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Vegetarian's Japan Guide

Maizuru City – The Stunning Former Base of the Japanese Navy

Maizuru City (舞鶴市), facing the Sea of Japan, is located in the northern section of Kyoto Prefecture. While the rest of Kyoto is largely adorned with traditional buildings from eras up to the end of the Edo period, Maizuru City embodies the history of Japan after the modernization that occurred during the Meiji era.

Eastern Maizuru was once the base of the Japanese Navy. Many of the red brick buildings in the city were built from 1901 to store firearms. Nowadays, the area is utilized by heavy industry centered on shipbuilding.

The atmosphere of western Maizuru is, however, so different! Formerly the castle town of Tanabe Castle, this part of the city is now the commercial and business district where government agencies are concentrated.

Despite these differences, the two sides boast astonishing scenery. In western Maizuru, visitors can enjoy the Kansai region‘s most splendid view from the top of the Gorōgatake, while the eastern half is blessed with one of the most renowned spots for fall foliage!

There is so much to explore in this multifaceted city! Here is a list of places that you can visit to feel the charm of Maizuru.

Explore Maizuru With a Guide

If you prefer a guide to introduce you to the charms of Maizuru, how about joining one of the below tours?

How to Get to Maizuru City

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© photo-ac.com

Other than the usual way of taking JR trains, you can also take the local trains running on Kyoto Tango Railway (京都丹後鉄道), which will pass through the amazing Yuragawa Bridge (由良川橋梁) en-route to the famous Amanohashidate (天橋立).

For more information about the railway and bridge, please refer to our article on Miyazu City.

And if you haven’t been to Amanohashidate, one of the Three Views of Japan (日本三景, Nihon Sankei), then you definitely must on your next trip to Kyoto! Please refer to our Amanohashidate article to plan it!

Now, if you desire to visit Otaru in Hokkaidō instead, head to Maizuru Ferry Terminal (舞鶴港), and you will be in stunning Hokkaidō the next day! For more information, please refer to Shin Nihonkai Ferry’s (新日本海フェリー) official website HERE.

Tanabe Castle (田辺城)

Tanabe Castle is currently the Maizuru Shiritsu Tanabejō Museum (舞鶴市立 田辺城資料館). Due to its elegant appearance, it is also called Maizuru Castle.

The castle became famous among Japanese history buffs because of the Battle of Sekigahara (関ヶ原の戦い). With just 500 soldiers, Hosokawa Yūsai (細川幽斎) defended Tanabe Castle for around 1.5 months from Toyotomi’s force of 10,500 people, led by Ishida Mitsunari (石田三成).

For more information about the castle, refer to our article on Tanabe Castle!

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Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maizuru City.

Asashiro Shrine (朝代神社) and Enryūji Temple (円隆寺)

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Asashiro Shrine and Enryūji Temple, located next to one other, are two religious sites with a long history in Maizuru.

Asashiro Shrine was established in 673 and enshrined Maizuru’s guardian god. It has received regular pilgrims since ancient times.

Once every four years, a ritual involving a Japanese sword demonstration is held on the 3rd of November. The ritual is said to be a re-enactment of the Battle of Tanabe Castle.

Enryūji Temple, which was founded by the famous monk Gyōki (行基) during the Nara period in the 8th century, has many Important Cultural Properties in its precinct.

The temple’s exterior, the cherry blossoms and the hydrangea that bloom in spring decorate the shrine beautifully.

If you are waiting for a train, consider spending 20 minutes at Enryūji Temple. You won’t regret it!

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How to Get to Asashiro Shrine and Enryūji Temple

Asashiro Shrine and Enryūji Temple are around a 10-minute walk from JR Nishi-Maizuru Station (西舞鶴駅).

Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maizuru City.

Keirinji Temple (桂林寺)

After walking towards Maizuru West Port (舞鶴西港) for a few minutes, you will spot a temple that has three gates! The name of this temple is Keirinji Temple.

The first two gates are one after another so they can be seen from the road in front of it. To get to the third gate in the photo, some climbing is required.

You would be correct if the gate doesn’t look Japanese to you! The temple, incorporating a strong Chinese influence, also had its bell tower gate built in a Chinese style.

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It is a shame that we can’t see the bell on the second floor of the gate. The bell, together with the painting of a reclining Buddha, was gifted to the temple by Hosokawa Tadaoki (細川忠興). They were to show the Hosokawa Clan’s appreciation for the temple’s assistance and contribution during the Battle of Tanabe Castle.

If you are interested in seeing the painting of the reclining Buddha, come to the temple on the 15th of February, when the service for Parinirvana Day or Nirvana Day is held. Or, if you are lucky, you might see the enormous painting when the temple displays it for special occasions. Apparently, its height is as tall as 3 meters!

Please note that Keirinji Temple isn’t a sightseeing temple. So there won’t be many staff/monks there to serve you. But there might be complimentary tea or snacks outside the worship halls for visitors to enjoy.

How to Get to Keirinji Temple

It is a 10 to 15-minute walk from JR Nishi-Maizuru Station (西舞鶴駅).

Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maizuru City.

Gorō Sky Tower (五老スカイタワー)

When roaming the western part of Maizuru, you might notice this tower if you look towards the port.

While the general appearance of the tower is slightly plain when you compare it to Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Sky Tree, the view from the top is the complete opposite!

The admission fee will give you an astonishing panoramic view of Maizuru Bay, comprising various landscapes.

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It was chosen as the greatest sight in the Kinki region (近畿)!

The tower is situated at the top of Mt. Gorōgatake (五老ヶ岳) at an altitude of 325 meters. Adding the tower’s height of 50 meters, it is the best observation spot in the region. See if you can spot a few warships docked at the Maizuru East Port (=゚ω゚)ノ.

There is also a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy the view with items from their menu. But just note there is no vegetarian light meal menu, and some of their desserts contain eggs.

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As you can imagine, the scenery here changes with the seasons. Because there aren’t many cherry trees on the surrounding islands, we would say the best time to come here is during the autumn foliage season or when the area is covered with white snow.

From late autumn to winter, you might even see the awesome view of the Sea of the Clouds in the early morning!

In the Gorōgadake Park (五老ヶ岳公園) that surrounds the Gorō Tower, there are a few more amazing lookouts.

Gorō Tower’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information

  • From April to November, the tower can be accessed from
    • 9 am to 7 pm on weekdays
    • On weekends and public holidays, it closes at 9 pm.
  • From December to March, the tower’s opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm.
    • The last admission is 30 minutes before the closing time.
  • The admission fee is
    • 300 yen for adults
    • 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students
  • From JR Nishi-Maizuru Station (西舞鶴駅), take Kyoto Kōtsū’s (京都交通) route 20 and get off at Gorō Kōen-kuchi (五老公園口). From there, it will be a 50-minute hike.
    • Refer to HERE and click “20 東西循環線(右回り)” on the left menu bar for the bus timetable.

Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maizuru City.

Weeping Cherry Blossom at Ruriji Temple (瑠璃寺 吉田のしだれ桜)

Ruriji Temple is a wondrous cherry blossom destination in Maizuru, located in the city’s west.

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In spring, from early to mid-April, the flowers of the large weeping cherry tree will hide Ruriji Temple from you! The cherry blossom here is so magnificent that it almost looks like a waterfall was formed by the pink flowers (*´ω`).

Next to the enormous 400-year-old cherry tree, there is another smaller tree that is 80 years old. Thanks to the mesmerizing sunset, you are bound to end up with some gorgeous photos!

How to Get to Ruriji Temple

  • From Monday to Saturday, excluding any public holidays, you can take Maizuru City’s Community Aoi Kōku Bus (青井校区バス) from JR Nishi-Maizuru Station (西舞鶴駅) and get off at Yoshida (吉田)
    • Refer to HERE and click “時刻表” under “青井校区バス” for the timetable. Note the number of services is limited.
    • The upper half is for weekdays, and the second half is for Saturdays.
    • *means it will only run if a reservation is received.
    • You can also use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
  • During the cherry blossom season, a temporary car park will be set up. The cost is 300 yen for a standard car.

Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maizuru City.

Maizuru Red Brick Park (舞鶴赤れんがパーク)

Maizuru Red Brick Park is a multipurpose facility that was renovated from seven red-brick warehouses in 2012. The former navy facility is a great spot to understand the history of the Japanese navy and Maizuru City.

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Here, as an outsider to the Japanese navy, you get to find out what sort of dishes are on their menu!

The menu at Café Jazz (カフェ・ジャズ) in the second red brick building is based on the old Japanese Navy Cooking Textbook (海軍割烹術参考書) that was edited to train the soldiers in charge of cooking. From traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi and pickles to western cuisines and desserts, more than 200 recipes are included in the textbook!

Important: Please note that non-vegetarian broth is used for savory dishes, while western desserts are made with eggs.

If you happen to take a nighttime stroll in Maizuru, come to the Maizuru Red Brick Park for a view of the lit-up brick warehouses!

Bike Rental Service at Maizuru Red Brick Park

On the ground floor, you can rent a bicycle from the reception between 9 am and 3 pm. You will have until 4:30 pm to return the rented bike. Please remember to bring your ID.

The cost is below plus an extra 1,000 yen deposit.

  • Normal bike: 500 yen
  • Electric-assisted bike: 2,000 yen

A helmet can be rented out for free.

Tip: As the number of bikes they have is limited, call them at +81-773-66-1096 to make a reservation.

Important: If you return the bike after 4:30 pm, you won’t get your deposit back.

Red Brick Museum (赤れんが博物館)

The Red Brick Museum (赤れんが博物館) on one side of the park is the oldest building there. It is a place for people to learn about the history and industry of bricks. You will also learn how bricks should be stacked. There is even a replica of the Hoffmann kiln!

In the display room of the museum are bricks from various eras worldwide. There are bricks excavated from the ruins of the four ancient civilizations and also the bricks from the Great Wall of China (=゚ω゚)ノ.

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Contrasting other facilities at the park, an admission fee is payable upon entry to the Red Brick Museum.

  • 400 yen for adults
  • 150 yen for students

Alternatively, you can get a combo ticket that also gives you admission to Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum (舞鶴引揚記念館).

  • 600 yen for adults
  • 200 yen for students

Guided Tour to the Secret Former Kitasui Water Purification Plant

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Around a 20-minute walk away, on the other side of the Maizuru East Port (舞鶴東港), there is another red brick building that is normally closed to the public.

The Old Water Purification Plant ( 旧北吸浄水場配水池) was built for this military port’s drinking water supply. If you would like to explore the interior of this National Important Cultural Property, you will have to join one of the guided tours that are held on Thursdays and weekends and public holidays.

  • The tours run from 10:45 am to 12:30 pm. But please get there at least 10 minutes before.
  • The cost is 2,000 yen per person for junior high school students and above.
  • You can either book through the official website or head to Maizuru City Commemoration Hall (舞鶴市政記念館) to inquire if there are any spots left.

If you wish to make a reservation in advance online, please do it through their Japanese website HERE. If you don’t read Japanese, HERE is the English-translated version.

Important: Please note the tour is conducted in Japanese only.

Navy Port Pleasure Boat Cruise

When you get to the Maizuru Red Brick Park, there might be a couple of warships by the port.

Although we aren’t allowed to board the warships, you can join the cruise that travels around the Maizuru Port. This will give you a clear view of the exterior of the military ships from the bottom.

Currently, the cruises depart on an hourly basis from 10 am to 3 pm on weekends and public holidays. On Thursday, it is running at a reduced capacity.

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Cruise tickets can be purchased from 9 am from the 2nd red brick building, where the Café Jazz (カフェ・ジャズ) is situated.

For more information, please refer to their website HERE.

Maizuru Red Brick Park’s Opening Hours, Admission Fees, and Access Information

  • The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily except from the 29th of December to the 1st of January.
  • From JR Higashi-Maizuru Station (東舞鶴駅), it is about a 15-minute walk.
  • You can also take Kyoto Kōtsū’s (京都交通) bus route 20 from JR Higashi-Maizuru Station and get off at Shiyakusho-mae (市役所前).
    • Refer to HERE and click “20 東西循環線(右回り)” on the left menu bar for the bus timetable.

Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maizuru City.

Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum (舞鶴引揚記念館)

Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum is perhaps the saddest place in the entire city.

Dedicated to the Japanese prisoners of war in the Soviet Union, the museum on a small hill was established in 1988. The pier that welcomed the repatriates home was also restored.

Many valuable materials are displayed in the museum that records the life of those in the labor camp who returned to Japan between 1945 and 1958.

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Even if you don’t read Japanese, the photos in Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum will still speak to you about the preciousness of peace. This is why the museum’s exhibition pieces were registered with the UNESCO Memory of the World Program.

Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum’s Opening Hours, Admission Fees, and Access Information

  • The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily except Wednesdays.
    • The museum will also be closed from the 29th of December to the 1st of January.
    • The last admission is at 4:30 pm.
  • The admission fee is
    • 400 yen for adults
    • 150 yen for students
  • You can also get a combo ticket for admission into the Red Brick Museum (赤れんが博物館)
    • 600 yen for adults
    • 200 yen for students
  • From JR Higashi-Maizuru Station (東舞鶴駅), take Kyoto Kōtsū’s (京都交通) bus route 41/42 or 45/46 from JR Higashi-Maizuru Station and stop at Hikiage Kinenkan-mae (引揚記念館前).
    • Refer to HERE and click 41/42 or 45/46 on the left menu bar for the bus timetable.

Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maizuru City.

Maizuru Nature and Cultural Park (舞鶴自然文化園)

Keen to see some beautiful floral scenery? Drop by the Maizuru Nature and Cultural Park in spring and/or summer!

The park is best known for its hydrangea garden, which has 100,000 plants from 100 different species. In Summer, from mid-June to early July, the delightful hydrangea flowers of various colors cover a large portion of the garden.

However, if you cannot visit the garden in summer, their 30,000 camellia trees will bloom with flowers from mid-March to September.

They have around 1,500 different kinds of camellia that will amaze your senses!

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Maizuru Nature and Cultural Park’s Opening Hours, Admission Fees, and Access Information

  • The garden is currently only open during the flowering seasons.
    • Hydrangea: from mid-June to early July
    • Camellia: mid-March to mid-September
  • The admission fee is
    • 500 yen for adults
    • 250 yen for elementary and junior high school students
  • To get to Maizuru Nature and Cultural Park, take Kyoto Kōtsū’s (京都交通) bus route 45/46 from JR Higashi-Maizuru Station (東舞鶴) and get off at Maizuru Shizenbunkaen (舞鶴自然文化園).
    • Refer to HERE and click “45/46 三浜線” on the left menu bar for the bus timetable.

Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maizuru City.

Kongōin Temple (金剛院)

Check out Kongōin Temple for some autumn foliage hunting! It is literally the best place in Maizuru for stunning autumn colors (*´ω`).

The temple, surrounded by thousands of maple trees, attracts tourists across the country and around the world each autumn, where they admire the breathtaking scenery.

When visiting Kongōin Temple, don’t forget to check out the main worship hall and the three-story pagoda. The buildings are more than 1,000 years old and contain many valuable and important cultural properties.

These views are so extraordinary that they were chosen to be the 3rd temple of 25 in the Kansai area’s Temple of Flowers (関西花の寺)! Please refer to the information below to determine which season you would like to visit Kongōin Temple.

  • Early to mid-May: light green spring color
  • Mid-May: Japanese snowball
  • September: Begonia
  • November: Autumn foliage that usually peaks from mid to late November

Kongōin Temple’s Opening Hours, Admission Fees, and Access Information

  • The temple is open from 9 am to 4 pm.
  • The admission fee:
    • 300 yen to enter the temple
    • 500 yen for the treasure hall. Usually, reservation is required, but the monks there might be kind enough to let you in if you check with them on the day.
  • From JR Matsuno-Odera Station (松尾寺駅), it is a 30-minute hike.
  • You can also take Kyoto Kōtsū’s (京都交通) bus route 31/32 from JR Higashi-Maizuru Station (東舞鶴) and get off at Kahara (鹿原).
    • Refer to HERE and click “31/32 高浜線” on the left menu bar for the bus timetable.

Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maizuru City.

Matsuno-Odera Temple (松尾寺)

Matsuno-Odera Temple is the 29th temple out of 33 in the Saigoku Kanoon Pilgrimage route.

Although we cannot see it, it is the only temple with Hayagriva as its main Buddha. The Kannon Bodhisattva with a horse on its head symbolizes his intention to save the sentient beings of those born as animals.

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The unique thing about Matsuno-Odera Temple is the Futsu-mai (仏舞), the Buddha Dance presented to the Buddhas on the 8th of May every year.

In the worship hall, dancers gracefully perform The Buddha Dance while Japanese court music plays in the background.

The dancers wear masks of the three most renowned Buddhas – Vairocana, Gautama Buddha, and Amitabha.

Furthermore, the temple is beautiful during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage season with the ginkgo and maple trees. If that wasn’t enough, the treasure hall of Matsuno-Odera would be open for visitors to meet the many National Important Cultural Properties!

Matsuno-Odera’s Opening Hours, Admission Fees, and Access Information

  • The temple is open from 8 am to 5 pm.
  • The treasure hall is open from 9 am to 4 pm for a month in spring and autumn.
  • The admission fee to the treasure hall is 800 yen.
  • From JR Matsuno-Odera Station (松尾寺駅), it is a 50-minute hike.
  • You can also take Kyoto Kōtsū’s (京都交通) bus route 31/32 from JR Higashi-Maizuru Station (東舞鶴) and get off at Matsuno-oderaguchi (松尾寺口).
    • Refer to HERE and click “31/32 高浜線” on the left menu bar for the bus timetable.

Important:
☛ If you plan to drive, studless tires are required in winter. Also, please note the roads are very narrow.
☛ Entry to the temple is free, but you will be charged 400 yen for parking

Click HERE to return to a list of attractions in Maizuru City.

Discover the Stunning Attractions in Ayabe City

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Click the photo for more information about this gorgeous spot!

If you are interested in destinations with beautiful scenery, you will want to stop by Miazuru City’s neighbor, Ayabe City.

In addition to various scenic sites, you can make your washi paper and indulge in hot springs!

For more information, please refer to our Ayabe City article!

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