Walking around the historic town of Matsusaka will be even more fun ♪ Let's go to the "Matsuzaka Tourism Exchange Center, the Town of Rich Merchants"!

On April 5, 2019, "Matsusaka Tourism Exchange Center, the town of wealthy merchants" opened a 2-minute walk from MatsusakaCity!
MatsusakaCity, known as the "city of wealthy merchants," has developed a variety of cultures and is home to many historic buildings.
This tourist exchange center provides solid support for walking around MatsusakaCity.

The spacious interior with the gentle scent of wood has two floors.The first floor has a guidance floor that guides you to the highlights and sightseeing spots in MatsusakaCity, and the second floor has an exhibition corner.
On the first floor, there are sales and exhibitions of MatsusakaCity 's special products, and in addition to information on gourmet food, you can also purchase MatsusakaCity original souvenirs.

The second floor has an exhibition floor where you can learn about history and culture, as well as a theater, where you can learn more about MatsusakaCity. Before walking around town, take your time to wander around the exhibition floor and find out about the historical culture that interests you!

I found something interesting on the stairs leading to the second floor. "Let's look for it on the floor"? ?

As you go further, you will see small illustrations drawn on round panels, each of which seems to be on a panel somewhere on the second floor. Looks like it would be fun to search and play.

The colorful panels introduce a lot of Matsusaka's history, including tea, food culture, and textiles including Matsusaka cotton. You can also learn about great figures such as MotooriNorinaga and TakatoshiMitsui, who were famous during the Edo period, and it is also recommended for parents and children to study history together.

In the tea ceremony and food culture panel, there is also information about the famous high-quality ingredient Matsusaka beef. With delicious-looking photos! Matsusaka beef can be enjoyed at gourmet spots while walking around town. Please look for recommended shops on the first floor guidance floor, which I will introduce later.

The highlight on the exhibition floor is the diorama of Sangu Kaido in MatsusakaCity during the Edo period!
This exhibit is a detailed reproduction of the busy Sangu Kaido road, which is said to have been passed by 5 million people, and you can also see where the current location of MatsusakaCity Tourist Center would have been in the Edo period. Yo! This diorama is fun for children to view, and when you get close to it with your cell phone, you can take a realistic picture and it's fun! Please bring your face close and take a look!

Here is a photo taken close to the diorama.
The scenery is so realistic that it feels like you have traveled back in time to the Edo period town! You can clearly see the lively atmosphere at the time. You are sure to have a lot of fun by enjoying taking photos from various angles.

At the Story Theater, located on the floor at the back of the exhibition, a screening of ``Matsuzaka, a town that nurtures great talent and shines through its uniqueness - The Bustling Sangu Road'' is being held.
I like that the history and unique culture of MatsusakaCity are visualized in a way that is easy to understand for people of all ages.

It contains a lot of information about the historical background that supported Matsusaka's history and the lives of great people.
By watching the video, you can feel even closer to the history of Matsusaka.

After walking around the second floor and learning about Matsusaka's history and culture, it's time to get ready to walk around town.

By the way, there is a nursing room on the second floor, so you don't have to worry about bringing small children with you. It's very attractive that there are spots where you can enjoy Matsusaka even if you have babies and children!

If you find something about history or food culture that piques your interest on the exhibition floor, then go to the guidance floor on the 1st floor and look for tourist spots that are related to it!
You can choose sightseeing spots at your leisure while taking a break in the calm interior of the hotel.

The cushions used in the rest area are made from natural indigo dyed thread and feature a distinctive striped pattern, made by MatsusakaCotton from MatsusakaCity.
The various types of vertical striped patterns are called ``Matsusakajima'' and are said to have been a popular textile during the Edo period. There are many fun spots to visit, such as the hand-weaving experience at MatsusakaCotton Center, so those who are interested should definitely check it out!

On the wall of the guidance floor is a large map that condenses the many sightseeing spots!
Explanations of various parts of Matsusaka are written with photos, so check out the places you're interested in here. Not only tourists but also locals can learn about this place, so it's a good idea to take this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the history of MatsusakaCity.

The monitor placed in front of the map is a touch panel, and by inputting the sightseeing spot you want to visit, it will issue a map showing you the route you should take!
It is easy to use and anyone can use it for free.

When you circle the route you want to go around with your finger, many recommended spots in the area will be displayed.
Once you've decided where you want to go, just put in the order and in no time you'll have an original walking route you want to go to today!

You can print out the completed original route at the information desk at the general information center. (free)
Since you can choose the shortest route, you can use your time effectively and visit many spots. Choose as many places as you want to go!

Each print I received comes with a detailed explanation like this. There is a map on the back.
It's also great that when you actually visit, you can check the descriptions and enjoy the spot while experiencing the history and culture.
You might feel like you're on a guided sightseeing tour! !

After enjoying a walk around the town, we recommend returning to the Tourism Exchange Center. We carry a wide variety of products, including Matsusaka beef, which is representative of Matsusaka, local sweets, and Matsusaka cotton goods. There's a lot to choose from, and you can buy everything from souvenirs to gifts here, so it's safe.

MatsusakaCity, the ``town of wealthy merchants'', has many spots such as delicious restaurants, shops where you can experience experiences, and history museums. You can enjoy history just by walking, so it might be a good idea to add it to your sightseeing route! Another way to enjoy the road is that its appearance changes depending on the season.

Among the experience spots that you can enjoy with your family and friends, there is also one where you can try your hand at hand-weaving MatsusakaCotton. You can also make fun memories by using the Hata loom, which is hard to touch.
MatsusakaCotton sells a variety of products such as cute kimonos, clothes, accessories, and bags, so they also make great souvenirs.

MatsusakaCity is perfect for walking around, with many attractive sightseeing spots and a cityscape to enjoy.
Before you visit the delicious food and historical spots, make sure to enjoy your walk around the city even more at MatsusakaCity Tourism Exchange Center!

◆Matsuzaka, the town of wealthy merchants, tourism exchange center special page
https://www.kankomie.or.jp/special/matsusaka-informationcenter/

◆ [Youtube] Introducing the "Matsuzaka Tourism Exchange Center, a town of wealthy merchants" that opened on April 5, 2019




Matsusaka Tourism Exchange Center, the town of wealthy merchants
Business hours: 9:00-18:00 (December-February/-17:00)
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (12/30-1/2)
Address: 1658-3 Uomachi, MatsusakaCity
Phone number: 0598-25-6565 (from 4/1)