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Maizuru is Full of Nature, Culture and History

“At the end of the provincial war age in 1615, Lord Hosokawa of Maizuru (then known as Tanabe), fought with troops from Toyotomi and eventually surrendered the castle to them by order of the Emperor. Later, Lord Makino governed over the Tanabe region, which flourished until the end of the Edo Era. In 1869, Tanabe was officially changed to Maizuru, and was incorporated into Kyoto Prefecture in 1876. In 1901, the Maizuru Naval Base was founded in Higashi-maizuru, and Admiral Heihachiro Togo was appointed as the first commander. After World War II Maizuru became a major port for repatriating soldiers and civilians. In 1943, East and West Maizuru, then separated, formed one unified city and became a prominent city of the Kinki region. Maizuru continues to grow as an international hub.
Night view of redbrick warehouses
The port of Maizuru has been functioning as a major port since the Meiji period, and also supplies a variety of seafood throughout the year. The saw-toothed coast of Maizuru creates and offers diverse scenery during each season. Visitors are impressed with castle town Tanabe, the nostalgic feel of the redbrick warehouses, and the beautiful nature. Maizuru is one of the top sightseeing areas in the Kinki region.

Sightseeing Spots in Maizuru

Red Brick Road

Beautiful scenery of redbrick warehouses built by the former navy

These redbrick warehouses were built between 1900 and 1921. The sidewalk, which was restored to its former state by local volunteer groups, is now called Red Brick Road. Even after 100 years, Maizuru still retains its heritage which is seen in every aspect of the city.
  • Maizuru World Brick Museum

    Maizuru World Brick Museum

    One of the oldest existing steel-framed brick buildings
  • Maizuru Chiegura

    Maizuru Chiegura (Wisdom Warehouse)

    This “cultural treasure exhibition” space is reminiscent of the Meji Period.
Goro Sky Tower

Marine Blue and Sky Blue

A merging of the sky and sea’s blues, and green land. Gain new insights of Wasaka Bay National Park from various angles. Enjoy the scenery from a pleasure boat, romantic bridge view, and more.
  • Goro Sky Tower

    Goro Sky Tower

    Voted the “number one view” among the best “100 Scenic Sites in the Kinki Region”
  • Crane Bridge

    Crane Bridge

    Maizuru Crane Bridge is one of the largest cable-stayed bridges on this side of Japan, and is reminiscent of two cranes flying down to the sea.
Navy Memorial Museum

Legend Heihachiro Togo – Pursuing the Dawn of Japan

The turn of the twentieth century ushered in Maizuru’s new era, coinciding with the nation’s modernization.
  • Navy Memorial Museum

    Navy Memorial Museum

    This used to be the auditorium of the Naval Engineering School, which was built in 1933.
  • The Pier of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)

    The Pier of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)

    A Maizuru must-see, this pier holds powerful JMSDF vessels.
Repatriation Pier

Repatriation Memorial Museum has “Return to Maizuru,” which is added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Registry.

Maizuru used to be a city of repatriation, which was made famous by the song “Ganpeki no Haha” (A Mother at the Pier”). More than 660,000 people and the remains of 16,000 were repatriated to Maizuru after World War II. The pier’s restoration (1994) stands as a memorial for their repatriation. Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum contains over 540 records and items of internees from Siberia including “Shirakaba Nisshi”(Birch Diary) written on birch bark,  containing  200 poems, and a memo pad which was hidden inside a pair of shoes and successfully brought back to Japan.  All of these were registered with UNESCO as a “Memory of the World” in 2015. It is a truly moving exhibit.
  • Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum

    Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum

    In order to convey the history of a memorial for their repatriation, we have exhibited a lot of material.
The Illumination of Tanabe-jo

A feudal warlord whose literary talent helped him to fight the troops of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

In 1600, 15,000 of Ishida Mitsunari’s troops, allied with Toyotomi, attacked Tanabe-jo castle while Hosokawa Tadaoki, the lord of the castle, was preoccupied with a battle in another city.  His father Yusai, a retired lord, struggled to fight against Mitsunari’s advances with a mere 500 soldiers. How do you think he fared in this disadvantageous position?
  • Tanabe-jo Museum

    Tanabe-jo Museum

    Experience the dramatic histories of the castle town Tanabe.
  • Kongo-in Temple

    Kongo-in Temple

    The three-storied pagota is a national Important Cultural Property. The temple is particularly stunning amongst fall leaves and winter snowscapes.
  • Maizuru Fururu Farm

    Maizuru Fururu Farm

    This family-oriented farm is abundant with nature.
  • Maizuru Shinkai Ko'en

    Maizuru Shinkai Ko’en

    Visit this seaside park where you can watch a planetarium show from within a renovated, docked ship.
  • Yamato-bashi Bridge Area

    Yamato-bashi Bridge Area

    This authentic fishing port and canal retain a traditional atmosphere.

Information

●The Website of Maizuru City　http://www.city.maizuru.kyoto.jp/ ●Maizuru Kanko Net (Tourist information in Maizuru)　http://www.maizuru-kanko.net/ ●Maizuru Tourist Information Center　Tel. 0773-75-8600

Sightseeing Places in North Kinki (northern part of Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures)

  • Ine Boat Houses

    Ine Boat Houses

    Ine Bay boasts a shoreline of “Funaya,” or “boat houses.” This picturesque scene is unique to all of Japan and the antiquated homes, which also serve as a place to moor fisherman’s boats, are a historic preservation site.
  • Amanohashidate

    Amanohashidate

    One of the three most scenic places of Japan.
  • Anju Roman Kaido

    Anju Roman Kaido

    a seaside road commanding unparalled views of The Sea of Japan.
  • Motoise-naigu-kotaijinja Shrine

    Motoise-naigu-kotaijinja Shrine

    This is a home of history, legend and ancient romance.
  • Fukuchiyama-jo Castle

    Fukuchiyama-jo Castle

    Learn about the meritorious life of Akechi Mitsuhide as well as the history and culture of the era.
  • Tango Okoku Shoku-no-miyako

    Tango Okoku Shoku-no-miyako (Tango Kingdom “Food Capital”)

    One of the largest michi-no-eki in the western part of Japan. Relish local seafood and vegetable specilaties at markets and restaurants.
  • Tango Watch-kan

    Tango Watch-kan

    aquarium and energy research center
  • Ine Bay Tour Boat

    Ine Bay Tour Boat

    Enjoy a boat tour through Ine Bay! See the antiquated boat houses and lush landscapes, all while umineko (black-tailed gull) fly overhead.
  • Mizunoesato Urashima Park

    Mizunoesato Urashima Park

    The legend of Urashima and lure of Ine are waiting for you.
  • Seya Highland Family Vacation Village

    Seya Highland Family Vacation Village

    Family fun in the great outdoors!
  • Oeyama ・Village of Shuten-doji

    Oeyama ・Village of Shuten-doji

    Oeyama is said to be the real-life setting of the legend “Shuten-doji,” which is about the conquest of a mythical oni (Japanese demon).
  • Urashima-jjinja Shrine

    Urashima-jjinja Shrine

    A shrine related to the oldest legend of Urashima.

Sightseeing Places in North Kinki

kitakinki_map (en_US)

Recommended sightseeing route

Kyoto Jukan Expwy ・Miyazu-AmanohashidateIC → Ine Boat Houses → Amanohashidate → Tango Watch-kan → Anju Roman Kaido → Maizuru Port ・Tore Tore Center → Maizuru-Wakasa Expwy

Outside links

Cities and Towns

Tourism Associations