Touring the heart of Tsu ☆ Power spot Tsu Kannon and local gourmet food of Tsu

Tsu Kannon, officially known as Ebizan Kannon-ji, is one of Japan's three Kannon temples, along with Asakusa Kannon (Sensoji) in Asakusa and Osu Kannon in Nagoya.

As you pass through the imposing Niomon Gate, the bright red Kannondo and the five-storied pagoda catch your eye. Since it is a temple with a long history, there are many valuable cultural properties that can be seen at the museum.

In the main hall, there was a ``Nase-ishi''. It is said that if you rub your body's ailments with the same hand that stroked the stone, you will feel better. I immediately tried rubbing my whole body!

Tsu Kannon Telephone 059-225-4013 32-19 daimon TsuCity
Museum 10:00-16:00 Closed on Mondays 500 yen for adults, free for junior high school students and younger
　　http://www.tsukannon.com

At the end of last year, a new Bakuyoraku Jizo was enshrined in this Tsu Kannon. These are two Jizo statues that embody Kannon's compassion; one is ``Bakuku Jizo,'' which removes suffering, and the other is ``Yoraku Jizo,'' which gives joy.

First, face Kannon and rub the ``Nakku Jizo'' on the left, then pray to Kannon and rub the ``Yoraku Jizo'' on the right.

Additionally, on the 18th of every month, the ``Tsu Kannon Ennichi Lively Market'' is held. Be sure to visit this power spot in the middle of Tsu♪

daimon Daimon gate developed around this Tsu Kannon. It is a shopping street with a variety of shops lined up. There are also karakuri clocks.

In addition to the morning market held on the days ending in 5 and 10, various events are held throughout the year, including the hugely popular Tsu Festival (October) and Doll's Festival (February to March).

Speaking of Tsu's local gourmet food, it is Tsu's eel. TsuCity love eel so much that the city has the highest per capita consumption of eel in Japan. Eel is truly the soul food of TsuCity. Currently, you can enjoy the original taste at 23 stores in the city!

This time, I visited the long-established eel restaurant Hashiya in daimon and had the medium-sized eel bowl (1,680 yen). The eel is charcoal-grilled to a fluffy, tender eel with just the right amount of sweet and spicy sauce, giving it a juicy, fragrant, and exquisite taste. The rice used is local Iga rice and Isshi rice. It's delicious☆

Eel Cuisine Hashiya Phone: 059-228-4925
11:00-14:30, 16:30-20:30 Closed on Mondays (sometimes closed on Tuesdays)
　　http://www.anotsu.net/hashiya

Tsuuno eel project
　　http://unadon.mie1.net

Next is TsuGyoza. These jumbo fried gyoza dumplings were introduced as a local gourmet item in 2008, and are a very popular school lunch item for children. These fried dumplings are made with 15cm diameter skins, and the filling inside is original to each store. Currently, you can enjoy various types of TsuGyoza at about 30 stores in the city!

This time I visited Ramen Itaro. I ordered TsuGyoza Bowl set meal (1000 yen). It contains plenty of dried shrimp and is very juicy, yet fried to a crispy texture, making it truly exquisite. The secret to its deliciousness is said to be the special ramen soup that is filled with bean paste!

These gyoza are as big as 5 regular gyoza, but they are so delicious that you can easily eat them. Of course, the homemade ramen is also perfect. I can't get enough of the soft serve ice cream after a meal.

Ramen Itaro Phone 059-223-1600 4-20 Marunouchi TsuCity
Tuesday-Saturday 11:30-14:00, 17:30-21:00 (closed when sold out), Sunday 11:30-15:30, closed on Mondays
　　http://itarou2.mie1.net

TsuGyoza Association
　　http://tsugyozakyokai.com

Tenmusu is one of Tsu's local gourmet dishes that you shouldn't forget. A rice ball with shrimp tempura as an ingredient. Actually, this Tenmusu was born in Tsu in the early 1950s☆

This time, I visited "Senju", which is located right next to Tsu Kannon, the birthplace of Tenmusu (800 yen for 5 Tenmusu + miso soup). They are particular about the ingredients, and use Koshihikari rice from Mie Prefecture for the rice, Akasha shrimp from Ise Bay, and seaweed from Oyodo in Ise for the shrimp.

The chewy rice and plump shrimp stand out even more with the perfect amount of salt. The charabuki that comes with it is also delicious. There are many customers who take them home, and some even order 100 pieces!

Senju Phone 059-228-6798 9-7 daimon TsuCity
10:00-17:30 (order stop 17:00) Closed on Sundays and third Mondays of the month
　　http://www15.ocn.ne.jp/~tenmusu

Next is sweets. First up is Heijisenbei, a sweet that is representative of Tsu. This egg rice cracker is shaped like a hat that appears in the story of a filial fisherman named Heiji. It is light and has a good texture, so you can eat as many pieces as you like. We also recommend Heiji Monaka, which has plenty of bean paste inside.

This time, I had "Heiji-kun," an ice cream topped with a Heijisenbei hat that can only be eaten at this main store. In addition to this vanilla-flavored Heiji-kun, there is also the brown sugar-flavored tanned Heiji-kun and the seasonal Heiji-kun. They're so cute it's a waste to eat them (300 yen each).

Heijisenbei Main Store Tel: 059-225-3212 20-15 daimon TsuCity
9:00～18:00 Closed on Wednesdays
　　http://www.heijisenbei.com

And Hachimitsu-Man. I received it at the store. The elegantly sweet strained bean paste containing honey and the crispy, fragrant dough that wraps it are exquisite.

Because it's so delicious that you can eat as many pieces as you want, and at just 50 yen each, customers come in one after another, from small children to the elderly. Many people take home 20 or 30 pieces. Truly a staple snack for the citizens ☆ We also have honey monaka ice cream (300 yen) ♪

Hachimitsu-Man Honpo Phone: 059-228-3012 8-5 daimon TsuCity
10:00-17:00 (closed when sold out) Closed on Wednesdays and the 4th Thursday (scheduled earlier or later on public holidays)

Next is "Toraya Honke". The strawberry daifuku, which is seasonal and available from November to May, is famous for its strawberries wrapped in red bean paste and soft rice cake.

The moderately sweet white bean paste, the sweet and sour strawberries, and the melt-in-your-mouth soft mochi create a perfect harmony. It's dangerous to think you can eat as many as you want (450 yen for 2 pieces, 1330 yen for 6 pieces).

Once the strawberry daifuku season is over, next is the banana dream (banana daifuku, available until summer). Daifuku made with seasonal fruits will be introduced one after another, including Kyoho Daifuku (available from summer to early fall), then Pear Daifuku (available from the end of August to the end of September). In addition, Pine Daifuku and Chestnut Azuki Daifuku are available year-round.
*We use the most delicious seasonal fruits, so please contact us in advance as the sales period may vary depending on the climate.

Toraya Honke Tel: 059-228-4802 5-8 daimon TsuCity
9:00-18:00 Closed on Mondays

*The content posted is information as of May 2012.