Things To Do
in Matsuzaka

Small morning stalls and covered shopping streets by the station sell fresh produce, snacks and packaged local products—try local onigiri, grilled skewers and seasonal street sweets.

Weekend and seasonal markets around the city and nearby towns where farmers and fishers sell produce, seafood and prepared foods—good for tasting local fruit and snacks.

Bowing, saying thank you (arigatou) and using polite language is customary. Keep voices low on trains and in public spaces.

Remove shoes when entering private homes, some traditional ryokan, temples and certain restaurants — look for a genkan (entry) and provided slippers.

Form orderly lines at stations and shops; be punctual for reservations and appointments.

Always ask before photographing people up close, especially at festivals or inside smaller shops and private properties.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can sometimes cause confusion; excellent service is included in the price. For guided services or private transfers, a small polite gift or explicit handover of cash in an envelope is acceptable but not expected.

Cash (yen) remains widely used, especially in smaller shops, markets and some restaurants. Major cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB) are accepted at hotels, department stores and many eateries; IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo/IC cards) and regional rechargeable cards work for trains and buses. Carry cash for rural areas and small purchases.

Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms (late March–April) make it one of the best times to visit for sightseeing and photography; crowds increase around popular viewing spots and weekends.

Hot and humid with July–August peaks; expect summer festivals and fireworks but also typhoon risk in late summer/early autumn. Dress for heat and carry water.

Pleasant temperatures and brilliant foliage in October–November; ideal for outdoor walks and food festivals with comfortable daytime weather.

Cool to cold, occasionally windy along the coast; few tourists and lower prices make it a quiet time to visit—some inland areas may be chilly but snowfall is generally light.

A well-known mountain in northern Mie (accessible by car/train plus ropeway) offering hiking trails, panoramic views and alpine flora; a popular day-trip for moderate hikes and cable-car photography.

Various coastal paths and island walks within Ise-Shima National Park provide seaside scenery, rocky shorelines and opportunities to combine light hiking with seafood stops.

Part of the historic pilgrimage routes network—select shorter sections or guided day-trip portions are reachable from central Mie for walkers interested in cultural trails and forested paths (note: some routes require travel time).

Numerous informal trails and rural roads around Matsusaka offer easy hikes through rice terraces, small forests and village scenery—ideal for gentle exploration and birdwatching.