.

都道府縣Mie (三重県)
地方Kansai
人口140,816
Area & density136.61 km² (1,031/km²)
項目詳細資料:Kuwana (桑名市)
日文名稱桑名市 (Kuwana)
行政區地位City in Mie Prefecture
Prefecture & CapitalMie Prefecture (Capital: Tsu)
日本地方分區Kansai
人口140,816 residents
總面積 / 人口密度136.61 km² · 1,031 people per km²
設市 / 成立時間1937-04-01
地理座標35.0667°N, 136.6833°E

Getting to Kuwana & 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 Kuwana. 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 Kuwana 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 Kuwana 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.

Kuwana & Mie必吃在地美食與特產

Kuwana承襲了Mie縣與Kansai地方的飲食文化。造訪時千萬別錯過以下在地名物與特產:

  • 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 Kuwana.

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 Kuwana 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.

Kuwana旅遊實用貼士與注意事項

  • 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 Kuwana 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.

常見問題 (FAQ)

Where is Kuwana (桑名市) located in Japan?

Kuwana (桑名市) is a city located in Mie Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan (coordinates: 35.0667°N, 136.6833°E). It has a population of approximately 140,816 across an area of 136.61 km².

How do I get to Kuwana by train?

Most visitors reach Kuwana 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 Kuwana. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.

What local food is Kuwana and Mie known for?

In Kuwana 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 Kuwana?

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: