FUKUI Tsuruga A coastal port filled with history, gardens, and temples

Tsuruga is a port town right on the coast of Tsuruga Bay south of Fukui Prefecture with a prosperous history as a strategic transportation center. In addition to its coastline, forests, and wetlands, Tsuruga has ancient temples. It also has well-preserved historical sites that provide a glimpse into times past. It is, of course, famous for seafood.

Tsuruga is one of Fukui Prefecture's largest transportation hubs, making access to the city quite easy.

Express Japan Rail services connect Tsuruga with Osaka and Kyoto in around an hour, Fukui in half an hour, and Kanazawa in an hour and a half.

There are many reminders of Tsuruga's history as a prosperous port city. One such landmark is Kehi Shrine, located a short walk from Tsuruga Station. Initially built in 702, Kehi Shrine has one of the three great wooden torii gates in Japan.

Another historical site is the Red Brick Warehouse down by Tsuruga Port. Originally built a century ago to store fuel, the warehouse was recently transformed into a sightseeing spot. It has an incredibly detailed diorama that recreates Tsuruga at its most prosperous. You can also experience the city's unique culinary culture at its three restaurants.

Located on the outskirts of the city is Saifukuji. Constructed in the 14th century, this temple has a beautiful garden designated as a Site of Scenic Beauty that is said to represent the Buddhist Land of Perfect Bliss. Although this garden is breathtaking throughout the year, fall is when it truly shines.

Down by the sea of Tsuruga Bay is another Site of Scenic Beauty, Kehi-no-Matsubara, a favorite spot for beachgoers during the summer. The pine grove of some 16,000 trees is one of the three largest in Japan, and the contrast of the greenery of the trees, blue sea, and white sand make for a beautiful scene.

Located on a hill overlooking Tsuruga is the Tsuruga Tunnel Onsen, which was discovered while digging the Hokuriku Tunnel. Due to its high elevation, visitors are treated to a fantastic view of Tsuruga, from Kehi-no-Matsubara to Tsuruga Port.

As one of the most prominent fishing ports along the Sea of Japan, Tsuruga has an abundance of delicious seafood. You can enjoy freshly caught seafood at local markets, sushi shops, and restaurants. Tsuruga is particularly well-known for Echizen crab, sweet shrimp, and pufferfish.