Located around two hours north of central Kyoto sits Maizuru, a city that feels worlds away from the traditional charm of Kyoto's many temples and shrines. Like something from a Cold War spy novel, the port city of Maizuru is both a stunning seaside city and also one of the area's most international hubs.
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![Uncover the Fascinating History of Maizuru's Red Brick Buildings]()
Uncover the Fascinating History of Maizuru's Red Brick Buildings
Home to a large collection of red brick buildings first established during the city's boom and utilized during the wartime era. In 1901 the port was developed during the Russo-Japanese war and became home to a number of warships which were based there due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan. These days the area still maintains some of its military atmosphere, being home to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Rich with history, an exploration through Maizuru's Red Brick district is a great way to immerse yourself in the area’s fascinating culture.
![Uncover the Fascinating History of Maizuru's Red Brick Buildings]()
Uncover the Fascinating History of Maizuru's Red Brick Buildings
In the heart of the area sits Red Brick Park, also known as Akarenga Park and home to some of the area’s most impressive buildings. This cluster 12 buildings is home to eight warehouses that were constructed by the old navy, and were appointed as having important cultural property to Japan. Thanks to their impressive location many of these building have been featured in a number of Japanese films and television programs. Also home to a performance and art space, hosting a number of contemporary and traditional events year round.
![Uncover the Fascinating History of Maizuru's Red Brick Buildings]()
Uncover the Fascinating History of Maizuru's Red Brick Buildings
A museum of bricks doesn’t necessarily sound like much but believe it or not, Maizuru World Brick Museum is actually so fascinating it’s become one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations. Originally built in 1903 as a torpedo warehouse by the former Navy, this building now houses an impressive display of bricks from across the four great civilizations of the world, including ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and Greece. The Museum is open daily from 9am until 5pm, but closes on New Year. Admission is 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children.
![Uncover the Fascinating History of Maizuru's Red Brick Buildings]()
Uncover the Fascinating History of Maizuru's Red Brick Buildings
The museum’s collection began in 1993 when bricks from Portsmouth, England were donated to the museum. Originally taken from the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth, the exchange of bricks resulted in Maizuru and Portsmouth becoming sister cities. Spread over two floors, the museum’s second floor exhibit hosts a lot of information on how Japan adopted the Western brick building techniques from during the Meiji and Taisho periods. For those fans of Tokyo’s train system there’s also a display on the impressive Tokyo station, a station made from similar red bricks.
![Uncover the Fascinating History of Maizuru's Red Brick Buildings]()
Uncover the Fascinating History of Maizuru's Red Brick Buildings
To get to Maizuru from Kyoto, take the Hashidate Line and switch to the Maizuru Line at Ayabe Station. The journey takes an hour and 40 minutes and costs 3,230 yen each way. Travelling from Osaka catch the Tokaido-Sanyo Line at also switch at Ayabe Station. From the station you can catch a local bus to the Red Brick park area, this journey takes about 15 minutes and costs 150 yen.
- Maizuru Brick Park
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- Kyoto Maidurushi Kitasui 1039-2
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- Maizuru WorldBrick Museum
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- Kyoto Maidurushi Hama 2011
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