In autumn, the mountains turn beautiful shades of red and gold, and Matsusaka City in Mie Prefecture becomes full of stunning seasonal views. From historic temples surrounded by bright autumn leaves to golden terraced rice fields and grand castle ruins, here are our top recommendations for a memorable autumn trip or scenic drive in Matsusaka.
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Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture is located almost in the center of Japan, where you can enjoy world-class gourmet Matsusaka beef, rich history and culture, and beautiful nature. During the Edo period, Matsusaka was the final post town for pilgrimages to Ise-mairi (a pilgrimage to Japan's highest-ranking shrine). These merchants succeeded in trading Matsusaka cotton in Edo and brought prosperity to Matsusaka.
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Table of Contents
- What is Matsusaka City? A Town of History, Nature, and Great Food
- ① Taiunji Temple
- ② The Great Hananoki Tree at Iinan High School
- ③ Kahada Gorge
- ④ Chakura Roadside Station
- ⑤ Fukano's Terraced Rice Fields
- ⑥ Matsusaka Castle Ruins
- ⑦ Castle Guard Residences
- In conclusion
What is Matsusaka City? A Town of History, Nature, and Great Food
Located in central Mie Prefecture, Matsusaka City is easily accessible from major Kansai areas (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara) and Nagoya. While globally famous for its top-quality Matsusaka Beef—one of Japan’s best Wagyu brands—it is also a charming area with beautiful nature and a long, rich history.
From a historic castle town from the Edo period (1603-1867) to a wide, scenic valley along the clear Kushida River, there are many wonderful landscapes to enjoy. Autumn is the best season to visit, as the mountains and historic temples turn bright and colorful. Here are 7 stunning scenic spots you should not miss this autumn!
① Taiunji Temple
Located in the quiet mountains of the Haze area in Iitaka-cho, Taiunji Temple is one of the most famous autumn foliage spots in Mie Prefecture. It is also widely known as a temple for praying for healthy children. The autumn colors usually reach their peak from mid-November to early December.
The highlight is the temple's Octagonal Bronze Bell (a designated Cultural Property of Mie Prefecture). The sight of the historic bell surrounded by bright red maple leaves is truly impressive. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful and elegant atmosphere where the historic temple and beautiful autumn colors come together.
📍 Address: 631 Haze, Iitaka-cho, Matsusaka-shi, Mie 515-1725
🚗 By Car: Approx. 1 hour from Matsusaka IC on the Ise Expressway
② The Great Hananoki Tree at Iinan High School
Standing on the lawn of Mie Prefectural Iinan High School, this huge Hananoki tree (a special Japanese maple) is a famous symbol of autumn in Matsusaka. The tree is about 25 meters tall and 4 meters around the trunk. Its leaves start turning red in early November and reach their peak from mid-to-late November.
In addition to looking up at the bright red tree, you can also see fallen leaves covering the lawn like a beautiful red carpet, making it a great photo spot.
📍 Address: 5480-1 Kayumi, Iinan-cho, Matsusaka-shi, Mie 515-1411
🚗 By Car: Approx. 30 minutes from Matsusaka IC on the Ise Expressway
🚌 By Public Transportation: From JR/Kintetsu Matsusaka Station, take the local bus bound for "Michi-no-Eki Iitaka-eki" and get off at the "Iinan Koko-mae" bus stop (just steps away).
③ Kahada Gorge
Kahada Gorge is a beautiful 40-kilometer valley along Route 166. In autumn, the mountains turn rich shades of red and yellow, creating a wonderful contrast with the emerald-green Kushida River. It makes for an amazing scenic drive.
A recommended viewpoint is near Haze Station along the river. From the suspension bridge, you can enjoy clear views of the river and colorful autumn mountains. The area is also popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and canoeing.
📍 Address: 148 Haze, Iitaka-cho, Matsusaka-shi, Mie 515-1725 (Around Haze Station area)
🚗 By Car: Approx. 1 hour from Matsusaka IC on the Ise Expressway
④ Chakura Roadside Station
Located on a hill along Route 166, Chakura Roadside Station is a cozy log cabin style rest stop. On the second floor, there is a space where you can relax with a drink while enjoying the scenery.
From the outdoor observation deck, you can see a panoramic view of the Kushida River and the colorful autumn countryside below. It is a perfect place to take a break during your drive.
📍 452-1 Kayumi, Iinan-cho, Matsusaka-shi, Mie 515-1411
🚗 By Car: Approx. 30 minutes from Matsusaka IC on the Ise Expressway
⑤ Fukano's Terraced Rice Fields
Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields, the historic terraced rice fields in Fukano features around 120 layers of beautiful stone walls built into the mountain slope.
From the viewpoint, you can look out over the peaceful town and the surrounding mountains. In autumn, the golden rice plants and colorful trees create a classic, nostalgic Japanese countryside scene.
📍 Address: Fukano, Iinan-cho, Matsusaka-shi, Mie 515-1302
🚗 By Car: Approx. 30 minutes from Matsusaka IC on the Ise Expressway
🚌 By Public Transportation: From JR/Kintetsu Matsusaka Station, take the local bus bound for "Michi-no-Eki Iitaka-eki" and get off at the "Fukano" bus stop, followed by approx. a 20-minute walk.
⑥ Matsusaka Castle Ruins
Built in 1588 by the samurai lord Gamo Ujisato, the Matsusaka Castle Ruins are a famous landmark of the city, known for their grand stone walls and seasonal views.
In autumn, bright yellow ginkgo leaves and red maples look beautiful against the massive stone walls. Visitors can also walk to the top of the stone walls to enjoy sweeping views of the historic town below.
📍 Address: 1538-1 Tonomachi, Matsusaka-shi, Mie 515-0073
🚗 By Car: Approx. 15 minutes from Matsusaka IC on the Ise Expressway
🚌 By Public Transportation: Approx. 15-minute walk from JR/Kintetsu Matsusaka Station
⑦ Castle Guard Residences
Located right next to the back gate of Matsusaka Castle, Castle Guard Residences is a historic neighborhood where samurai guards and their families lived in the late Edo period (1800s). Today, it is one of the largest preserved samurai housing complexes in Japan and is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
The stone-paved lanes and green hedges have a wonderful traditional atmosphere. Walking here after visiting the castle ruins feels like stepping back in time.
📍 Address: 1385 Tonomachi, Matsusaka-shi, Mie 515-0073
🚗 By Car: Approx. 15 minutes from Matsusaka IC on the Ise Expressway
🚌 By Public Transportation: Approx. 15-minute walk from JR/Kintetsu Matsusaka Station
In conclusion
From the bright red leaves at Taiunji Temple and the giant Hananoki tree to scenic river valleys and historic samurai streets, Matsusaka offers many beautiful sights that you can only see in this season. Enjoy the fresh autumn air and take a relaxing trip to explore Matsusaka!
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