What do you want to know? Welcome to Matsusaka Keirin
This time, we will introduce Matsusaka Keirin, a hidden specialty of Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture .
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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
- Not just Matsusaka beef! If you want to experience the power of running, head to Matsusaka Keirin
- What kind of sport is Keirin?
- In fact, the bicycle racing business is a pillar of the town
- A plethora of events all year round! How to enjoy Matsusaka Keirin
- Matsusaka, the City of Wagyu ! Don't miss out on the local cuisine!
- summary
Not just Matsusaka beef! If you want to experience the power of running, head to Matsusaka Keirin
Matsusaka City in Mie Prefecture is famous for Matsusaka beef, one of Japan's three major wagyu beef breeds.
However, Matsusaka has another specialty.
This is the Matsusaka Keirin, a race filled with speed and excitement.
Here, you don't just watch the races.
In addition to enjoying the fast and exciting bicycle race "Keirin," this is a new tourist spot where you can experience all that Matsusaka has to offer, from seasonal events and local cuisine to social contributions that support the community.
What kind of sport is Keirin?
Keirin is a bicycle race that originated in Japan, where competitors race around a bank (raceway) and compete to see who can reach the finish line first. Competitors race at speeds of over 60km/h.
Keirin is not just a race of speed; it also has a strong element of strategy and tactics between the riders, which is what makes it so deep and interesting.
The thrilling moment just before the goal, when the outcome of the match is decided in just a few seconds, is a sight to behold.
It's an official Olympic sport and is watched by fans all over the world, but even if you have no prior knowledge, you can join in. Once you experience the sound, wind, and speed firsthand, you'll quickly understand how exciting it is.
*Image is for illustrative purposes only.
In fact, the bicycle racing business is a pillar of the town
Keirin is a "public sport" run by local governments.
A portion of the profits earned is used in a variety of areas.
Support for sports and cultural events
- Improving public services such as welfare and education
- Developing infrastructure that is close to daily life, such as roads and parks
In other words, enjoying the race also directly leads to supporting urban development.
A major feature of the Keirin business is that it combines entertainment and social contribution.
A plethora of events all year round! How to enjoy Matsusaka Keirin
Matsusaka Keirin Stadium is not just a place to hold races.
Events are held every season, making it a great place for locals and tourists to come together and have fun.
Here are some of the major events taking place in 2025.
Spring: Kids Keirin
This is a bicycle race for children from 3 years old to 6th grade of elementary school. There are kick bike and keirin (bicycle) divisions. It is a rare opportunity to ride your own bicycle on a bank (raceway) that is normally off-limits.
Summer: Summer festival
The venue will instantly be filled with a festive atmosphere with street performances and stage events featuring a dance performance by the Mie High School Dance Club, one of the strongest schools in the country.
The attraction is that you can watch the race while enjoying food stalls.
Enjoy the "Festival Fair" with goldfish scooping and shooting gallery,
The finale will be a spectacular fireworks show that will give you a taste of Japanese summer.
Autumn: Opening ceremony event
It is held in conjunction with a major race held at Matsusaka Keirin Stadium.
For the elderly, there will be singing shows and drum performances,
For young people, there will be a dance contest and a talk show by a former idol turned auto racer, while for children there will be a Sentai show and live comedy performances, and even a raffle for kids only, where you can win a popular game console. There are plenty of events that can be enjoyed by everyone, from children to adults.
Winter: A fantastic night illuminated by lanterns
At night, the velodrome becomes a fantastical space light by lanterns.
There are many photogenic spots, making it popular with parents and children and couples.
The contrast between the power of the race and the quiet light is refreshing and provides a special experience for visitors.
Other: RIDE MASTER ACADEMY
This is a full-scale cycling class for students from the third grade of elementary school to the third grade of junior high school, where cycling professionals provide direct instruction. Even beginners can improve their technique, judgment, sense of balance, and mental strength through lessons that prioritize safety and security.
"Don't just ride it" - learn how to ride a sports bike in style!
Thanks to these events, Matsusaka Keirin Stadium is changing from a place you only go to on race days to a place where there is always something fun to do whenever you go.
Matsusaka, the City of Wagyu ! Don't miss out on the local cuisine!
If you come to Matsusaka Keirin, be sure to check out the local gourmet food.
On some days, food trucks are set up, allowing you to casually enjoy the unique flavors of Matsusaka in between watching the games.
The menu includes croquettes, rice bowls, and skewers made with Matsusaka beef.
Street food style food that's easy to share with family and friends.
The appeal of "watching the race + enjoying local cuisine" is that you can experience the excitement of speed and the satisfaction of local food all at once, making it a great option for inbound tourists.
summary
When you think of Matsusaka City, many people may think of Matsusaka beef and the historic castle town.
By combining this with the Matsusaka Keirin Line, you can enjoy your trip in even more ways.
In the morning, we took a stroll around the ruins of Matsusaka Castle and the old townscape.
In the afternoon, enjoy watching races and events at Matsusaka Keirin Stadium and enjoy an extraordinary experience.
By hosting the event, Matsusaka Keirin Stadium has transformed from a "race track" into a "tourist spot," welcoming tourists from both Japan and abroad.
Matsusaka Keirin is an experiential spot where you can casually enjoy the "now" of Matsusaka City.
If you visit Matsusaka, be sure to stop by the bicycle racing track and experience the new charm of Matsusaka .
[For detailed tourist information on Matsusaka Keirin in Matsusaka Matsusaka City , Mie Mie Prefecture , click here]
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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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