Matsusaka Castle Ruins & Former Merchant District

Matsusaka Castle (松坂城跡) was built in 1588 by Gamo Ujisato, a samurai lord who also designed Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle. Though the castle structures no longer exist, the impressive stone walls (野面積み, nozura-zumi style — natural, uncut stones stacked without mortar) remain intact up to 10 meters tall, showcasing Azuchi-Momoyama period masonry. The castle ruins occupy a hilltop overlooking Matsusaka City, with cherry trees planted around the walls creating a popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot in spring.

Below the castle, the former merchant district (旧松阪商人の町並み) preserves Edo-period townhouses once owned by wealthy textile merchants. Matsusaka was a major center for Matsusaka cotton (松阪木綿) — a high-quality indigo-dyed cotton fabric traded nationally. Several merchant houses are open as museums, displaying traditional architecture, family heirlooms, and explaining Matsusaka's commercial history during the Edo period.