Tsu

The coastal areas of Mie and Shimane are hot, humid, and rainy in summer, while spring and autumn are better for walking.

“Tsu” in Japan may refer to two destinations: Tsu City in Mie Prefecture, or Yunotsu in Shimane Prefecture. The main sights and itinerary ideas below are organized by location, so you can choose based on your interests.

Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, Japan Guide

Tsu City is the capital of Mie Prefecture. It has a quiet urban atmosphere, with historic sites, religious buildings, and local food. If you plan to visit Ise Jingu Shrine or Matsusaka City, Tsu is also easy to include in the same trip.

• Tsu Castle Ruins: This castle site was first built in 1580 and is counted as one of Japan’s “Three Tsu.” Today, you can still see the moat, turret, and Japanese garden. The scenery is especially elegant when the cherry blossoms bloom in spring, making it a good place for an easy walk.

• Takada Honzan Senjuji Temple: This is the head temple of the Shinshu Takada school in Japan. The temple grounds preserve two National Treasure buildings and 11 Important Cultural Properties. Lotus flowers can be seen in different seasons, and the overall atmosphere is solemn and quiet.

• Yuki Shrine: Yuki Shrine is a well-known plum blossom viewing spot in Tsu. Every February, the weeping plum blossoms come into bloom, with pink branches spreading out against the old shrine buildings. It is a good place to experience the blend of a traditional religious setting and natural scenery.

• Mie Prefectural Art Museum: Located near Tsu Station, this museum’s collection includes works by local artists as well as Western artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Dalí. Travelers interested in art exhibitions may want to set aside time for a visit.
• Matsusaka Beef: Matsusaka beef comes from Matsusaka City, which borders Tsu, and there are also many restaurants in Tsu that serve it. Known for its tender texture and rich marbling, it is a meal worth planning into a local trip.
• Chicken Broth Ramen: You can visit Men THE KURO, a shop known for its light and flavorful chicken broth, which feels less oily than tonkotsu broth. The spicy dipping noodles and mini xiaolongbao are also representative choices. The xiaolongbao are pan-fried until crisp on the bottom, with plenty of juicy filling inside.

Transport and itinerary tips: It takes about 1 hour by car from Nagoya and about 90 minutes from Osaka. Spring and autumn have more comfortable weather, making Tsu suitable for a day trip: visit the Tsu Castle Ruins and Mie Prefectural Art Museum in the morning, go to Takada Honzan Senjuji Temple in the afternoon, and choose Matsusaka beef or local ramen for dinner.

Yunotsu, Shimane Prefecture, Japan Guide

If you prefer a slower-paced hot spring town with relatively fewer tourists, Yunotsu in Shimane Prefecture, near Iwami Ginzan, is worth considering. It preserves a strong Edo-period streetscape atmosphere and is well suited to a leisurely stay.

• Yunotsu Onsen: This hot spring town has a history of more than 1,300 years. Yakushiyu is a Meiji-period building with water flowing directly from the source, while Motoyu preserves a traditional hot spring atmosphere and has relatively hot water. Both places offer a sense of the everyday bathing culture of local residents.

• Yunotsu Pottery Museum: The museum preserves one of Japan’s largest climbing kilns. You can see pottery displays and learn about traditional climbing kilns. If you book in advance, you can also try making pottery and take home a handmade souvenir.
• Old House Cafés: The town has many cafés and bars converted from old machiya townhouses, such as Roan and MAHORA. You can order a coffee or a local craft beer and slow down in the atmosphere of the old streets.

Itinerary and notes: Yunotsu is about 20 minutes by car from the Omori area of Iwami Ginzan and about 1 hour from Izumo City. It is best combined with Iwami Ginzan, with one night spent in the town. In the evening, you may have the chance to watch the splendid traditional “Yokagura” performance at Tatsunogozen Shrine. This is not an artificially created tourist district, but a real living community, so please keep quiet while visiting and respect local residents.