Start planning your trip

Known as a railway and port town, Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture is full of railway heritage tourism, Japan Heritage sites, and local gourmet food such as seafood from the Sea of Japan! The Hokuriku Shinkansen finally opened in Fukui Prefecture on March 16, 2024. In this article, we will introduce a two-day, one-night model itinerary from Tsuruga Station, focusing on the history of railways. *The spots introduced in this article are not affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on ...
2 days, 1 night (1st day approx. 4 hours, 2nd day approx. 4 hours)
Railways opened in Japan in 1872, and the first railway to be laid on the Sea of Japan side was Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture. Approximately 150 years later, on March 16, 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen was finally extended from Kanazawa Station to Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture. It is currently attracting a lot of attention, and is full of sightseeing spots filled with the history of railways, old and new, and a must-see for railway enthusiasts.
The platform in the foreground is the current conventional line, and the large building in the background is the new station building after the Hokuriku Shinkansen is extended on March 16, 2024.
It was designed with the concept of ``a station in the sky, surrounded by nature and overlooking the port.'' The height of the station building is approximately 37 meters, which is equivalent to a 12-story building. It has a three-story structure with the Shinkansen platform on the third floor, the concourse on the second floor, and the conventional limited express platform on the first floor. The station building expresses the sparkle of the waves of Tsuruga Bay with glass windows, white walls, and garari (air vents attached to the wall).
There is a bus stop at the rotary in front of the station, and Tsuruga city circulation buses and community buses arrive and depart, so it is convenient to use. Taxis are also available.
Tsuruga Railway Museum If you want to learn about Tsuruga's railway history, this is the place you should visit first!
A recreation of Tsuruga Port Station, which once occupied an important position as the departure and arrival station for the "Europe-Asia International Connecting Train." We introduce the history of Tsuruga's railways through materials and models.
Former Tsuruga Port Station Lamp Hut
It was used as an oil warehouse to store fuel for the canteras used for train lights, and has a unique brick construction.
Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum
Introducing the humanitarian role played by modern Tsuruga Port, such as accepting Polish orphans rescued from Siberia during the Russian Revolution, and Jewish refugees who escaped from Nazi Germany and landed with Chiune Sugihara's ``Visa of Life'' in their hands. It's a museum.
Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse
This brick building has a history of over 100 years and is one of the symbols of the port town of Tsuruga. A modern warehouse built by an oil company in 1905, it was reborn in 2015 as a new commercial facility with a ``port and railway diorama'' and a restaurant.
Artworks related to Tsuruga's history and culture are on display. The building is housed in the former Owada Bank headquarters built in 1927, and the building itself is full of highlights, including Hokuriku's first elevator, a marble counter, and a safe so large you can look up at it.
The large torii gate, which is said to have been built in 702 and is one of Japan's three major torii gates and is designated as an important cultural property, greets you with a total height of 11 meters. It is also famous as a power spot, and there are many places within the shrine grounds that are full of energy.
For more information on Japanese cultural experiences such as Japanese clothing and matcha, please check the article below.
You can also enjoy lunch and souvenirs around Tsuruga Station.
*Currently not accepting reservations.
This time, we introduced sightseeing spots with a railway theme. Since the Hokuriku Shinkansen line was extended to Tsuruga Station on March 16th, it has become very popular and crowded with many customers. ``A journey comparing the history of railways from the past to the present'' is sure to satisfy! Definitely recommended!
After the extension, it will be possible to access from Tokyo without changing trains. For details on how to access Tsuruga from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Kanazawa, please refer to the article below.
On March 16, 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen opened between Kanazawa Station and Tsuruga Station. Tsuruga Station will be the terminus from both the Tokyo and Kansai areas, and is attracting a lot of attention. Tsuruga is a city of railways and ports, and the Shinkansen opened in the town where the first railway ran on the Sea of Japan side, so it is popular among people other than railway fans. There are many tourist spots scattered around, and after the opening of the mountain-side Japan Heritage Old Hokuriku Line Tunnels Heritage Group, the direct train "Europe-Asia International Express" ran to Tsuruga Port, which developed into one of the leading international ports on the Sea of Japan side. We will continue to offer route buses and tour plans, such as new tourist routes of Japan Heritage on the sea side along the Tsuruga Port Line. Come and go on a trip with exciting experiences beyond your imagination.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.