Fall foliage spots in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture Prefecture: Recommended spots for viewing autumn leaves in the city

24 October 2025 at 14:00

Recommended autumn foliage spots in Matsusaka City , Mie Prefecture

Matsusaka City , located in the Chuo of Mie Prefecture , adjacent to Kyoto Prefecture and Nara Prefecture , has many stunningly beautiful spots to see autumn leaves!

This time, we will introduce three carefully selected autumn foliage spots that are within walking distance from Matsusaka Station.

①Matsusaka Castle Ruins

The ruins of Matsusaka Castle are the site of Matsusaka Castle, which was built by Lord Gamou Ujisato in 1588, and are now a symbol of Matsusaka , with their magnificent Ishigaki remaining.

In spring, the area is bustling with people who come to see the cherry blossoms, but in autumn, the highlight is the ginkgo and maple leaves that beautifully decorate the Ishigaki.

The best time to see the autumn leaves varies depending on the tree, so you can enjoy them for a long period of time.

Best time to see: Mid-November to mid-December

[Address] Mie Prefecture, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture

[Access] 15 minutes walk from JR/Kintetsu Matsusaka Station

2) Former Hasegawa Jirobei House

The former Hasegawa Jirobei House, designated as an Important Cultural Property (building) of Japan, was the residence of the Hasegawa family, one of Matsusaka 's leading wealthy merchants who ran the cotton wholesaler " Tamba ."

In addition to its stately structure and high-quality construction using fine materials, the building also features a stroll-style garden centered around a pond. In autumn, the maple leaves in this garden change color, creating a truly spectacular sight.

Every year, the temple is lit up at night, so be sure to enjoy its different appearance from the daytime.

In 2025, the illuminations will take place from December 5th (Mon) to December 7th (Sun).

●Hasegawa Family Autumn Leaves Night Walk

[Location] Former Hasegawa Jirobei House

[Period] December 5, 2020 - December 7, 2020

[Hours] Open until 7:30pm (entry until 7pm) *Opening hours will be extended during certain periods only.

[Admission fee] Adults: 400 yen

Best time to see: late November to mid-December

[Address] 1653 Mie Prefecture, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture

[Access] 10 minutes walk from JR/Kintetsu Matsusaka Station

【Official URL】 https://matsusaka-rekibun.com/hasegawa/

3. Mirokuin Zenpukuji Temple

Mirokuin Zenpukuji Temple is located a five-minute walk from Matsusaka Station. It is said that the foundations of the temple were first laid by Gyoki, a famous monk from the Nara period, and that it was rebuilt by Sozu Kinso in 773. Later, when Lord Gamo Ujisato opened Matsusaka Castle and developed the castle town, it was moved to its current location.

There are several temples within the grounds, and the "Shikoku 88 Temple Sand-Stepping Pilgrimage Site" is also located here. It is said that by stepping on the sand of the Shikoku 88 Temple Sand-Stepping Site, you will receive the same benefits as if you had visited all 88 temples.

The temple also enshrines Buddhas such as Mizukake Fudo Myo-o, who is said to pour water on you when you make a wish, and Kikimimi Jizo, who will quietly listen to your wishes. This is a temple where you can spend some quiet time strolling around.