Matsusaka, Historical castle town in Mie Prefecture, Japan
Matsusaka is a city in Mie Prefecture, Japan, spread across hilly terrain between mountains and the coast. The town center preserves old merchant districts with narrow lanes and wooden townhouses, while newer residential areas fill the outer zones.
Oda Nobukatsu built a castle in 1580 and laid the foundation for the settlement, which received its name under Gamo Ujisato in 1588. The merchant class grew rapidly and turned the town into a major trading post for cotton textiles and later also for beef.
The Matsusaka Cotton Center shows visitors how traditional Matsusaka Momen fabric is woven, a craft that once made the town wealthy. In the workshops, you can watch the looms and touch the sturdy, indigo-dyed textiles that were once worn throughout Japan.
The Tourist Information Center in Kyomachi offers city maps and advice for visitors who want to navigate the winding lanes. Most sights lie within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore the town on foot.
The former Ozu Residence from 1700 now serves as a merchant museum and shows the living conditions of wealthy traders. In the preserved rooms, you can see thick beams, paper walls, and tatami mats just as they were in the homes of the elite at that time.
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