Tsuruga Highlights Tour

Hop on Tsuruga shore excursion to discover its many well-preserved historical sites, ancient temples, and fresh seafood. Take a glimpse into times past in Kehi Jingu Shrine and Kanegasakigu Shrine, sense prosperous history of this port town in Tsuruga City Museum, indulge in seafood’s world in Nihonkai Sakana Machi Fish Market as well as go sightseeing around Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse.

Full Itinerary

Meet your local guide and driver at the port and start a day packed with a variety of scenery and places to visit. First to Kehi Jingu Shrine – the third tallest wooden Torii in Japan. The shrine is best known for its 11-meter-tall tori gate which is registered as an important cultural property. You can take a look at Marsu Basho’s (a famous Japanese poet) statue as well as a stone monument inscribed with his poetry. Come here in September and you may have the chance to participate in its main festival which is held annually on the 4th of this month.

Then head to Tsuruga City Museum – a prefecture-designated tangible cultural property building. Here, have a closer look at Tsuruga’s history, folk customs and arts demonstrated through various exhibits as well as the lavish architecture itself. Afterward, descend to Nihonkai Sakana Machi Fish Market - the pride of Tsuruga with an abundance of fresh and delicious seafood. Take a stroll along with the market, through rows of vendors after vendors where offer a wide variety of choices from the sea greens to fresh seafood. Spend your free time here in this calm yet chaotic atmosphere full of fishermen and associates' welcoming voices and purchase some fresh items at reasonable prices. You can't leave without satisfying your appetites with seafood bowls, curry, fried dishes and even Japanese sweets at some dining spots available inside the market.

Next, pay a visit to Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse – a popular sightseeing spot combining historical accuracy and entertainment. Established since 1905, after much renovation, Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse nowadays still provides a wonderfully old-fashioned atmosphere with many mud-walled storehouses featuring Western-style structures.

Later, move to Kanegasakigu Shrine – the shrine of difficult breakthroughs and love. Known as one of the Fifteen Shrines of the Kenmu Restoration, it was built to commemorate the events of Nanboku-cho period and to promote loyalty to the Imperial family of Japan. Within only a short visit here, you can attain more knowledge of Japanese history and religion as well as spend time enjoying its hundreds of spectacular cherry blossom trees. This is also where the Shinto rite of the Flower-exchanging Festival is held from the first to the 15th of April. Trip ends with return transport to the port.

Book tour now with Japan Shore Excursions – Your local experts in unforgettable journeys!