Maizuru City lies along the Sea of Japan in northern Kyoto Prefecture. The western district flourished as a castle town during the Sengoku period (from the late 15th to the late 16th century), while the eastern district developed as a naval port after the Maizuru Naval District of the former Imperial Japanese Navy was established there in 1901. These two areas later merged to form the city of Maizuru as it is today. Why not enjoy an autumn day trip in this historic port town?
Maizuru Red Brick Park is home to 12 red brick warehouses that were originally built as naval facilities from the late 19th to the early 20th century. Of these, eight have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Today, the warehouses have been repurposed as museums, cafes, souvenir shops, and event halls, and the area is also a popular photo spot that retains much of its historical atmosphere.
Opened in September 2024, atick is a stylish commercial complex with clothing shops, a cafe, and an observation deck, and is notable for its striking exposed-concrete exterior. Located on a hill next to Maizuru Red Brick Park, it can be reached on foot, but as the route involves many stairs, visiting by car is also recommended.
After strolling through the garden surrounding the building, head to the cafe, where you can enjoy a unique experience of sound and space in a setting enveloped by immersive, 360-degree audio. Large windows offer sweeping views of Maizuru Bay, making a coffee break while gazing out at the sea truly special.
In Maizuru, a city blessed with an abundance of fresh seafood, we stopped by Totogen, a restaurant specializing in fish dishes. The owner, who also runs a fish shop, carefully selects from each catch, ensuring exceptional freshness. At lunchtime, diners can casually enjoy seafood rice bowls and set meals, savoring seasonal flavors while taking in views of Maizuru Bay. One of the restaurant’s most popular offerings is the Totogen Gozen, a lavish set featuring delicacies prepared in a variety of ways, including sashimi, tempura, grilled fish, and chawanmushi (steamed egg custard).
Maizuru Bay has long been known as a “natural harbor,” thanks to its narrow entrance and the high mountains that surround it, which keep the waters calm. On this relaxing cruise, visitors can experience firsthand the historical background that allowed port logistics and fishing industries to flourish in the area. The sightseeing boat offers views of escort ships and shipyards from the sea, an experience unique to Maizuru with its rich naval history. You can also see the Kitasui Mooring Station of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, which appeared in the animated film “Detective Conan: Private Eye in the Distant Sea.” The cruise lasts about 35 minutes, and the types of vessels you may encounter depend on port conditions on the day.
About a 25-minute walk from Nishi-Maizuru Station, Yoshiwara Irie traces its origins to a fishermen’s quarter that once formed part of an Edo-period castle town. It is also said to be the birthplace of modern fishing in Kyoto Prefecture. Rows of houses line the canal, where fishing boats are quietly moored, creating a scene filled with simple, unpretentious charm.
Yoshiwara Irie also appears in the film “Kokuho,” released in 2025. The area was used as a filming location for a scene in which the protagonist, Kikuo, who loses his father in a yakuza conflict, vows revenge. As this is a residential area rather than a tourist site, visitors are asked to be mindful of local life by keeping noise to a minimum and refraining from entering private property while enjoying a quiet stroll.
Developed by Maizuru City on the former Seibu Farm site, Maizuru Nature and Cultural Park is a spacious park spread across gently rolling terrain, offering different scenery with each season. In spring, the camellia garden opens to the public; in summer, the hydrangea garden; and in autumn, the autumn foliage garden. Please note that the park is not open year-round, and each area is available only for a limited time. The autumn foliage garden typically opens from late November to early December. Inside the park, the orange hues of metasequoia trees, the golden leaves of ginkgo, and the vivid reds of Japanese maples create a stunning seasonal palette. Thanks to its expansive grounds, you may even find yourself enjoying the beautiful autumn colors in peaceful solitude.
Standing at an elevation of 301 meters in the heart of Maizuru, Mt. Goro is crowned by the 50-meter-tall Goro Sky Tower. The panoramic view from the tower has been ranked No. 1 among the “Kansai 100 Scenic Views,” making it one of the region’s most breathtaking viewpoints. From the observation deck, visitors can take in sweeping views of Maizuru Bay with its ria coastline, as well as the city below. Looking out over the intricately indented terrain, one can easily imagine why this location was chosen as a naval port.
At the adjacent “GORO SKY CAFE nanako,” you can take a relaxing break while enjoying the spectacular views. The cafe offers a range of unique menu items, including the “JS Myoko Beef Curry,” part of the Maizuru Maritime Self-Defense Force Curry lineup, as well as colorful five-hued GORO Sodas. Maizuru is also said to be the birthplace of nikujaga (simmered meat and potatoes), and the nikujaga croquette served alongside the curry is a local specialty you can enjoy only here.
JR Kyoto Sta. → Direct limited express Maizuru (or a similar service) → 1 hr 40 min → Higashi-Maizuru Sta. or Nishi-Maizuru Sta.
JR Osaka Sta. → via the Fukuchiyama Line (limited express) → Sanin Line (local) → Maizuru Line (local) → 2 hr 40 min → Higashi-Maizuru Sta. or Nishi-Maizuru Sta.
■Kansai WIDE Area Pass
Take an excursion from Kansai to Okayama, Takamatsu, Kinosaki Onsen, Amanohashidate, Tottori and Shirahama!
Adult: 12,000 yen
5-day unlimited travel
https://www.westjr.co.jp/travel-information/en/tickets-passes/jrwest-rail-pass/kansai_wide/
■Kansai WIDE Area Excursion Pass
This great-value pass offers unlimited travel on non-reserved seats of selected JR West lines and the Chizu Express Line across the Kansai, Okayama, and Tottori areas, as well as the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Okayama. Foreign residents in Japan are also eligible, as long as they hold a non-Japanese passport.
Adult: 12,000 yen
3-day unlimited travel
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/kansai_wide_excursion/
About 1 hour and 40 minutes from Kyoto Station by JR limited express, Maizuru offers an easy escape from the bustle of Kyoto City. Why not spend a relaxing day in this tranquil corner of “Kyoto by the Sea”? From Nishi-Maizuru Station, the Kyoto Tango Railway also provides access to popular destinations such as Amanohashidate and Kinosaki Onsen, making Maizuru an ideal stopover on your journey to these well-known spots.
