Maizuru Bay Sightseeing Boat
This sightseeing cruise takes passengers on a leisurely 30-minute trip around Maizuru Bay. In addition to enjoying the scenery from the water, passengers will have a chance to get an up-close look at Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force boats, including escort ships, supply ships, transport ships, missile boats, and minesweepers, which are often docked here.
Kyoto Maizuru Port has been an important facility for the country since it was opened as the only naval base on the Sea of Japan in 1901. The narrow mouth of the bay gave the port a natural advantage by making it easy to defend. The arsenal established here in 1903 specialized in the construction of small ships like destroyers and torpedo boats. It now operates as the Japan Marine United Corporation’s Maizuru shipyard, and is visible from the water.
Cruises depart from Kitasui Pier beside Maizuru Brick Park, and boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. Tickets can be reserved in advance or purchased the same day at Brick Park Building 2. During the tour, information is provided in Japanese. However, operators cannot give prior notice on the mooring status, departure, or arrival times of Self-Defense Force boats, as this information is not made public.