Matsusaka, the home of the famous Matsusaka beef, is also rich with cultural history as the origin of many important historical figures and notable merchants. Located in the heart of Japan in Mie Prefecture, Matsusaka is easily accessible by train from Nagoya in 70 minutes and from Osaka in 90 minutes.

During the Edo period (1603-1867), Matsusaka flourished as a shukuba machi, or post station, that travelers would visit along the sacred Ise Pilgrimage. This period was also when Matsusaka momen, a specialty textile also known as Matsusaka cotton, gained major popularity in Edo (present-day Tokyo) and brought the winds of fortune to the city's merchants. Famous merchants from Matsusaka include the country's top entrepreneur and founder of the Mitsui group, Mitsui Takatoshi, along with numerous other wealthy merchant families like the Ozu and Hasegawa families. All of their former estates remain throughout the city, where visitors can enjoy the distinct atmosphere of the Edo period while walking along vintage streets.

Matsusaka is also a treasure trove of delicious treats and local cuisine. Here you can enjoy the famous Matsusaka beef in sukiyaki, steak, yakiniku (featuring rare, authentic Matsusaka beef offal rarely seen outside of the city), or even sushi at specialized restaurants. Another popular local specialty is chicken yakiniku, where bite-sized pieces of chicken are grilled and dipped in a sweet and savory miso sauce. Matsusaka tea, which is grown in the city's lush river valley surrounded by mountains, can be enjoyed in a variety of sweets and other treats.

Feel free to stop by Matsusaka's booth within the Mie Prefecture booth, where you can enter a prize drawing to win Matsusaka beef or other local specialties.