Last Updated: May 24, 2024
My Oh Maizuru
Explore More of “Kyoto by the Sea”
Despite being one of the most popular places in all of Japan, few international visitors realize that Kyoto City itself is but one part of a much, much larger prefecture. Confusingly called Kyoto Prefecture, this slot of land is simply massive and shouldn’t be confused with what’s often hailed as Japan’s ancient capital. In fact, within the entirety of Kyoto Prefecture, you’ll find that there are many different “Kyotos” to behold. Today, we’ll be taking a look at one of these, the so-called “Kyoto by the Sea.”
Now, long-term readers of this blog will likely remember that I’ve previously introduced this part of Japan in my article on Amanohashidate and Ine. While the enchantingly beautiful sandbar and rustic fishing village are most definitely worth visiting, today I’d like to introduce you to another hidden gem in the area. Known as Maizuru, this seaside city has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was periodically involved in Japan’s Warring States period (1467–1603). What really put Maizuru on the radar, though, was the establishment of the Maizuru Naval District at the tail end of the 1800s.
Truth be told, I’ve long been wanting to introduce Maizuru. It first popped up on my radar when the kind folks at the Setouchi DMO showed me…
