Port
Tsuruga, Japan
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$310
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Discover the culture and traditions of Tsuruga, from festivals to local delicacies and iconic shrines – there is so much to see.
Your first destination is Minato Tsuruga Yama Kaikan where you will witness the floats used at the Kehi Jingu Shrine Annual Festival. There is an exhibition room for armor, helmets, and Noh masks worn by samurai dolls, which are characteristic of Tsuruga floats.
At the Annex, the building of the former Owada Bank and an Important Cultural Property of Japanese heritage, you’ll see a model of the Kitamaebune merchant ships that were so important to the prosperity of Tsuruga.
Continue to Okui Kaiseido, who have been dealing in specialty Kombu seaweed (kelp) in Fukui Pref. since 1870 and still honor the original recipe. Kombu became a staple in the region as Tsuruga grew as a major transit port for products from the north, bringing this unique product to the locals. Taste dashi (soup) made from Kombu from different periods and discover the differences in color, taste and aroma.
Then, visit the "Kuragakoi" or conservation cellar where dried Kombu is stored at a carefully controlled temperature and humidity for a number of years. This serves not only to remove the distinctive seaweed odor that can accompany Kombu, but also to increase the levels of umami taste through a process of maturation.
Continue to the iconic Kehi Jingu Shrine, the largest and most important shrine in the Hokuriku region since its foundation in 702. Though mostly destroyed in 1945, one surviving structure is the shrine's 36ft tall red wooden torii gate, built in 1902 and registered as an Important Cultural Property.
Following this fascinating glimpse into the traditions of Tsurugu, return to the pier.
Please note:
Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Tour sequence may vary. Traffic can be unpredictable. The driver will do his/her best to keep moving safely. Your patience is greatly appreciated. Delays occasionally extend the tour duration. Bring local currency (yen) for purchases as few stores accept credit cards. The farcicality of Okui Kaiseido has limited space since this is usually not open to public. Taking photo is partially prohibited at Minato Tsuruga Yama Kaikan.