Rich in history, culture and cuisine, Tsu is an ancient city known for its castle ruins, Shinto shrines and cherry blossoms. Facing Isle Bay in central Japan, Tsu’s museums and galleries attract history enthusiasts, while natural hot springs allure those looking to unwind.
Things to do in Tsu
Explore the remains of Tsu Castle. Once a grand five-storey keep, the 16th-century castle has been transformed into a picturesque garden with cherry blossoms and pine trees. Walk along the remaining stone walls, around the moat and through the old castle gates.
Visit the Mie Prefectural Art Museum to see a vast collection of Yōga, a specific style of 14th-century Japanese art. Admire watercolours, oil paintings and pastels from prominent artists, including William Blake, Monet and Renoir, as well as famous Chinese calligraphy, bronze sculptures and plaster casts.
Discover Tsu’s natural history and rich culture at the Mie Prefectural Museum. Located in Kairaku Park, the interactive museum showcases the early life of Mei through reconstructed farming villages and fishing homes. After exploring the museum, rejuvenate your body at the Sakakibara-Onsen Hot Springs. Bathe in the steamy mineral waters of one of Japan’s most famous hot springs while enjoying views of Sakakibara River and surrounding mountain ranges.
A trip to Tsu isn’t complete without witnessing the largest Buddhist temple in Mie Prefecture. The Senju-Ji Temple is a 400-year-old national treasure and houses traditional paintings, precious documents and intricate wood carvings, including a statue of the Buddhist monk, Shinran Shonin.
Getting around Tsu
Tsu is one-hour by express train from Nagoya and just 45 minutes by high-speed boat from Chubu International Airport. The Kisei Main Line connects Mie Prefecture with Wakayama Prefecture, while the Long Isle Railway offers connections to Yokkaichi. Once in Tsu, local trains and buses make exploring easy.