Things To Do
in Maizuru

Maizuru, Japan is a picturesque coastal city located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it offers scenic views of the Sea of Japan and surrounding mountains. The city is rich in history, with unique cultural sites such as the Maizuru Red Brick Park and the famous Maizuru Castle.

Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, local festivals, and various outdoor activities throughout the year.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Maizuru
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Maizuru Castle, where you can explore the ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

afternoon
:

Head to Maizuru Red Brick Park for lunch at a local café, followed by a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant and take a relaxing walk along the beach while watching the sunset.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Visit the Maizuru Aquarium to see marine life native to the region, including dolphins and seals.

afternoon
:

Explore the scenic Kinosaki Onsen area, known for its hot springs and traditional ryokan.

evening
:

Wrap up your day with a traditional kaiseki meal at a local restaurant, experiencing the art of Japanese cuisine.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍣Sushi Meal$15
Coffee$4
🍜Ramen Bowl$10
🏨Hotel Night$100
🚇Public Transport Ticket$2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning natural landscapes and coastal views.
  • Rich cultural heritage and historical sites.
  • Delicious local seafood and unique culinary experiences.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Some language barriers for non-Japanese speakers.
  • Public transport may not be as frequent in rural areas.
  • "こんにちは" - Hello
  • "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
  • "すみません" - Excuse me/Sorry
  • "はい" - Yes
  • "いいえ" - No

Places to Visit in Maizuru

Visit one of these nice places.

Maizuru Castle

Capture stunning views of the castle ruins and the surrounding landscape, especially during cherry blossom season.

Kinosaki Onsen

Picturesque hot spring town with traditional wooden ryokan and beautiful canals, perfect for capturing traditional Japan.

Maizuru Red Brick Park

This historical park features beautiful brick buildings and scenic ocean views, ideal for unique photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Maizuru

Maizuru is renowned for its fresh seafood and local delicacies, making it a paradise for food lovers.

Maizuru Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Saba-zushi

A type of sushi made with mackerel, rice, and vinegar, unique to the Maizuru area.

Must-Try!

Fugu

Pufferfish sashimi, a delicacy that requires skilled preparation to ensure safety.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Maizuru Fish Market

A bustling market where you can buy fresh seafood and enjoy local street food such as grilled fish skewers.

Climate Guide

Weather

Maizuru experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) are warm and humid with average highs around 30°C (86°F). Winters (December to February) are cold, averaging lows of 0°C (32°F), with occasional snowfall. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are mild and pleasant, making them ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respectful Behavior

Always be polite and respectful, especially in public spaces and when interacting with locals.

Shoes Off Indoors

Remove your shoes when entering homes or certain traditional establishments.

Bowing

Bowing is a common greeting and sign of respect; it’s customary to bow when meeting someone.

Safety Guide

Safety

Maizuru is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, visitors should remain vigilant in crowded areas and be cautious near the coast. It's also advisable to be aware of natural events such as typhoons during summer months.

Tipping in Maizuru

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not customary in Japan; service is included in the price, and leaving a tip may be seen as rude.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, but smaller shops may only accept cash, so it's good to carry yen.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Expect mild weather and beautiful cherry blossoms, particularly around Maizuru Castle.

Summer

Warm weather is perfect for beach activities, but be prepared for occasional typhoons.

Autumn

Enjoy stunning fall foliage, especially in the surrounding mountains, with comfortable temperatures.

Winter

Cold temperatures and occasional snowfall can be expected; a great time for hot springs.

Nightlife Guide

Maizuru at Night

Maizuru's nightlife is relatively relaxed compared to larger cities, but you can find cozy izakayas (Japanese pubs) where locals gather. Enjoy fresh seafood and local brews while mingling with residents. The waterfront area also has a few bars and restaurants offering stunning nighttime views of the sea.

Hiking in Maizuru

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kiyotaki Trail

A moderate trail offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, perfect for a day hike.

Kita-no-Mori Trail

Ideal for nature lovers, this trail takes you through lush forests and offers a chance to observe local wildlife.

Airports

How to reach Maizuru by plane.

Kansai International Airport

Located about 120 km from Maizuru, this major international airport serves flights from around the world and offers various transportation options to the city.

Getting Around

Walkability

Maizuru is a relatively walkable city, especially around the waterfront and downtown areas. Sidewalks are available, and many attractions are within walking distance. However, some areas may require public transport or biking for longer distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Residents

The majority of Maizuru's population consists of Japanese locals who maintain traditional values and customs.

Tourists

Visitors from both domestic and international locations come to Maizuru, particularly during peak seasons for nature and culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is extremely popular in Japan, and local teams often draw enthusiastic crowds during the season.

Soccer

Soccer is also a favorite sport, with local leagues and schools promoting the sport among young people.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Maizuru is generally light, with congestion mainly in peak hours. Public transportation includes buses and trains, which connect the city to surrounding areas. Biking is also popular, and many locals prefer this mode of transport for short distances.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Maizuru.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

While seafood is prevalent, some restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it's advisable to check menus in advance.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free options are limited, so it’s best to communicate restrictions ahead of time.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Maizuru is accessible, with several hospitals and clinics available for residents and visitors. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 119, and most hospitals can accommodate basic English communication. It's advisable to have travel insurance for international visitors.

Discover Japan

Read more in our Japan 2025 Travel Guide.

Japan Travel Guide