BLESSED BY NATURE

Cruise to Kyoto (Maizuru), Japan

The gentle seaside city of Maizuru will win you over with its quaint collection of mountainside temples, pristine beaches and historical museums. Cruise to Kyoto and check out Maizuru Red Brick Park, a series of warehouses that today serve as a museum, and be transported to a Cold War-era spy thriller. See the nearby Amanohashidate sandbar, a 3-kilometer-long isthmus that connects the bay in a picturesque stretch of white sand and pine trees. Or head into central Kyoto, about a 90-minute drive from port — walk among the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, or climb to the top of Kyoto Tower for the area's best views.

National Language Japanese

Currency Accepted Japanese Yen (JPY)

Things To Do in Kyoto (Maizuru)

Maizuru's World Brick Museum Exterior View

Brick and Mortar

Because Maizuru was a naval base, many buildings were built with striking red brick instead of traditional wood. Learn exactly how brick transformed this little seaside town at the Maizuru Brick Park. Don't forget to take a peek at the nearby naval ships floating casually in the bay.

A mountain view of Kyoto's cityscape

Winding to the Heavens

The road to the Goro Sky Tower is almost as beautiful as the view from the tower itself. Winding up the side of a mountain, you'll find yourself surrounded by never-ending peaks and the vast blue ocean. From the tower, things get even better with an uninterrupted 360-degree view of the sea and the mountains.

A bridge crossing the beach with temples on either side filled with trees

Sandbar Stopover

Amanohashidate, translated as "Bridge in Heaven," is a picturesque sandbar stretching across the mouth of Miyazu Bay. With temples on either side, you can walk its length and enjoy the fine white sand. At the nearby Kitahama beach, the unique sand squeaks and sings as you step on it.

Traditional shojin ryori japanese vegetables

Local Cuisine

Try a shojin ryori, a vegetarian set menu of seasonal Japanese vegetables and tofu. If vegetarian food isn't your thing, the Maizuru Port Toretore Center has the freshest fish available in the whole of Kyoto. Be sure to try whatever fish is in season during your visit to Kyoto.

A rack of colorful kimonos for sale in Kyoto, Japan

Shopping

Pick up packets of Japanese seaweed snacks or dried fish at the Maixuru Port Toretore Center. For an unforgettable fashion experience, head inland to the Nishijin Textile center. You'll be treated to an array of brightly colored kimono and cloth imprinted with traditional floral designs.