Tsuruga Station

Tsuruga Station serves as the primary railway gateway to Tsuruga City in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Located on the west coast of Honshu along the Sea of Japan, this station has functioned as a crucial transportation hub since its opening in 1882 as part of the Hokuriku Main Line. The station gained renewed prominence in March 2024 when the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension finally connected it to Tokyo, dramatically reducing travel times and transforming accessibility to the region.

The station's historical significance extends beyond its railway function. Tsuruga has long been recognized as the "Port of Humanity" for its role in accepting Jewish refugees who fled Europe via the Trans-Siberian Railway during World War II, with many passing through this very station. The city also served as a major entry point for Korean refugees after the war. This humanitarian legacy is commemorated at the nearby Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum, located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the station and reachable by local bus in about 10 minutes.

Visitors arriving at Tsuruga Station find themselves ideally positioned to explore both cultural sites and natural attractions. The station provides direct access to Kehi Shrine, one of Hokuriku's most important Shinto shrines, featuring a massive 11-meter tall torii gate that ranks among Japan's tallest. The shrine lies roughly 2 kilometers northeast and can be reached by bus or taxi in under 10 minutes. For coastal scenery, Kehi no Matsubara, a scenic pine grove stretching 1.5 kilometers along the beach, offers walking paths with views of Tsuruga Bay and is accessible within 15 minutes by bus.

The tourist information center on the ground floor provides maps and assistance in English. From Tsuruga Station, travelers can reach Tokyo in approximately 3 hours 8 minutes via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Osaka in about 1 hour 50 minutes by limited express train, and Kanazawa in roughly 50 minutes by shinkansen. Local buses departing from the station's west exit connect to major attractions throughout the city, with most destinations accessible within 500 to 1,000 yen for round-trip fares. The station itself requires no admission fee and serves as a free starting point for exploring Tsuruga's historical and natural offerings.