Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse: A Port City Relic

3.5 (2988)

Explore Tsuruga's history at the iconic Red Brick Warehouse, home to a detailed diorama and culinary delights in a historic setting.

Home
Japan
Wakasa
Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse

The Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, built in 1905, stands as a monument to Tsuruga's past as a bustling port city. Once used by Standard Oil to store petroleum, the renovated warehouses now house a diorama museum and restaurant hall, offering visitors a glimpse into Tsuruga's vibrant history and culinary culture.

A brief summary to Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse

4-1 Kanegasakicho, Tsuruga, Kanegasakicho, Fukui, 914-0072, JP
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

Check the opening hours for both the diorama hall and restaurant wing, as they have different closing times.
Visit during the week to avoid crowds, as the warehouse is a popular destination on weekends and holidays.
Take the Tsuruga Excursion Line Bus from Tsuruga Station for direct access to the warehouse.
Explore the area around the warehouse, including Kanegasaki Park and the Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Kanegasaki Park

Kanegasaki Park: A Seaside Escape in Tsuruga

Tsuruga Railway Museum(Former Tsuruga Harbor Station Building)

Tsuruga Railway Museum: A Nostalgic Journey

Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum

Explore the Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum: A Journey Through History

Getting There

Public Transport

From JR Tsuruga Station, take the Gurutto Tsuruga Shuyu Bus (Tourism Route) and disembark at the Akarengasoko-mae Bus Stop, which is right outside the warehouse. The bus ride takes approximately 10-11 minutes. The fare is ¥200 per ride, or ¥500 for a 1-day pass, allowing unlimited rides on the loop bus.
Walking

From JR Tsuruga Station, it is approximately a 30-minute walk to the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse. Head north from the station and follow the signs towards Kanegasaki Park and the port area. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city, taking in the sights and sounds of Tsuruga.
Taxi

From JR Tsuruga Station, a taxi ride to the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse takes about 5 minutes. The estimated fare for this short trip is between ¥950 and ¥1200. Taxis are readily available at the station.

Discover more about Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse

The Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, comprised of two distinct buildings, showcases Tsuruga's rich history as a vital port connecting Japan to Europe. Constructed in 1905 by Standard Oil of New York, the warehouses initially served as storage for petroleum. The buildings' design, attributed to a foreign engineer, features imported Dutch bricks and a hidden columnar structure, reflecting the international influences of the time. In 2015, after 110 years, the warehouses were renovated and reopened as a tourist attraction. The north wing now houses a diorama hall, meticulously recreating the townscape of Tsuruga from the late Meiji to early Showa periods. This expansive diorama features model trains and ships, offering a detailed glimpse into the city's bustling past. The south wing has been transformed into a restaurant hall, where visitors can savor local cuisine within the historic brick structure. The Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse not only provides a window into the past but also serves as a reminder of Tsuruga's role as a welcoming haven for refugees. The nearby Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum further explores this aspect of the city's history. The red brick warehouses, with their historical significance and modern attractions, provide a unique experience for tourists.