Things to Do in Tsuruga

Kehi Jingu Shrine

Kehi Jingu was once the most important shrine in the region, housing the seven chief guardian deities of Hokuriku. It is said to have been constructed in 702. In its expansive grounds, you'll find statues to legendary poets, the Korean warrior-prince who visited ancient Japan and gave Tsuruga its name, and one of the widest selections of good luck charms in Japan!

Tsuruga Port of Humanity

This museum is dedicated to Tsuruga's role as a "Port of Humanity" during the Second World War. The city housed the only port in Japan where Jewish orphans were allowed to enter the country. They were gifted "visas for life" and went on to settle in various areas around Japan or continued on to other countries. Inside are the touching stories of refugees who arrived in Tsuruga and first-hand accounts of the city's residents of the time.

The museum was given a grand refurbishment and reopened in November 2020, so the facilities are very modern. The buildings are restored municipal buildings from the time - they operated as the Customs and Baggage Inspection Office for arrivals.

Kanegasaki-gu Shrine

In spring, this shrine is famous for its hundreds of cherry blossom trees, although it is actually more-often visited as "The Shrine of Difficult Breakthroughs." People come here from across Japan to pray for help in trying times.

It may also bring romantic blessings, too. For hundreds of years, people have met under the falling blossoms and exchanged cherry blossom branches, representing their love for one-another. If you're travelling with a partner in early April, make sure to swing by Kanegasaki-gu Shrine to take part in this ritual dating back hundreds of years!

Minato Tsuruga Yama Museum

This museum houses the six floats used in the Tsuruga Festival, with three on display at any given time. There's also an exhibit showing authentic armour and helmets of samurai warriors, traditional Noh theatre masks and a section dedicated to the former lord of Tsuruga Castle, Otani Yoshitsugu.

Nihonkai Sakana Machi Fish Market

One of the largest fish markets on the Sea of Japan-side of the country, the Nihonkai Sakana Machi has more than 50 shops and 20 restaurants. Try as much as you like from the bountiful harvest of the Sea of Japan. Non-seafood lovers can enjoy the market as well, as plenty of restaurants also serve local specialities like Sauce Katsudon, a pork cutlet bowl with a special sauce; ramen and Korean-inspired dishes.

Go to the Beach

Being right on the coast, Tsuruga Station is just a 20-minute, 200 yen bus ride from the nearest beach. This is where Japan really begins to feel sub-tropical. The beaches in this area are sublime: crystal-clear water, clean and maintained sands, and plenty of shops and stalls nearby to get supplies. Tsuruga is really a beach-lover's paradise!

If you're planning on staying in Tsuruga overnight and want to check out multiple beaches, you might enjoy our "Best Beaches Near Kanazawa and Fukui" page, which features several beaches in the area.

See the Statues

Between Tsuruga Station and Kehi Jingu Shrine are more than a dozen of these charming statues featuring sci-fi anime characters in different poses. These bronze statues depict characters from famous author Leiji Matsumoto's "Galaxy Express 999" and "Space Battleship Yamato."

They were installed in 1999 - commemorating Tsuruga's 100th anniversary as a thriving port city and also a recurring number in Matsumoto's work. His characters were chosen to represent Tsuruga's connection to scientific innovation and a hub bringing people together.

Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse

This charming museum isn't much to look at from the outside, but it actually houses a massive scale model of Tsuruga City. Delicately detailed, the models feature miniature trains, citizens, and beautiful recreations of local monuments.

Visit the Hidden Gem of Obama

If you're down to do just a little more travelling, the town of Obama may pique your interest. The small city didn't take its name from the former-US President, but does have a statue in his honour - representing their shared name.

Historically, though, Obama once played a major role as the main harbour for the historical capital Kyoto. The Mackerel Road brought fish from the Sea of Japan then down to the capital through roads and a canal network.

In modern times, the city is known for its beaches, coastal scenery and rows of historical buildings. If you stay the night in one of its traditional inns, be sure to check out the Sotomo Coastline Cruise, Obama Fishermen's Wharf and Jinguji Temple to get the best of the local highlights!

Mizushima Island

This uninhabited island is easily accessible from Tsuruga Station. It's a short bus to the ferry terminal, then a 20-minute boat ride out to the island. Mizushima is often called Japan's Hawaii - few places in Japan capture the Pacific feel quite like Mizushima.

Be warned, though, as there are no amenities on the island other than some portable toilets. If you plan to visit, make sure to take everything you may need with you- towels, food and (most importantly) water - as you will not be able to get any on the island itself. There are also limited areas for shade, so you may want to bring an umbrella, but taking a dip in the ocean is a fantastic option to beat the heat, too!

Mikata Five Lakes

One of Japan's best views is from the top of Mikata Five Lakes, also called the Rainbow Line. The observation platform offers an unobstructed view of (surprise!) five lakes separated by the mountains. Several of these lakes are completely cut off from other bodies of water and so have unique biomes.

At the top, there are a couple of seating areas, a small cafe where you can relax and take in all the best views of the area.

Is there anything to do in Tsuruga?

Yes, there is plenty to do in Tsuruga! If you only have enough time to do one activity during your train transfer, we recommend Kehi Jingu Shrine. Walking there from the station will take you along a street with charming statues and the shrine itself is massive, with a beautiful building and grounds. You won't be disappointed!

Whether you're travelling with young children or you're yearning for a bit of 90s nostalgia, people of all sorts enjoy travelling Fukui to find all 17 of the Pokemon-themed manhole covers at points of interested around the prefecture. You can find a full list of them on our Pokemon Manhole Covers - Kanazawa, Toyama and Fukui page!

I have to transfer trains at Tsuruga Station. How do I do that?

You're not the only one daunted at the prospect! Luckily for you, we have a guide on How to Transfer at Tsuruga Station. It will give you all the info you need to make the journey as smooth as possible!

I'm convinced! What other stops are worth visiting between Tsuruga and Nagano?

There is so much of Japan to see and so many things to do between Tsuruga and Nagano. First, Kanazawa is a city that is becoming increasingly popular with visitors. It has a little bit of everything - the historic Kanazawa Castle and Higashi Chaya District will give you a taste of Japanese antiquity, the sprawling nature at Kenrokuen Garden is one of the best in Japan, there's a feast to be had at the Omicho Fish Market, and Kanazawa has a legion of museums to sink your teeth into! Most famous is the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Interested? Check out our "Things to Do Around Kanazawa" page for more information.

Between Tsuruga and Kanazawa lies Fukui City. This city is one of the most underrated areas in Japan. Fukui has one of the country's best temples in Daihonzan Eiheiji. It also houses the world-leading Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, which is a fun afternoon out for the whole family! The city leans very strongly into dinosaurs; they're dotted about all over the place! Fukui was once one of the most important regions of Japan in the samurai era, but has fallen into obscurity in the post-war period. If you'd like to see more about this hidden gem, check out our "Things to Do in Fukui" page to see more!