Kyoto to Tsuruga train with JR West

Information about the Kyoto to Tsuruga train route

The Kyoto to Tsuruga train route connects two historically significant cities along one of Japan's most scenically rewarding rail corridors. Kyoto Station (Higashishiokoji Kamadacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 600-8216) serves as the departure point, while Tsuruga Station (1-1-1 Kanawacho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture 914-0055) sits on the western edge of Fukui Prefecture, facing Tsuruga Bay on the Sea of Japan coast. This route has gained renewed attention since the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga, making the city a more accessible gateway to the broader Hokuriku region.

Tsuruga itself is a port city with a surprisingly rich history, it was one of Japan's earliest international trading ports and holds significance as a point of connection between the Sea of Japan coastline and the central Kansai region. The city is relatively compact and easy to explore, with highlights including Kehi Jingu Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in the Hokuriku region, and the Tsuruga Museum of History and Culture, which traces the city's maritime and trading past.

The surrounding area also rewards those who venture a little further. The Mikata Goko (Five Lakes of Mikata) is a short distance from the city and offers stunning lake scenery across five interconnected bodies of water, each with a slightly different color depending on salinity levels. The Tsuruga Peninsula and its coastline are equally compelling for those who appreciate rugged seaside landscapes away from the typical tourist trail.

We recommend using the JR Pass for traveling in trains all around Japan to save more money if you plan to do many trips. You can check the correct prices for every station or shinkansen connection in Omio's JR Pass information.

Kyoto to Tsuruga by train: what to expect on board

Traveling from Kyoto to Tsuruga is a genuinely enjoyable rail experience, with the landscape shifting gradually from the dense urban fabric of the Kansai region to the greener, quieter countryside of Fukui Prefecture as you head north toward the Sea of Japan coast.

Scenic highlights along the route

One of the underrated pleasures of the Kyoto to Tsuruga train is watching the scenery transform as the train passes through the mountains and valleys between the two cities. The section running through the forested hills north of Kyoto is particularly attractive, especially during autumn foliage season when the hillsides turn vivid shades of red, orange, and gold. Window seats on either side of the train offer good views throughout this section, so there is no strong preference for one side over the other.

Best seats to choose

For the most scenic experience through the mountain sections, aim for a window seat away from the aisle. Trains on this corridor tend to be comfortable and well-maintained, with adequate legroom for the journey. Traveling during weekday off-peak hours generally means a quieter, more relaxed ride with easier access to window seats.

Best time of year to travel

• Spring (late March to early May): Cherry blossoms line sections of the route, and Tsuruga's parks and shrine grounds are particularly beautiful in bloom. This is a popular travel period, so trains can be busier than usual.
• Autumn (mid-October to late November): The forested hillsides between Kyoto and Tsuruga are among the most rewarding stretches of railway scenery in the region during this season. Highly recommended for those who appreciate natural landscapes.
• Winter (December to February): The Hokuriku region receives heavy snowfall in winter, and the snow-covered countryside between Kyoto and Tsuruga creates a striking visual contrast to the busy urban warmth of Kyoto itself. Dress warmly, and be aware that occasional weather-related delays are possible during heavy snowfall periods.
• Summer (July to August): Tsuruga's coastal location makes it a draw for Japanese domestic travelers during the summer holidays. Trains can be fuller during this period, particularly around the Obon holiday in mid-August.

Practical tips for the journey

Before boarding at Kyoto Station, it is worth picking up food and drinks from one of the many shops and kiosks within the station building. Options range from convenience store staples to beautifully packaged ekiben (station bento boxes) that make the journey feel like a proper occasion. Tsuruga is a smaller city with fewer large dining options immediately around the station, so arriving well-fed or with snacks is a sensible approach, particularly if you plan to head straight to sightseeing on arrival.

Getting to Tsuruga and beyond

Tsuruga Station has become an increasingly important rail hub following the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension, and its connections to the wider Hokuriku region are now significantly more accessible than they were previously.

Within Tsuruga

The city center and its key attractions are within a manageable distance of Tsuruga Station. Local buses depart from the station square and serve the main points of interest including Kehi Jingu Shrine and the port area. Renting a bicycle is a popular and practical option for exploring Tsuruga at a relaxed pace, the city's relatively flat terrain and modest scale make it well-suited to cycling, and rental options are available near the station.

Onward connections from Tsuruga

Tsuruga's position on the Hokuriku Shinkansen and the broader JR network makes it a useful staging point for traveling further into the Hokuriku region:

• Fukui, easily reachable along the Hokuriku Shinkansen or conventional lines, with Eiheiji Temple and the famous Fukui dinosaur museum within day-trip range.
• Kanazawa, a highly recommended cultural destination known for Kenroku-en garden, the Higashi Chaya geisha district, and excellent seafood. Accessible via the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
• Obama, a small coastal town on the Wakasa Bay with strong historical ties to the US president of the same name, reachable by the Obama Line from Tsuruga.
• Maizuru and the San'in Coast, for travelers heading further west along the Sea of Japan coastline, connections via regional lines offer access to less-visited but rewarding coastal destinations.

JR Pass holders will find the connectivity from Tsuruga particularly useful, as many of these onward routes fall within the pass coverage area, making the city a natural hub for a broader Hokuriku itinerary.

What to expect when you arrive in Tsuruga

Tsuruga Station (1-1-1 Kanawacho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture 914-0055) is a compact and well-organized station that has seen significant upgrades in recent years in connection with the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension. While it does not have the sheer scale of major urban terminals, it is clean, clearly signposted, and straightforward to navigate even for first-time visitors.

Practical information at the station

• Tourist information: A tourist information counter is located within the station building and provides maps, local transport guidance, and general visitor advice. Staff can assist with directions to the main attractions and help orient first-time visitors to the city.
• Luggage storage: Coin lockers are available at the station in standard sizes. As Tsuruga is a smaller city, it is worth planning your luggage storage needs in advance if you are arriving with large bags and wish to explore the city before checking into accommodation.
• Local transport: The bus terminal is directly adjacent to the station exit, making onward connections to key sightseeing spots easy to access on arrival. Taxis are also available outside the station for direct transfers to accommodation.

Arriving in Tsuruga for the first time

Tsuruga has a distinctly different atmosphere from the bustling energy of Kyoto, quieter, more lived-in, and noticeably less oriented toward international tourism. This is part of its appeal. The city has a genuine, unhurried character that makes it a refreshing contrast to the heavily visited sights of the Kansai region.

Kehi Jingu Shrine, located about fifteen minutes from the station by bus or bicycle, is one of the three great shrines of the Hokuriku region and a natural first stop for visitors. The shrine's towering wooden torii gate is among the largest in Japan and makes an immediate impression. The port area and Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, a beautifully preserved Meiji-era structure now used as a museum documenting the city's early twentieth-century connections to refugee relief efforts, are also worth including in any itinerary. Tsuruga's history as a port of humanitarian significance, particularly in connection with Polish and Jewish refugees during the early twentieth century, gives the city a quietly moving dimension that sets it apart from more conventional tourist destinations in the region.