Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, Japan
Once the port of refuge for Jewish and Polish refugees fleeing persecution, Tsuruga pairs deep humanitarian history with Sea of Japan seafood, towering wooden torii gates, and sweeping pine-fringed beaches.
Once the port of refuge for Jewish and Polish refugees fleeing persecution, Tsuruga pairs deep humanitarian history with Sea of Japan seafood, towering wooden torii gates, and sweeping pine-fringed beaches.
Ships dock at Kanegasaki Wharf. The pier is about 3 km from Tsuruga Station and most attractions, but a free shuttle typically operates on cruise days.
💡 Pro move: The Red Brick Warehouses are just a 5–10 minute walk from the pier — a good first stop while you wait for a shuttle.
Tsuruga is a docked port; ships berth at Kanegasaki Wharf near the Red Brick Warehouses.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Princess Cruises, Holland America, most cruise lines | Kanegasaki Wharf, Tsuruga Port📍 | Docked |
| Smaller expedition vessels | Mariyama Minami Wharf (alternate berth)📍 | Docked |
Tsuruga rewards a mix of moving history, shrine visits, and indulgent seafood — most sights are reachable by shuttle and local bus.
This deeply moving museum chronicles Tsuruga's role sheltering Polish orphans in the 1920s and Jewish refugees carrying Chiune Sugihara's 'Visas for Life' in 1940. Personal testimonials, diaries, and artifacts make it one of Japan's most powerful small museums.
Find Tsuruga history tours →One of Japan's three great wooden torii gates — standing 11 meters tall and rebuilt in 1645 — marks the entrance to this serene Shinto shrine founded in 702 AD. A must-see landmark 2 km from the pier.
Find Tsuruga shrine tours →One of Japan's three most scenic pine groves: 17,000 pines border a crescent white-sand beach on the Sea of Japan. Perfect for a stroll, with stunning views of sea, sand, and forest.
Find Tsuruga nature tours →The largest seafood market on the Sea of Japan coast, with 70+ stalls selling fresh catches, grilled mackerel, Echizen crab (in season), and local delicacies. Come hungry.
Find Tsuruga food tours →Built in 1905 by Standard Oil and beautifully restored, these warehouses hold restaurants, shops, and a detailed HO-scale diorama of Tsuruga's Meiji-era port and townscape. Right at the pier.
Find Tsuruga sightseeing tours →Twenty-eight bronze statues depicting Galaxy Express 999 and Space Battleship Yamato line the main street from Tsuruga Station to Kehi Jingu Shrine — a quirky, photo-worthy stroll celebrating the city's railway and port heritage.
Find Tsuruga walking tours →The pier-side Red Brick Warehouses are walkable, and a gentle route connects the station to Kehi Jingu via the famous anime statue street.
Step off the ship and head straight to the restored 1905 warehouses for coffee, local snacks, and a peek at the Meiji-era diorama while you wait for the shuttle.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →From Tsuruga Station, follow the main boulevard lined with 28 bronze anime statues all the way to the towering wooden torii gate and grounds of Kehi Jingu Shrine.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, Japan (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46°F / 8°C | 35°F / 2°C | 3 | 7:05 AM | 5:05 PM |
| Feb | 48°F / 9°C | 35°F / 2°C | 2 | 6:43 AM | 5:37 PM |
| Mar | 56°F / 13°C | 42°F / 6°C | 1 | 6:07 AM | 6:02 PM |
| Apr | 65°F / 18°C | 49°F / 9°C | 1 | 5:23 AM | 6:28 PM |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 57°F / 14°C | 2 | 4:51 AM | 6:53 PM |
| Jun | 80°F / 27°C | 66°F / 19°C | 2 | 4:39 AM | 7:12 PM |
| Jul | 88°F / 31°C | 75°F / 24°C | 3 | 4:51 AM | 7:11 PM |
| Aug | 90°F / 32°C | 77°F / 25°C | 2 | 5:14 AM | 6:45 PM |
| Sep | 82°F / 28°C | 71°F / 22°C | 2 | 5:38 AM | 6:03 PM |
| Oct | 72°F / 22°C | 57°F / 14°C | 2 | 6:02 AM | 5:20 PM |
| Nov | 63°F / 17°C | 49°F / 9°C | 2 | 6:31 AM | 4:48 PM |
| Dec | 52°F / 11°C | 40°F / 4°C | 4 | 6:58 AM | 4:43 PM |
Source: Meteostat (10-yr monthly averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Tsuruga city operates a complimentary shuttle for cruise passengers on port days, stopping at Kirameki Minatokan (the waterfront museum/warehouse area) and JR Tsuruga Station. Check with port staff for schedule on your ship's arrival day.
A city sightseeing loop bus covering major attractions; on cruise days it may extend service to the pier. Day passes are purchased from the driver (cash only — ¥1,000 bills or coins) or at the Tourist Information Center at JR Tsuruga Station.
Taxis are usually available at the pier. The port is about 4.5 km from central Tsuruga (walking is not permitted due to the industrial zone), making taxis a convenient option for groups or those with luggage.
Uber is available in Tsuruga and connects to local licensed taxis via the app. Pricing follows standard Japanese taxi meters rather than surge pricing.
Upcoming cruises that call at Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.