The history of Tsuruga stretches back to deep antiquity, making it one of Japan's oldest port cities. According to legend, the city's name comes from Prince Tsunoga Arashito, who is said to have arrived here from ancient Korea. Over time, "Tsunoga" transformed into the modern "Tsuruga." From early times, the spiritual heart of the settlement has been the Kehi Jingu Shrine, founded according to legend in the prehistoric period and revered as the primary Shinto shrine of the Hokuriku region.
Key Factors of Development
The transformation of a small settlement into a thriving trade hub was predestined by a unique combination of geographical and strategic advantages:
Natural Harbor: The deep and protected Tsuruga Bay provided ideal conditions for mooring vessels arriving from the continent and the northern regions of the archipelago.
Proximity to the Capital: Historically, the city served as the main maritime gateway for Kyoto and the Kansai region. Its proximity to Lake Biwa allowed for the rapid transport of goods to the country's political center.
Trade Status: Tsuruga became a vital point on the Sea of Japan maritime routes, linking internal provinces with the outside world.
Early Cultural and Economic Features
As early as the Nara and Heian periods, the city played the role of an international diplomatic and trade hub. It was home to the Matsubara Kyakukan—a guest house for ambassadors from the kingdom of Balhae (Bohai), indicating the city's high political status. The economy of early Tsuruga was built on transshipment: seafood, textiles, and handicrafts flowed here from all over the coast to be sent to the capital, forming a wealthy merchant culture.
Timeline
Key Historical Milestones
702 AD — According to historical chronicles, the main building of Kehi Jingu Shrine was erected, establishing the area's status as a spiritual center.
17th–19th Centuries — Tsuruga prospers as a key port on the "kitamaebune" trade route connecting Hokkaido and Osaka.
1882 — Construction is completed on the railway line connecting the city with Nagahama—the first railway on the Sea of Japan coast.
1899 — The city officially receives the status of an open port for international trade, welcoming ships from the USA and Great Britain.
1902 — Regular steamship service to Vladivostok is opened, making Tsuruga Japan's gateway to the Trans-Siberian Railway.
1912 — The "Euro-Asiatic Express" is launched, allowing passengers to travel from Tokyo to Paris on a single ticket via this port.
1920 — The city welcomed hundreds of Polish orphans rescued from Siberia, later earning the title "Port of Humanity."
1937 — Tsuruga officially gains administrative city (shi) status following the merger of several settlements.
1940 — The port becomes a safe haven for thousands of Jewish refugees arriving with "visas for life" from diplomat Chiune Sugihara.
1957 — The Fukasaka Tunnel is opened, significantly improving transport accessibility to the region and connections with neighboring prefectures.
2008 — The "Port of Humanity" museum opens to visitors, memorializing the history of refugee assistance in the 20th century.
2024 — High-speed rail arrives in the city: the Hokuriku Shinkansen station opens, directly connecting Tsuruga with Tokyo.
Milestones
Stages of City Transformation
Tsuruga's development was defined by its role as a link between Japan and the outside world. Below are the key stages that shaped the modern appearance and economy of the city:
The Era of "Kitamaebune" Trade Routes (17th–19th Centuries) Significance: Tsuruga established itself as a wealthy merchant center. The city served as the main transshipment base for rice and goods traveling from northern Japan to Osaka and Kyoto, facilitating capital accumulation and the development of port infrastructure.
The Railway Revolution (Late 19th Century) Significance: The construction of the first railway on the Sea of Japan coast transformed the city into a unique multimodal hub. This ensured rapid delivery of cargo from ships to the country's industrial centers, providing a powerful boost to urban development.
The "Golden Age" of International Transit (Early 20th Century) Significance: The opening of a direct steamship line to Vladivostok integrated Tsuruga into the global transportation network. The city became Japan's terminal for travelers to Europe, introducing Western architectural features and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Energy Cluster Development (From the 1960s) Significance: The construction of nuclear power plants in the region fundamentally changed the economic structure. The energy industry ensured an influx of investment, job creation, and the modernization of urban infrastructure during the second half of the 20th century.
Establishing the "Port of Humanity" Brand (21st Century) Significance: Reinterpreting historical events related to the reception of refugees became the foundation of a new cultural identity. The opening of museums and memorials transformed this humanitarian heritage into an important resource for international and educational tourism.
Integration into the Shinkansen Network (2024) Significance: The extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen high-speed line required a large-scale reconstruction of the station area. This event redirected tourist flows, making the city easily accessible to Tokyo residents and stimulating the growth of the service sector.
Architecture
Architectural Evolution: From Temple Town to International Port
The urban development of Tsuruga has been shaped by two powerful influences: the sacred status of its ancient shrine and the functional demands of a major transportation hub. The city's fabric is a mosaic where traditional Japanese buildings sit alongside early 20th-century industrial heritage and modern infrastructure from the Shinkansen era.
Key Architectural Eras and Styles
Traditional Japanese Architecture (Nara — Edo Periods)
Temple and shrine architecture remains the dominant historical element of the city center.
Style: Shinto architecture (Jinja-kenchiku).
Distinctive Features: Use of natural wood, massive roofs with curved slopes, minimalist forms, and harmony with nature.
Landmark:Kehi Jingu Shrine. Its giant wooden torii gate—one of the three great torii of Japan—is a classic example of a monumental style that preserves the spirit of antiquity.
Industrial Style and Westernization (Meiji and Taisho Eras)
The opening of the port to international trade introduced Western engineering solutions and materials previously unseen in old Japan.
Style: Industrial brick eclecticism, elements of Neoclassicism.
Distinctive Features: Red brick, arched windows, strict geometry, and functionality inspired by European port cities.
Landmark:Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouses (Tsuruga Akarenga). Built in 1905, they originally served as oil storage facilities and today stand as a symbol of the city's prosperity at the dawn of the 20th century.
Retro-Modernism and Reconstruction (Late 20th — Early 21st Century)
City authorities actively use architectural stylization to recreate the atmosphere of the 1920s "Port of Humanity."
Style: Historicism, stylized after early 20th-century European architecture.
Distinctive Features: Reconstructing the appearance of lost buildings using modern materials, with an emphasis on museum spaces.
Landmark:Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum. The museum building and surrounding structures (such as the old port station building) recreate the atmosphere of the era when the city welcomed the "Euro-Asiatic Express."
Contemporary High-Tech (Modern Day)
The arrival of the Hokuriku Shinkansen high-speed line marked an era of futuristic design.
Style: Modern transport design, High-tech.
Distinctive Features: Abundance of glass and steel, high ceilings, open spaces, and symbolism (design inspired by bay waves and birds).
Landmark:Tsuruga Station. The new station terminal stands out for its height and scale, visually dominating the city's low-rise buildings and symbolizing its forward-looking vision.
Notable People
Legendary Founders and Rulers
Tsunoga Arashito (Ancient Period) — A legendary prince from the state of Kaya (Korean Peninsula). According to the "Nihon Shoki," he arrived in these lands in ancient times. It is believed that the name of the city, Tsuruga, originated from his name (originally pronounced "Tsunoga").
Otani Yoshitsugu (1558–1600) — A prominent samurai and daimyo of the Sengoku period. As the lord of Tsuruga Castle, he significantly rebuilt the city and expanded the port, laying the foundation for its prosperity as a trading center. He died heroically at the Battle of Sekigahara.
Cultural Figures and Entrepreneurs
Matsuo Basho (1644–1694) — The great haiku poet. He visited Tsuruga during his journey described in "Oku no Hosomichi" ("The Narrow Road to the Deep North"). He admired the moon over the bay and left several famous poems here, which are immortalized on stone steles at Kehi Jingu Shrine.
Owada Shoshichi (1857–1947) — An influential entrepreneur and banker. Founder of the Owada Bank, he played a key role in modernizing the city's economy during the Meiji era. His bank building is now an important cultural site and museum.
Takeda Kounsai (1803–1865) — A samurai and leader of the "Tengu-to" political group from the Mito Domain. His group surrendered to authorities in Tsuruga after a long march, and he was executed here. His grave is revered as a historical site symbolizing loyalty to one's convictions.
Humanitarian Heritage ("Port of Humanity")
Chiune Sugihara (1900–1986) — A diplomat and Japanese vice-consul in Lithuania. He issued thousands of transit "visas for life" to Jewish refugees escaping persecution. Although he did not live in Tsuruga, it was this city that served as the landing point for the people he saved, and a museum has been established here in his honor.
Saburo Nei (1902–1992) — A diplomat who served as the acting consul general in Vladivostok. He issued visas to refugees, allowing them to board ships to Tsuruga, often acting at his own risk. His contribution is honored at the local "Port of Humanity" museum.