Tsu, Japan
Region: Mie Prefecture
Geographic Coordinates: 34.718400, 136.506000
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 35.0°C (14°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal climate and weather patterns in Tsu, Japan are influenced by its location on the Pacific coast, resulting in mild winters and hot, humid summers with frequent rainfall.
Population: 273267
Language: Japanese
Tsu is a charming city located in the Mie Prefecture of Japan. Situated on the eastern coast of Honshu Island, Tsu covers an area of approximately 710 square kilometers and has a population of around 280, 000 people. One of the most popular attractions in Tsu is its castle, Which was built by Lord Gamō during the Sengoku period. The castle served as his stronghold during battles with rival clans and visitors can now explore its grounds and learn about its history at the museum inside.
Meijo Park is another notable attraction in Tsu, Famous for its cherry blossom trees that bloom each spring. Visitors can enjoy picnics under these trees while admiring stunning views of Mt. Suzuka and Mt. Ibuki. Tsu also boasts several museums that showcase its rich cultural heritage such as Mie Prefectural Museum which houses artifacts from prehistoric times to modern-day Japan including pottery, Textiles, Weapons, And more.
For food lovers, Tsu’s seafood market offers fresh catches from nearby waters like tuna sashimi or grilled eel while local restaurants serve up traditional dishes like miso soup or sushi rolls made with locally grown rice. Finally, Tsu’s natural surroundings provide many outdoor activities including hiking trails throughout nearby mountains like Mount Gozaisho or Mount Akagi where visitors can take scenic walks through lush forests filled with wildlife such as monkeys or deer.
Overall, Tsu provides a unique blend of history, Culture, Nature, And food making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience all that Japan has to offer!
Important Landmarks
- Tsu Castle
- Mie Prefectural Art Museum
- Tsu Matsuri Kaikan (Festival Hall)
- Yuki Shrine
- Tsu City Tower Observatory
- Mie Prefecture Cultural Center
- Shimizu Park
- Suzuka Circuit (Formula One race track)
- Sakakibara Onsen Hot Springs
- Tsu City History Museum
Primary Industries
- Manufacturing
- Electronic components
- Machinery and equipment
- Automotive parts
- Agriculture
- Rice
- Tea
- Fruits and vegetables
- Tourism
- Suzuka Mountains
- Matsusaka Castle
- Education
- Mie University
- Retail
- Shopping centers
- Healthcare
- Hospitals
- Transportation
- Port
- Ise Bay Bridge (Japan’s longest suspension bridge)
Noteable History
- Tsu Castle is a significant piece of Japanese history, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583. He was a powerful daimyo who played an important role in Japan’s unification.
- Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, also has ties to Tsu. He visited Tsu Castle multiple times during his reign and even stayed there.
- The Battle of Sekigahara, fought near Tsu in 1600, was a pivotal moment in Japanese history between two powerful samurai clans. Ieyasu Tokugawa emerged victorious.
- Tadanao Matsudaira was a prominent daimyo who ruled over the Matsudaira clan during the Edo period and contributed significantly to developing infrastructure and cultural activities in Tsu.
- Kuniyoshi Utagawa was an influential ukiyo-e artist from the Edo period who created many popular prints featuring samurai warriors that were inspired by events that took place near Tsu.
- The Meiji Restoration brought about significant changes for people living around areas like tsunamis-prone regions such as Mie Prefecture where tsunamis are common occurrences due to its location along Pacific Ocean coastlines; this affected people living around Tsu as well as society and governance throughout Japan’s transition from feudalism to modernity.
Museums and Things To See
- Tsu Castle: This historic castle was built in the 16th century and is a popular tourist attraction in Tsu city.
- Mie Prefectural Art Museum: This museum showcases contemporary and traditional Japanese art, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich artistic heritage.
- Matsusaka Castle Ruins: The remains of this castle, which was built in the 16th century, are a testament to Japan’s feudal past.
- Yuki Shrine: This Shinto shrine boasts beautiful architecture and gardens, making it a must-visit for tourists interested in Japanese culture.
- Tsu City History Museum: Visitors can learn about the history and culture of Tsu city at this fascinating museum.
- Kannonji Temple: Dating back centuries, this ancient Buddhist temple features stunning architecture that will leave visitors in awe.
- Mie Prefectural Museum of Natural History: Nature lovers will enjoy exploring this museum dedicated to showcasing the natural history of Mie prefecture.
- Suzuka Circuit Park: Motorsports enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on visiting this park, which is home to Formula One racing in Japan and offers exhibits and activities related to motorsports.
- Ise Grand Shrine (located nearby): One of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, dating back over 2,000 years – it is definitely worth taking a trip here if you’re visiting the area!
- Tsuji-machi Shopping Arcade – A lively shopping street with many local shops selling traditional Japanese goods like pottery, textiles, souvenirs etc., perfect for those who want to take home some unique souvenirs from their trip!
Cultural Events
- Tsu Matsuri is a traditional festival that takes place in Tsu every May. The festival includes parades, music, dance performances, and street food.
- The Mie International Exchange Festival is an event held in October to promote cultural exchange between Japan and other countries. Visitors can enjoy international cuisine, performances, and exhibitions.
- The Tsu Jazz Festival celebrates jazz music with live performances by local and international artists every November.
- The Ise-Shima Fireworks Festival is a summer festival that features a stunning display of fireworks over Ise Bay and attracts thousands of visitors from all over Japan.
- The Shichiri Nagashi Lantern Festival takes place in August along the Shichiri coast near Tsu City where hundreds of lanterns are released into the ocean to honor ancestors who have passed away.
- The Mie Prefecture Food Fair showcases local food specialties from across Mie Prefecture at the Mitsukoshi department store in Tsu City every December.
- The Suzuka Circuit Summer Music Festa is a music festival held each summer at Suzuka Circuit race track near Tsu featuring live performances by popular Japanese musicians as well as fireworks displays.
- The Tsu Castle Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blooming of cherry blossoms around the historic Tsu Castle site with food stalls, music, and other entertainment during springtime festivities.
Cuisine
- Matsusaka Beef: This is a type of wagyu beef that is famous for its marbling and tenderness. Some popular restaurants that serve Matsusaka beef in Tsu include Yakiniku Jumbo, Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M, and Steakhouse Ito.
- Akafuku: This is a traditional sweet made from mochi (sticky rice cake) and red bean paste. The most famous place to try Akafuku in Tsu is the Akafuku Honten store.
- Mie Prefecture Seafood: As a coastal city, Tsu has access to fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean. Some popular seafood dishes to try include sashimi, grilled fish, and oyster dishes. Recommended restaurants include Kaisen Ichiba Kuroshio Market and Sushimaru.
- Unagi (Eel): Unagi is a type of freshwater eel that is often grilled with a sweet soy sauce glaze. Some popular unagi restaurants in Tsu include Miyamotoya Honke Unagiya and Takiya.
- Ramen: There are many ramen shops in Tsu serving different styles of this Japanese noodle dish such as Tonkotsu (pork bone broth), Shoyu (soy sauce broth), or Miso (fermented soybean paste broth). Popular ramen shops in Tsu include Ramen Yamaguchiya, Men-ya Takumi, and Ramen Gogyo-Tsu Station Front Store.
- Tsu Castle Park is a historical park that boasts a castle, cherry blossom trees, and walking trails.
- Matsusaka River Green Space is a riverside park with walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Tsu City Sports Center is a sports complex that has facilities for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and swimming.
- Mie Prefectural Art Museum is an art museum that exhibits contemporary and traditional Japanese art.
- Yuki Shrine Forest Park is a natural park with hiking trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Suzuka Circuit Theme Park is an amusement park featuring roller coasters and other rides inspired by the famous Suzuka Circuit race track.
- Tsu City Botanical Garden showcases various plant species from around the world in its botanical garden.
- Ise Bay Cycling Road offers cyclists a scenic route along the coastline of Ise Bay stretching from Tsu to Yokkaichi City.