Introducing a walking course for "objects" around Matsusaka Station in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture

• Table of Contents
• Walking around the "art objects" around Matsusaka Station
• A big bell and a small cow at the Matsusaka Station rotary...
• A lion statue in Matsusaka?
• Can you find the heart-shaped stone at the Matsusaka Castle ruins?
• summary

Walking around the "art objects" around Matsusaka Station

Matsusaka City in Mie Prefecture , known for its Matsusaka beef and castle town atmosphere, is a fun town where you can make small discoveries as you walk around.

In the historic townscape, there are subtle objects that make you want to stop and look at them.

This time, we will introduce the "Object Walking Course", which takes you around these objects on foot from Matsusaka Station.

A big bell and a small cow at the Matsusaka Station rotary...

There are various objects scattered around Matsusaka Station.

There is a "big bell" object in the square in front of the station when you exit the south exit of JR Matsusaka Station.

This bell is modeled after an "Ekirei" (station bell), one of the "Seven Ancient Bells (Seven Types of Bells)" belonging to Motoori Norinaga, a scholar of Japanese classics who was born in Matsusaka and wrote the "Kojikiden."

The "Eki Bell" is still loved by the locals as one of the symbols of Matsusaka, and can be seen all over the city.

In addition to the station bell, there is another object at Matsusaka Station.

When you think of Matsusaka, many people probably think of Matsusaka beef.

There are also several small cow sculptures installed in front of the south exit of JR Matsusaka Station. These mini Matsusaka beef figures sometimes change their outfits depending on the season.

Please be sure to check it out.

A lion statue in Matsusaka?

Next, walk towards Matsusaka City Hall and you will see the lion statue.

This place is called "Gousho Pocket Park" and is known as a small rest spot for the locals, where people can take a break or relax while walking around town.

This large lion statue was donated to Matsusaka City by Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. in 2015. The lion statue is known as the symbol of the department store Mitsukoshi. The origins of Mitsukoshi lie in the merchant Mitsui Takatoshi, who was born in Matsusaka.

Takatoshi Mitsui, considered the founder of the Mitsui family, was born in Matsusaka and later became a famous merchant known throughout the country.

Echigoya, a kimono shop that Takatoshi opened in Nihonbashi, Edo (present-day Tokyo) in 1673, later became Mitsukoshi Co., Ltd., and is now known as Isetan Mitsukoshi Co., Ltd.

Here's a little bit of trivia!

The lion statue that is the symbol of Mitsukoshi was cast based on the lion statue under Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square in London.

It is famous as a "statue that grants wishes," and it is said that if you straddle its back, your wish will come true. Be sure to try it.

Can you find the heart-shaped stone at the Matsusaka Castle ruins?

Next, walk southwest from the lion statue and pass Matsusaka City Hall, and you will see the ruins of Matsusaka Castle.

Matsusaka Castle is a historic castle built in 1588 by the Sengoku period warlord Gamo Ujisato. The castle itself no longer remains, but it has been developed into a park.

The beautiful Ishigaki walls that remain today are attracting attention, and it is a beautiful tourist spot where you can enjoy cherry blossoms and autumn leaves depending on the season.

Among the Ishigaki of the Matsusaka Castle ruins, there is a stone shaped like a heart, which appears to be a coincidence.

This heart-shaped stone is especially popular with couples and families as it evokes a romantic feeling in those who see it.

Please try to find out where it is located within the vast castle ruins.

summary

What did you think?

All of the objects introduced this time can be reached on foot from Matsusaka Station.

While sightseeing around Matsusaka Station, try to find the "Ekirei" (Station Bell), "Matsusaka Beef Statue", "Lion Statue" and "Heart Stone". We'll be waiting for you in Matsusaka.

・Statue of a station bell and Matsusaka beef

South Exit of JR Matsusaka Station (301 Kyomachi , Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture )

・Lion statue

Gousho Pocket Park (2176-10 Mie Prefecture, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture)

Access: About 10 minutes on foot from JR or Kintetsu Matsusaka Station

・Heart Stone

Matsusaka Castle Ruins / Matsusaka Park (1538-1 Mie Prefecture, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture)

Access: About 15 minutes on foot from JR or Kintetsu Matsusaka Station

Parking: Matsusaka City Parking Lot (free)

Matsusaka City Tourism Official Instagram (Japanese)

Matsusaka City Tourism Official Instagram