Making the most of Tsuruga
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships berth at Mariyama Minami Wharf, 4km from downtown, and shuttles are provided.
Tsuruga is a port town on Tsuruga Bay's coast, south of Fukui Prefecture, with a prosperous history as a strategic transport centre. Alongside coast, forest and wetland scenery, it contains ancient temples and well-preserved historic places offering a view into the past. Tsuruga is, naturally, famous for seafood.
Getting around
Tsuruga Castle, also called Tsuruga City Historical Museum, is a reconstruction containing a museum about regional history and samurai culture. Its beautiful grounds create a picturesque setting.
Money
Japan uses the yen. Notes come in ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 denominations, together with coins of ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1.
ATMs in Japan are becoming more useful, and most can withdraw money from overseas accounts; post offices also have ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most large-city shops and restaurants, but anyone spending time in rural areas should carry sufficient cash. Japan remains very much a cash society, and some stores, hotels and restaurants refuse cards regardless of location.
Do not tip, because it is considered rude!