Tsu Castle Ruins

The Tsu Castle Ruins are a historic site created by Oda Nobunaga's younger brother, Oda Nobusada. Currently, the stone walls, earthen embankments, and moats remain, allowing visitors to experience the history of the Edo period. In addition, within the castle park where the Tsu Castle Ruins are located, there is a statue of Todo Takatora and the entrance gate to the clan school "Uzura-kan" called Nyotoku-mon, which have been relocated and still exist. This is a must-visit spot for history-loving travelers.

At the Castle Park with Tsu Castle Ruins, you can enjoy different scenery depending on the season, with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall. It's particularly famous as a cherry blossom spot, with a cherry blossom festival held in spring. The view of the towering castle ruins and the pink cherry blossoms combined creates a Japanese-style atmosphere. In addition, from the hill in the park, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Tsu city and Ise Bay, offering a breathtaking view.

There are many restaurants and cafes around Tsu Castle Ruins that offer delicious cuisine made with local ingredients. In particular, Tsu is known as a region famous for eel. For example, "Unagi Ryori Hashiya" offers a thick and fluffy eel bowl that is one of the most popular dishes in the area. It's a popular spot for tourists as you can enjoy a meal after a historical walk.

Takayama Shrine, located adjacent to the Tsu Castle ruins, is a power spot dedicated to Tadakatsu Honda, who extensively renovated Tsu Castle. The shrine, which is also revered by the citizens as the guardian deity of Tsu's commerce and industry and the local deity of the citizens, is one of the spots you'll want to visit while sightseeing. The current shrine was rebuilt after the original one, which was located in the Tsu Castle Honmaru, was destroyed in the war. It is also a spot for the stamp rally that visits Iga Ueno Castle, Matsusaka Castle, Toba Castle, and Tsu Castle.

When strolling through the castle park at Tsu Castle ruins, be sure to visit the two gardens. The gardens consist of two types: a scenic Japanese garden and a glamorous Western-style garden. These picturesque gardens, which are hard to believe are located in the heart of Mie Prefecture, are perfect for a rest stop during your travels. In addition to the cherry blossoms mentioned earlier, the gardens offer other seasonal views such as hydrangeas and autumn leaves, making them all the more attractive.