About The Port Of Tsuruga
Set on a sheltered bay in Fukui Prefecture, Tsuruga has served as a working port for centuries, once handling cargo and passengers bound for continental Asia and, in the early twentieth century, travelers connecting onward to Europe via the Trans-Siberian Railway. That era survives in the restored Tsuruga Port Red Brick Warehouse, now a small museum, and in Kehi Shrine, home to one of Japan's largest wooden torii gates. The town itself remains modest and unhurried, with harborside streets that reflect its long trading past.
Tsuruga's compact center lies within easy reach of the pier, making the warehouse district and shrine straightforward stops on foot. Farther afield, the port serves as a practical gateway to the Zen training monastery of Eiheiji, founded in the thirteenth century amid cedar forests, and to the dramatic basalt cliffs of Tojinbo along the coast.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Tsuruga.
Explore the Red Brick Warehouse
Wander the restored 1905 warehouse's twin halls, one holding a detailed diorama of old Tsuruga port and the other housing cafes and shops; it's an easy 15-minute walk from the pier.
Pass Beneath Kehi Shrine's Torii
Stand under one of Japan's three largest wooden torii gates, painted vivid vermillion and dating to the 1600s, then explore the quiet shrine grounds beyond it.
Day Trip to Eiheiji Monastery
Ride roughly 30-40 minutes by bus or train into cedar-forested hills to see working Zen monks at one of Japan's most important training temples; arrive early and allow at least an hour to see the halls and corridors.
Last Minute Cruise Deals From Tsuruga
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2026 | Princess | Diamond Princess | 18 | $6,682 | ||
| Mar 28, 2027 | Holland America | Westerdam | 14 | $2,789 | ||
| Sep 18, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 35 | $19,889 | ||
| Oct 9, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 28 | $22,779 | ||
| Oct 9, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 14 | $13,259 | ||
| Oct 30, 2027 | Princess | Diamond Princess | 28 | $4,624 | ||
| Nov 13, 2027 | Princess | Diamond Princess | 14 | $2,308 | ||
| Nov 13, 2027 | Princess | Diamond Princess | 28 | $4,274 | ||
| Jul 30, 2028 | Princess | Sapphire Princess | 27 | $3,739 | ||
| Aug 6, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 14 | $4,529 | ||
| Aug 12, 2028 | Princess | Sapphire Princess | 14 | $2,064 | ||
| Aug 12, 2028 | Princess | Sapphire Princess | 21 | $3,009 | ||
| Sep 29, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 28 | $19,209 | ||
| Oct 13, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 14 | $11,984 | ||
| Oct 13, 2028 | Seabourn | Seabourn Encore | 28 | $19,974 | ||
| Oct 28, 2028 | Princess | Diamond Princess | 28 | $5,518 | ||
| Nov 11, 2028 | Princess | Diamond Princess | 14 | $2,824 |
Cruise Lines That Call Here
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