Welcome to Maizuru, a charming port city on the Sea of Japan, offering a gateway to the traditional heart of the country. Known for its rich naval history and stunning natural scenery, Maizuru provides a more serene alternative to Japan's bustling mega-ports.
Frequently visited by cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America Line, the port is prized for its convenient access to Northern Kyoto Prefecture.
Passengers can explore historic sites within the city or embark on unforgettable day trips to iconic destinations, including the ancient capital of Kyoto itself.
A must-see right in Maizuru is the Maizuru Red Brick Park, a collection of beautifully preserved former naval warehouses. These historic buildings now house museums, cafes, and shops, offering a fascinating look into the city's past. It is very close to where the cruise ships dock.
For the best views, head to the Goro Sky Tower. This observation deck provides a 360-degree panorama of the intricate Maizuru Bay coastline and the surrounding mountains.
A highly recommended shore excursion is a visit to Amanohashidate. This stunning natural sandbar, roughly an hour away, can be viewed from hillsides on either side of the bay for a classic photo opportunity.
Don't miss the Maizuru World Brick Museum, the first museum in Japan dedicated to bricks from around the world, housed in a historic 1903 torpedo warehouse.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The most popular day trip from Maizuru is to the former imperial capital of Kyoto, famous for its temples, gardens, and geishas. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way by bus or train, making for a long but rewarding day.
Closer to port is the breathtaking Amanohashidate, a pine-covered sandbar that is celebrated as one of Japan's "Three Most Scenic Views." It is located about an hour's drive from Maizuru and offers stunning vistas and pleasant walks.
Often combined with a visit to Amanohashidate is the unique fishing village of Ine no Funaya. Here, you can see traditional wooden boathouses built directly over the water, offering a glimpse into a timeless coastal lifestyle.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Cruise ships dock at the Maizuru West Port (Nishi Port), specifically at Wharf No. 2. This modern cruise facility is located in an industrial and naval port area, not directly within a commercial or tourist district.
The port is situated about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the city center and the main Nishi-Maizuru train station. It is not considered walkable, so transportation is required to reach any attractions, shops, or restaurants.
Cruise lines almost always provide complimentary shuttle buses to a central point in town. The terminal building itself is modern but typically only has basic amenities like restrooms and a temporary tourist information desk set up for ship arrivals.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The official currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY).
U.S. Dollars and Euros are not accepted for transactions, so it is essential to have local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in larger stores, restaurants, and hotels, but smaller shops and local eateries may be cash-only.
ATMs that accept international cards are the most convenient way to get cash and can be found at post offices and 7-Eleven convenience stores. A temporary currency exchange desk may be set up at the cruise terminal on arrival days, but it's best not to rely solely on this.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Japan is renowned for its exceptional safety and low crime rates, and Maizuru is a very safe city for tourists. Visitors can feel comfortable and secure while exploring independently, both during the day and at night.
The general rules of travel awareness apply, such as keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, but specific crime targeting tourists is extremely rare. There are no particular areas of the city that need to be avoided.
While guided tours are recommended for efficiency when visiting far-flung sites like Kyoto, they are not necessary for safety reasons. Local police are helpful, though English may be limited.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Maizuru experiences four distinct seasons. The main cruise season is in the spring (April-May) and fall (September-November), which offer the most pleasant weather. Spring temperatures are mild, ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F), and coincide with the famous cherry blossom season.
Fall brings similar comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and beautiful autumn foliage. Summers (June-August) are hot and humid, with temperatures often rising above 30°C (86°F).
Summer is also the typhoon season, which can potentially impact cruise itineraries, though direct hits are not frequent. Packing layers, including a light jacket and an umbrella, is advisable year-round. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for any shore excursion.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Taxis are readily available at the cruise terminal and are a reliable, albeit expensive, way to get around the immediate city area. For longer distances, they are not cost-effective.
Cruise lines typically offer a complimentary shuttle bus service from the port to a central location, such as the Nishi-Maizuru train station or a nearby shopping center. For independent travel to nearby cities, the Japan Rail (JR) Maizuru Line is the best option.
Ride-sharing services like Uber are not common in this region. For visiting distant attractions like Amanohashidate or Kyoto, booking a shore excursion through your cruise line is the most convenient and time-efficient method.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Shopping opportunities in Maizuru are modest and centered around local products. The area near Nishi-Maizuru Station and the La Port shopping center offer a variety of stores. On cruise days, a small market with local vendors is often set up near the port.
Look for souvenirs related to the city's naval heritage, such as items from the Maizuru Red Brick Park gift shop. Local specialties include kamaboko (steamed fish cakes) and other seafood products, as well as locally brewed sake.
Prices are fixed in Japan, and bargaining is not part of the culture. For tax-free shopping, look for designated stores and be prepared to show your passport for purchases over a specified amount.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
A popular shore excursion from Maizuru is a guided walking tour of Nagahama, a historic town on the shores of Lake Biwa. Here, you can explore the charming Kurokabe Square, famous for its traditional black-plastered buildings that now house exquisite glass art studios, local craft shops, and cafes. The experience often includes a visit to the reconstructed Nagahama Castle for stunning views over the lake, offering a unique cultural deep-dive into feudal Japan.
Join an authentic cultural experience led by an Otsu native dedicated to preserving Otsu-e painting, a local folk art from 400 years ago. As the daughter of an Otsu-e artist from a master family, your host offers a unique opportunity to delve into Japan's artistic heritage. This immersive tour takes place in the cozy lakeside town of Otsu, conveniently located just a 10-minute train ride from Kyoto Station.
Immerse yourself in authentic Japanese life with a stay at a non-touristy countryside temple, hosted by a Buddhist monk and his licensed guide wife. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of rice fields and Lake Biwa while exploring a traditional residential area as if you are a local. This special trip includes private tours to destinations of your choice, allowing you to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Experience the beauty of Sakamoto and Mount Hiei, starting with a scenic ride on the Sakamoto Cable Car, Japan’s longest cableway. From the cable car, you will be treated to stunning views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding misty forests. At the top, visit the sacred Enryaku-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist site, before exploring the charming town of Sakamoto with its rich cultural heritage.
Join your local host Michiyo in her Kyoto kitchen for a hands-on cooking experience where you will learn traditional Japanese techniques. In about an hour and a half, you will learn to make fundamental dashi stock and prepare chirashi-sushi in a traditional wooden bowl. Afterwards, you will sit down with Michiyo to enjoy the authentic meal you helped create, paired with carefully selected alcohol.
Just a 20-minute shinkansen ride from Kyoto, embark on a leisurely, beginner-friendly bike ride with a local, English-speaking guide. This 13-kilometer course takes you past rice fields, historic trade routes, local villages, a temple, a shrine, and the shores of Lake Biwa. The three-hour tour also includes a brief hike, offering an easy way to explore the area’s unique geographical and historical points of interest.
Embark on a private, guided bass fishing tour on Lake Biwa, led by a local expert on a high-performance bass boat. This excursion is suitable for beginners and experienced anglers alike, with all necessary fishing gear, lures, and life jackets provided for your use. For your convenience, the tour also includes round-trip hotel pickup from your hotel in Kyoto city.
Join a chef at a high-end teppanyaki restaurant for an exclusive culinary experience where you learn to cook on the hot plate. You will enjoy a delicious meal based on French cuisine and then have the unique opportunity to try flambéing a steak for the main course yourself. This valuable experience is available for guests age 10 and older who are interested in Japanese cooking.
Embark on a one-day tour to experience the scenery of Lake Biwa and the culture of Nagahama. Your journey includes a visit to the Nagahama Castle Observatory for panoramic views and a ferry ride to Chikubu Island, a serene religious site with historic temples. The tour concludes at Kurokabe Square, where you can explore the charming downtown, view traditional buildings, and taste local foods.
Create a unique souvenir by making your own handmade ring using the traditional Japanese hammering technique called "Tankin." During the one-hour workshop, you will choose your preferred material, thickness, and texture, then use special tools to customize your creation. Helpful staff will carefully explain the steps and even assist you in taking remembrance photos of your unique experience.
Join local hosts for a fun, hands-on experience learning the traditional method of making mochi, complete with various fillings like red bean paste and mugwort. For lunch, your hosts will demonstrate how to cook Sukiyaki, a delicious hot-pot dish with fresh, local chicken and vegetables. You'll then cook the dish together and enjoy a homely meal while making warm conversation with your hosts.
Discover the city of Nagahama on a guided walking tour that lets you explore its food, sake, history, and culture. This private tour includes a traditional soy sauce tasting and features flexible route options to suit your schedule, saving you time on planning. After the guided portion of your tour, you are free to continue sightseeing and shopping as you like.
Take the only guided tour that leads you through all three sacred areas of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei—Tōtō, Saitō, and Yokokawa. With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll explore historic halls, see the eternal flame of Konpon Chūdō, and ride shuttle buses between the precincts. This tour offers a deeply immersive pilgrimage, allowing you to experience the full spiritual journey of Japanese Tendai Buddhism.
Journey to a private, cozy Machiya bar to taste "Funasushi," a fermented delicacy from Shiga prefecture known as the origin of sushi. You will try three different types of this unique local dish, which is exclusively served in this region of Japan. Your tasting is paired with the local sake "Shichihonyari," specially chosen by the brewer, offering a must-try experience for lovers of sushi and sake.
Discover "Biwaichi," the popular cycling route around Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, located just 15 minutes by train from Kyoto. Biwaichi Bike is a dedicated cycle station at the Port of Otsu, serving as a base facility for all cyclists on this route. The station can help you with anything related to bicycles, from rentals and supplies to troubleshooting and repairs.
In the serene surroundings of Hieizan, create a one-of-a-kind souvenir in a pottery experience guided by seasoned artisans. You'll learn traditional techniques to mold soft clay while gaining insights into Japan's rich ceramic heritage. The experience also includes a Japanese home cooking class led by local homemakers, where you will use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to craft traditional seasonal dishes.
Escape the city heat by journeying to two spectacular waterfalls near Lake Biwa. After a short hike to Hira Falls, you'll continue on a steeper trail to the dramatic Yobai Falls, a one-mile round trip that requires a reasonable degree of fitness. Following the hike, unwind on the shore of Lake Biwa where you can ride kayaks, swim, or simply relax on the beach.
Journey to Mount Hiei, a central site in Japanese Buddhist history, and take a scenic cable car ride to the revered Enryaku-ji Temple. This historic temple has shaped both the imperial court and samurai, and it remains an active center for spiritual practice. On this tour, you will explore Enryaku-ji's rich heritage and ongoing significance, gaining insights into its profound historical and cultural impact.
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Prices are around steady throughout the year. On average cruises visiting Maizuru are rather inexpensive compared to other itineraries. Take a look at the graph below for the monthly average cost per day.
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