Tsuruga, Japan
Description
View cruises with Tsuruga, JapanThe serene calm of this largest city in the Wakasa region of Japan is one steeped in culture and poetic tales. The brilliant, wandering, Edo poet Matsua Basho was inspired to write a haiku about the glimmer of the moonlight over Tsuraga Bay, and the plethora of artisan crafts from lacquerware to washi (Japanese paper) keep the traditions of cultural beauty alive today. The area is home to one of the most picturesque pine groves in the country at Kehi-no-Matsubara, where white-sand beaches fringe the fragrant green boughs of the magnificent pines. The area of Mikata-goko is home to five sparkling, small lakes with colors ranging from turquoise blue to jade green, and the region is home to a number of important, brightly painted shrines. The Kehi-jingu Shrine was reared in 702 and a massive, vermillion, wooden torii gate was re-constructed in 1645. Museums abound, and the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is popular with families wanting to explore the origins of the prehistoric world, while the moving Port of Humanity Museum honors the humanitarian work of Chiune Sugihara, credited with saving as many as 6,000 souls from the Nazis. Whether your interests lie in natural scenery, authentic experiences or historic sites, a day spent on these captivating shores will have you writing poetry of your own.
Points of Interest
- Tsuruga Humanity Museum
- Traditional Crafts
- Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
- Kehi-Jingu Shrine
- Eiheiji Temple
- Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
- Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse
- Nihonkai Sakana-machi Fish Market
More about Tsuruga, Japan Points of Interest
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Tsuruga Humanity Museum -
Tsuruga's history as the "port of humanity" is displayed at this emotion-filled museum dedicated to the efforts of Japan's consular agent Chiune Sugihara, who offered "visas for life" to Polish children orphaned during the Russian occupation and Jewish refugees escaping persecution by the Nazis.
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Traditional Crafts -
Tsuruga's artisans and craftsmen invite guests into their workshops to learn and participate in time-honored traditions, handed down through the generations, such as washi (Japanese paper), lacquerware workshops, bamboo doll making, and sword and knife work.
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Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins -
The remains of the ancient castle town have been restored, offering guests a glimpse into the past. Wander the narrow streets and view the samurai residences, merchant houses, gardens and other dwellings that have been faithfully restored.
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Kehi-Jingu Shrine -
Fronted by a huge, vermillion, wooden torii measuring 11 meters high, magnificent Kehi-Jingu Shrine is the largest in the area and has been considered the most important and iconic in the Hokuriku region since its construction in 702.
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Eiheiji Temple -
An active monastery and dramatic temple complex, Eiheiji Temple is one of two head temples of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. Founded in 1244, today it is home to 250 practicing monks and consists of 70 buildings that are interconnected with walkways on lush, forested grounds.
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Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum -
One of the world's greatest dinosaur museums and the only one of its kind in Japan, the museum welcomes you to wander through incredible interactive galleries and exhibit halls with 40 dinosaur skeletons, earth science exhibits and a host of hands-on activities for kids.
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Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse -
Registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan, these two stately brick warehouses, constructed in 1905 for petroleum storage, have been repurposed as an attraction and house dioramas and miniature railcars depicting early Tsuruga townscapes.
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Nihonkai Sakana-machi Fish Market -
The catch of the day and much more can be found at this bustling marketplace, the largest fish market on the Sea of Japan. With over 70 establishments, guests find it easy to interact with the locals and sample fresh-from-the-waters delicacies.
