Update-date: Dec 27 2024
Categories:
Mie
Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, is located on the border with Aichi Prefecture, boasting excellent accessibility — just about 20 minutes by train from Nagoya Station and one hour from Chubu Centrair International Airport.
Once an important stop on the Tokaido’s 53 stations, Kuwana developed into a city with various identities, including a castle town, port town, and post town. The city is dotted with historic sites such as Rokkaen and the ruins of Kuwana Castle, offering a chance to experience both its rich history and vast natural surroundings.
Nagashima Resort, which is both an amusement park and hot springs facility, attracts visitors from all over Japan, allowing them to enjoy both history and entertainment.
- Experience a prayer ceremony at Kasuga Shrine and admire Muramasa swords
- Enjoy Japanese cuisine at the historic Funatsuya
- Purchase a lifelong knife at Hirofusa, a cutlery shop founded in the Edo period
- Savor the finest ingredients at Kaiseki Ichino
- Experience a special evening tea ceremony at Rokkaen
- Soak in the nature at the stunning Begonia Garden
- Enjoy local craft beer at the Nagashima Beer Garden
- Enjoy Japanese cuisine at the historic Funatsuya
- Purchase a lifelong knife at Hirofusa, a cutlery shop founded in the Edo period
- Savor the finest ingredients at Kaiseki Ichino
- Experience a special evening tea ceremony at Rokkaen
- Soak in the nature at the stunning Begonia Garden
- Enjoy local craft beer at the Nagashima Beer Garden
Experience a prayer ceremony and admire Muramasa swords at Kasuga Shrine
The main hall of the Kuwana Sosha is uniquely composed of the Nishikawa Shrine, dedicated to the god of prosperity, and the Nakatomi Shrine, dedicated to the god of warding off evil, forming a rare dual-shrine structure.
The Kasuga Shrine (also known as Kuwana Sosha) is known for housing valuable cultural assets, including a renowned Muramasa sword (which has been designated as a piece of cultural property by Mie Prefecture), the seal certificate of the first samurai lord of Kuwana, Honda Tadakatsu, and a statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is believed to bring blessings for the prosperity of businesses and the well-being of one’s descendants.
By receiving a prayer and purification from the chief priest, visitors have the rare opportunity to see the Muramasa sword, which is considered a sacred object of the gods.
Before holding the sacred Muramasa, visitors undergo a purification prayer and blessing. Since the Muramasa was dedicated to the gods, it is customary to pay respect before handling it.
The object in the foreground is a replica of the Muramasa Kasuga Daimyojin.
The two swords, designated as cultural properties by Mie Prefecture, were donated by the second-generation swordsmith Muramasa himself in 1543. One of these, a replica titled Kasuga Daimyojin, can be admired here. You can also observe the characteristic alignment of the hamon (blade pattern) on both sides, a notable feature of Muramasa swords.
The Tanto Muramasa, designated as an Intangible Cultural Asset by Kuwana City, is also featured. The shrine offers a special experience where visitors can actually hold and interact with the dagger.
Kasuga Shrine houses five Muramasa swords, including two katanas. In this tour, participants have the rare opportunity to handle one of the daggers. It is not often that one can hold a Muramasa, a designated cultural asset. This is a truly valuable and unique experience made possible by Kasuga Shrine, which has played a significant role in shaping history alongside the swordsmithing heritage of Kuwana.
Experience Japanese cuisine at the historic Funatsuya
The impressive exterior, which exudes a sense of traditional Japanese charm, is truly breathtaking.
Founded in 1875, the renowned restaurant THE FUNATSUYA has deep roots in the city of Kuwana, which once thrived as a post town along the Tokaido. The restaurant’s origins trace back to the site of the Otsuka Honjin in Kuwana-juku, one of the 53 post towns on the Tokaido, where it started as a ryokan (traditional inn) under the name Funatsuya.
Today, THE FUNATSUYA continues to honor its long history and traditions, proudly standing as a symbol of Kuwana.
Today, THE FUNATSUYA continues to honor its long history and traditions, proudly standing as a symbol of Kuwana.
At THE FUNATSUYA, a historic restaurant with over 135 years of tradition, you can experience dishes that embody the spirit and legacy of the establishment, which has long served as a host to many distinguished guests.
Although THE FUNATSUYA is often used as a venue for weddings, it also offers private rooms for those wishing to enjoy a meal in a quiet setting. On this tour, guests can indulge in Japanese cuisine made with seasonal ingredients, including the local specialty, hamaguri clams, served in a simmered hamo eel and hamaguri clam pot. The dishes feature fresh vegetables from Mie Prefecture, showcasing the flavors of the region.
Grilled hamaguri clams and Ise lobster in a tamaki-style bake. The succulent, firm texture of the locally sourced clams combined with the rich umami of the lobster allows guests to fully savor the bounties of the region.
Guests can feel the rich history and traditional Japanese atmosphere from the beautiful courtyard to every corner of the venue.
≫[THE FUNATSUYA] Official Website
≫[THE FUNATSUYA] Official Website
Get a lifetime-quality knife at Hirofusa, a bladesmith over 180 years old
Hirofusa, a cutlery shop founded in the Edo period in 1841.
Hirofusa was founded during the Edo period, a time when samurai were prominent, and it originally made swords for battle.
However, following the Meiji period when the sword prohibition law was enacted, the shop shifted to making and selling kitchen knives and scissors, which it continues to do today.
The shop manufactures a wide variety of knives, using materials that suit the needs of its customers, such as high-performance steel for exceptional sharpness and stainless steel that resists rust.
Hirofusa’s traditions have been cultivated for over 180 years since the Edo period, and have been passed down to the present day, with all processes carried out in-house. With exceptional craftsmanship, each knife and pair of scissors is carefully made to be a lifelong tool.
Guest can slice a tomato from the side in store to experience the sharpness firsthand. Everyone is able to find the perfect knife that meets their own specific needs.
Knives are sharpened on-site, and if desired, guests can also have them engraved by a skilled craftsman.
≫Hirofusa Official Website
≫Hirofusa Official Website
Indulge in the finest ingredients at Kaiseki Ichino
From the counter seats inside, guests can enjoy a unique view of the Ichi no Torii.
The land of Kuwana, where the Kiso Three Rivers converge, prospered as a transportation hub in the past. The Ichi no Torii standing near the Shichiri Ferry landing is a symbol of the entrance to Ise Province. Due to its grandeur, it is also called the Ise no Kuni Ichi no Torii, or Ise Province’s First Torii.
Kaiseki Ichino was established near this historic and symbolic gate with the hope of offering guests a taste of Kuwana and Ise Province through its cuisine.
Kaiseki Ichino was established near this historic and symbolic gate with the hope of offering guests a taste of Kuwana and Ise Province through its cuisine.
The evening tea ceremony, yobanashi, begins with a greeting from the host, marking the start of the first seating of the night.
The menu is a little different from usual, as it has been specially prepared as part of the evening tea ceremony (yobanashi) which takes about five hours. Tea kaiseki, which originated from a desire to enhance the tea experience, became popular as a way of offering light snacks and sake while waiting for the tea to be ready.
Before the ceremony at Rokkaen, the evening begins with a kaiseki meal based on tea kaiseki, served at Kaiseki Ichino.
Before the ceremony at Rokkaen, the evening begins with a kaiseki meal based on tea kaiseki, served at Kaiseki Ichino.
The scene of ingredients such as matsutake mushrooms and abalone being prepared right in front of guests at the counter is truly immersive.
This tour offers a kaiseki meal featuring the finest local ingredients, including abalone from Ise Bay and Mie Prefecture’s Mikumanogyu, allowing you to savor the flavors of the land. Enjoying the view of the torii while experiencing the changing colors of the sky and the shifting reflections on the Ibi River’s surface, all accompanied by exquisite cuisine, creates an incredibly enriching and memorable experience.
The Mikumano beef roast is carefully cooked for an hour, allowing the rich sweetness of the high-quality fat and the savory umami of the lean meat to harmonize and spread across the palate.
The exchange of sake cups during the course of the kaiseki meal.
During the kaiseki, guests will experience chidori sakazuki, where the host and guest exchange sake cups. The host pours sake for the guest, and in return, the guest pours sake for the host. Thus, both the host and guest share the act of exchanging cups.
The purpose of this exchange during the first course is to foster a connection between the host and guest, preparing them for the next course. The moderate relaxation brought about by the sake also helps enhance the enjoyment of the koicha (thick tea) in the best possible state later on.
≫Kaiseki Ichino Official Website
The purpose of this exchange during the first course is to foster a connection between the host and guest, preparing them for the next course. The moderate relaxation brought about by the sake also helps enhance the enjoyment of the koicha (thick tea) in the best possible state later on.
≫Kaiseki Ichino Official Website
Experience a special evening tea ceremony at Rokkaen
After finishing the meal at Kaiseki Ichino, guests head toward Rokkaen while walking along the embankment, which is specially lit up for this tour with lanterns.
The venue for the later part of the night’s tea ceremony, Rokkaen, was constructed as the new residence of Moroto Seiroku, a businessman known as the King of Mountains and Forests. Construction began in 1911 and was completed in 1913. The Western-style building was designed by the British architect Josiah Conder, who is also known for designing the Rokumeikan, a venue built in 1883 to host foreign diplomats and dignitaries. Rokkaen has been designated as an important cultural asset by the Japanese government.
Rokkaen is typically open only during the day, so opportunities to see the illuminated view are rare.
After getting ready, guests proceed to the ichi no ma (first room), where the koicha-seki (thick tea ceremony) is held. You will enjoy the koicha (thick tea), prepared by Master Myogensai Soten, the 12th generation master of the Matsuo school of tea ceremony. The koicha, made with high-quality matcha and a small amount of hot water, is known for its rich aroma and intense umami flavor.
The ichi no ma (first room), located in the Japanese-style building, is also designated as an Important National Cultural Property.
The wagashi (Japanese sweets) are seasonal kashiwamochi (traditional sweets) from Kazu, a confectionery shop in Kuwana.
Once the koicha-seki concludes, participants move into the nakadachi (break period) and step outside the room for a rest in the beautiful garden. Afterward, they move to the ni no ma (second room) for the usucha-seki (thin tea ceremony).
While the koicha-seki is a time to silently reflect on the tea prepared by the host, the usucha-seki allows for conversation while enjoying the tea.
While the koicha-seki is a time to silently reflect on the tea prepared by the host, the usucha-seki allows for conversation while enjoying the tea.
The thin tea sweets are seasonal half-dried confections from Kanoya in Kuwana. The harmony between the chestnut paste and the red bean paste in the center is exquisite.
It’s a rare experience to receive personal hospitality from the master, all while enjoying a peaceful and warm atmosphere.
Experience nature at the stunning Begonia Garden
As the entrance doors open, the vibrant colors of the begonias that greet your eyes are truly breathtaking.
Operated by Nagashima Resort, Nabana no Sato is one of the largest flower theme parks in Mie Prefecture. While the illuminations held from October to May are famous, the Begonia Garden here is especially popular.
At one of Japan’s leading begonia gardens, you can enjoy the large-bloom begonias in full bloom year-round, thanks to the meticulous care of the garden staff.
Boasting one of the largest begonia gardens in Japan, this dreamlike space is housed in a vast 9,000-square-meter greenhouse, where you can admire about 5,000 pots of bulb begonias. It’s a perfect spot for capturing beautiful and colorful shots.
The garden is divided into four greenhouses, where approximately 600 species and 12,000 plants of beautiful flowers from around the world are cultivated and displayed year-round.
≫Begonia Garden Website
Enjoy local craft beer at Nagashima Beer Garden
Located within Nabana no Sato, the Nagashima Beer Garden features a restaurant alongside its brewery.
Here, you can enjoy Nagashima’s local craft beer. A German brewmaster was invited to create the beer using traditional German methods, with only malt, yeast, and hops as ingredients, no additional adjuncts. The 100% malt beer, brewed with the clear water from the Kiso River, is absolutely exquisite.
You will be carefully guided through the brewery, and afterward, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the beer you taste was created.
From left to right: Pilsner, Weizen, and Dunkel. All three varieties have won awards at the “Japan Great Beer Awards 2020,” the largest beer competition organized by the Japan Craft Beer Association.
After touring the brewery, you can taste the beers. The pilsner offers a crisp, refreshing flavor, the Dunkel has a sweet taste with deep richness and a smooth finish, and the Weizen is full-bodied with minimal bitterness and fruity aromas and flavors. Guests can also sample the newly released Ichigo Grace that launched in April.
The Ichigo Grace is a sparkling beer made with strawberries from Nagashima Farm. It beautifully combines the vibrant aroma and flavor of the strawberries with the fruity, smooth taste of Weizen, creating a harmonious and delightful drink.
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
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