Guida
The Old Tsuruga Port Station Building (Tsuruga Railway Museum) is a two-story Western-style structure distinguished by its striking pointed roof. The building features a beautiful contrast of white and deep gray (or black), with small dormer windows set into the roof. This facility is dedicated to showcasing the history of the railways in Tsuruga, with the first and second floors each offering a unique collection of precious historical materials.
This building was completed in November 1882 (Meiji 15) during the construction of the railway between Tsuruga and Nagahama. Along with the Old Nagahama Station, it is considered one of the oldest railway buildings in Japan. The building was donated to Tsuruga City by Japan Freight Railway Company on February 5, 2014. Since then, it has undergone restoration work, including the restoration of its tiled roof and joint repairs between 2014 and 2015, returning it to its original magnificent state.
The exhibition is divided into two floors, each offering a different perspective on railway history.
The facility is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Since exhibition contents may change periodically, we recommend checking the latest information before your visit. The bright daylight hours are ideal for appreciating the exterior's Western architectural details and the unique pointed roof.
Visitors can learn about the intricate mechanisms of the past and the era when Tsuruga was a vital railway hub through models, authentic artifacts, and video footage. A particular highlight is the reconstruction of the lamp room that supported railway operations, alongside the display of real signals and scale models, making it a highly immersive experience for railway enthusiasts and history buffs.
The area around Tsuruga Port is dotted with several historical landmarks. You can enjoy a walking tour that connects this museum with other historical sites such as the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse and the Old Tsuruga Port Station Lamp House (Kagasaki Station Lamp House). Combining these stops allows for a deep, systematic exploration of the region's maritime and railway heritage.
To protect the exhibits and maintain a quiet environment, eating, drinking, smoking, and photography are strictly prohibited inside the museum. As the building contains stairs and various display areas, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes. While there is no admission fee, it is useful to have a transportation IC card or cash for travel in the surrounding area.