Enjoy fresh seafood and historical spots-hop in Tsuruga, Fukui

Fukui prefecture, where streetcars run and many old buildings are preserved. There is a historic port town ‘Tsuruga’, which is about 30 minutes by limited express train from the main station, Fukui station. This town flourished as a transportation hub on the Sea of Japan coast in the Meiji era. Currently, lots of tourists visit here for feeling history and seeing a stunning view created by mountains and the sea. In addition, you can enjoy fresh seafood to your hear’s content as this place faces Tsuruga Bay.

This time, we’re going to introduce our recommended spots around Tsuruga station and a event held in December.

“Former Tsuruga Port Station Building” that connected Japan with Europe in the Meiji era

Tsuruga is the first city on the Sea of Japan coast to lay a railroad. It used to take a month by ship from Tokyo to Paris, but ‘Kanegasaki station,’ the terminal station for the Europe-Asia International Express, was built in Tsuruga in the Meiji era and enabled people to reach Europe in about 17 days. The station was recreated as “Former Tsuruga Port Station Building” and plays a role as a railway museum now. Stepping into the building with a retro atmosphere, you can learn history from the opening of the railway and see model railways and historical items such as a railroad track and traffic signals etc.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM　Closed on Monday and for New Year’s Holidays (29th December – 3rd January)
Address	1-25 Minato-machi, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture
Access	A 2-min walk from the Kanegasaki Ryokuchi where it takes 10 mins by bus from JR Tsuruga station
URL	http://www.turuga.org/en/minatoeki/minatoeki.html

“Nihonkai Sakanamachi,” a fish market offering specialties of Fukui

When you visit Fukui, don’t forget to eat seafood caught in the Sea of Japan. “Nihonkai Sakanamachi,” one of the largest fish markets on the Sea of Japan coast, is home to approximately 70 shops such as fresh fish shops that purchase seafood directly from Tsuruga port, specialty stores of delicacy and Japanese confectionery and restaurants. It’s a vibrant market with a nostalgic atmosphere, you can not only enjoy eating seafood bowls and Sushi using fresh seafood but also see a tuna cutting show (only on Saturday), buy souvenirs unique to Fukui and something like that.

Opening Hours	10:00AM – 6:00PM ※Some shops open at 8:30AM because the morning market is held everyday. ※Please check closed day on the official website because the market has irregular holidays.
Address	1-1531 Wakaba-cho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture
Acceess	A 3-min walk from Nihonkai Sakanamachi where it takes 10 mins by bus from JR Tsuruga station
URL	http://www.sakanamachi.info/

“Tsuruga Port Illumination Miraie” created by history and future of Tsuruga

Fukui holds one of the largest illuminations events in Hokuriku area “Tsuruga Port Illumination Miraie” until 25th December. Kanegasaki Ryokuchi facing Tsuruga Bay brims with colorful light such as pink, green and blue, and fantastic scenery lay before your eyes. This year, there are a tunnel with a total length of about 70m which reminds you of cherry trees lined street, a light display shaping the Europe-Asia International Express and so on. The stunning view created by about 500,000 light bulbs will speak to your heart. By the way, the electricity for lighting up illuminations is generated from biodiesel fuel produced from waste cooking oil. Eco-friendly and beautiful illuminations will allow you to make wintery memories.

Period	3rd November, 2019 – 25th December, 2019 Weekdays, Sunday, Public Holiday: 6:00PM – 9:00PM Friday and Saturday: 6:00PM – 10:00PM
Venue	Kanegasaki Ryokuchi (44 Kanegasaki-cho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture)
Access	Close to Kanegasaki Ryokuchi where it takes 10 mins by bus from Tsuruga station
URL	http://miraie-t.com/