外観
1 / 10

Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum

4.1
·753 reviews·Tsuruga, Japan

Discover Tsuruga's vital role as a port of refuge for Polish orphans and Jewish refugees, honoring heroes of humanity.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflection.

CrowdLow
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外観

Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflection.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Tsuruga's vital role as a port of refuge for Polish orphans and Jewish refugees, honoring heroes of humanity.

4.1
(753 reviews)

"A powerful testament to Tsuruga's humanitarian spirit, showcasing incredible stories of courage and compassion."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 No Photos Allowed

Most exhibits are off-limits for photography. Respect the rules to preserve the artifacts.

🎁 Unique Souvenir

Foreign visitors often receive a dinosaur magnet! Ask at the counter.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stories of Polish Orphans

Stories of Polish Orphans

Exhibition Rooms

Discover the touching accounts of Polish orphans finding refuge in Tsuruga.

Jewish Refugees' Transit

Jewish Refugees' Transit

Exhibition Rooms

Learn about the vital role Tsuruga played for Jewish refugees fleeing Europe.

Chiune Sugihara & Tatsuo Osako

Chiune Sugihara & Tatsuo Osako

Exhibition Rooms

Honor the heroes who saved thousands, showcasing their incredible humanitarian efforts.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand Tsuruga's Humanitarian Role

Discover how this port town became a beacon of hope, aiding Polish orphans and Jewish refugees during tumultuous times. Learn about the brave individuals who facilitated these rescues.

Photography Restrictions & Souvenirs

Be aware that most museum areas prohibit photography. Foreign visitors often receive a unique dinosaur magnet as a souvenir at the counter.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more reflection.
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Witness descendants paying tribute.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Port of Humanity Museum - stories of courage and hope Red Brick Warehouse - vintage vibes & local eats Kehi-jingu Shrine - iconic wooden torii gate Kehi-no-Matsubara — pine grove by the sea Sakana-machi Market — fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan . . . #Tsuruga #Fukui #VisitJapan #ExploreJapan #JapanTravel #DiscoverJapan #HiddenGemJapan #CoastalJapan #SeaOfJapan #JapanTrip #BeautifulJapan #T...
pingdayo
2 likes • 194 views

📸 No Photos Allowed

Most exhibits are off-limits for photography. Respect the rules to preserve the artifacts. Reddit

🎁 Unique Souvenir

Foreign visitors often receive a dinosaur magnet! Ask at the counter. Reddit

- Yaotsu (Gifu) From Yaotsu Town Hall to the Chiune Sugihara Memorial Hall. - Tsuruga (Fukui) Port of Humanity, Tsuruga Museum. - And then to Fukuyama (Hiroshima). -八百津(岐阜) 八百津町役場から杉原千畝記念館。 -敦賀(福井) 人道の港 敦賀ムゼウム。 -そして福山(広島)へ。 🔥Still on the way🔥 🌙まだ道中ですが🌙 Savoring the joy of being able to laugh and say "this is tough" together. 「大変だ」と笑い合える喜びを噛み締めています。 Encounters, consideration, kindness, and lots ...
ekotumi
0 likes • 226 views
reddit.com

Has anyone been to the Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum?

🌍 Deep Dive into History

Explore the incredible stories of Japanese aid to European refugees. Reddit

🚄 Shinkansen Connection

Tsuruga is a stop on the Shinkansen line, making it accessible from major cities. Reddit

reddit.com

Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Osaka. 4 tickets.

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 No Photos Allowed

Most exhibits are off-limits for photography. Respect the rules to preserve the artifacts. Reddit

🎁 Unique Souvenir

Foreign visitors often receive a dinosaur magnet! Ask at the counter. Reddit

🌍 Deep Dive into History

Explore the incredible stories of Japanese aid to European refugees. Reddit

🚄 Shinkansen Connection

Tsuruga is a stop on the Shinkansen line, making it accessible from major cities. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(753 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum for its deeply moving exhibits on the town's role in aiding refugees, highlighting the bravery of individuals like Chiune Sugihara. The museum is well-designed and offers a powerful lesson in humanitarianism. However, the strict no-photography policy in most areas is a common point of note.

"Humanitarian museum on how this port town of Tsuruga played a part in helping refugees overseas. Many touching stories on display. Very well designed exhibition rooms. Most area of the museum cannot take photographs. The counter staff will give you dinosaur magnet as souvenir if you're foreigners."

Jason Hung

"Tsuruga has been a port town since long time ago. Initially for trade with other parts of Japan and later as a starting point to travel to Vladivostok to catch the trans siberia express. In the 1920’s when Poland was invaded, Tsuruga saw the arrival of about 800 Polish orphans who found safe haven in Japan before they were repatriated a few years later. Then in 1940 Tsuruga acted as the transit port for about 2000 mainly Polish Jews who fled Germany for America and beyond. Very interesting piece of history. During our visit a descendant of one of the refugees traveled from afar to pay tribute. Well worth a visit."

Joe

"Very amazing museum, it has priceless pieces of History about Poland, Polish Orphans and Jewish refugees from Holacaust.

The museum displays Items related to the Hero who saved thousands of Jewish people during world war 2 Mr. Chihune Sugihara and People like him Mr. Tatsuo Osako who was responsible for transporting the refugees to help them escape and made their life at sea easier."

Alex Boten

What People Like

Touching refugee stories
Inspiring humanitarian legacy
Well-designed exhibits

What People Dislike

No photography allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tsuruga is accessible via the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. If coming from Kanazawa to Osaka, Tsuruga is a key transit point. You can take the Shinkansen to Tsuruga and then transfer to the Thunderbird Limited Express for Osaka. Reddit

Yes, Tsuruga serves as a transit port for various train lines, including the Shinkansen and Thunderbird, making it a convenient stop for travelers moving between regions. Reddit

From Tokyo, you can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen directly to Tsuruga. From Osaka or Kyoto, the Thunderbird Limited Express is a common route. Reddit

Information on specific parking availability at the museum is best confirmed directly with the museum or local tourist information. However, Tsuruga station offers parking facilities. Reddit

Yes, the Japan Rail Pass generally covers travel on the Shinkansen and JR Limited Express trains to Tsuruga, depending on the specific pass and train type. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The museum typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally. Reddit

Admission fees are generally reasonable. Specific pricing for adults, children, and any potential group discounts should be verified on the museum's official website. Reddit

While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's a good idea, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to ensure entry and potentially save time. Reddit

Check for potential discounts for students, seniors, or group visits. Foreign visitors may also receive special souvenirs, like a dinosaur magnet. Reddit

Yes, the museum welcomes groups. It's recommended to contact the museum in advance to arrange group visits and inquire about any group rates or guided tour options. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Photography is generally prohibited in most areas of the museum to protect the exhibits. Please adhere to the signage and staff instructions. Reddit

The museum showcases the humanitarian efforts of Tsuruga, focusing on the stories of Polish orphans and Jewish refugees who found refuge there, as well as the individuals who helped them. Reddit

The museum's historical content is significant. While children can visit, the themes of war and refuge might be sensitive. Parents should consider their children's age and maturity. Reddit

A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and how much time you spend reflecting on the stories presented. Reddit

While the museum focuses on historical displays and narratives, some exhibits may incorporate multimedia elements to enhance the visitor experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself may have limited or no dining facilities. It's best to check their official website for any available cafe or restaurant services. Reddit

Tsuruga city offers various dining options, from local eateries to more established restaurants, particularly around the train station area. Reddit

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside museum exhibition halls. There might be designated areas for consumption. Reddit

Tsuruga is a port town, so seafood is a popular choice. Look for fresh sushi, sashimi, or local seafood dishes. Reddit

While not always explicitly advertised, many Japanese restaurants can accommodate vegetarian or vegan requests if you communicate your needs clearly. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is strictly prohibited in most exhibition areas to preserve the artifacts and the integrity of the displays. Reddit

Typically, photography is not allowed inside the museum. However, you might be able to take photos of the museum's exterior or designated areas if permitted. Reddit

The restriction is to protect delicate historical items from flash photography and to ensure visitors focus on experiencing the exhibits rather than just documenting them. Reddit

You can likely take photos of any souvenirs you purchase, such as the dinosaur magnet, once you are outside the museum premises. Reddit

Search for 'Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum' on image search engines or travel blogs. Many visitors share their experiences and photos of the exterior or general information. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum offers a unique historical perspective that can be educational for families. While the themes of war and refuge are serious, the museum's focus on heroism and compassion can be inspiring. It's a chance to discuss humanitarian values and the importance of helping others. Reddit

Consider preparing children beforehand about the historical context. The museum's design is generally engaging, and the stories of resilience might resonate. While photography is restricted, the dinosaur magnet souvenir for foreign visitors is a fun, tangible takeaway for younger guests. Reddit

✈️ Day-Trippers & Transit Travelers

Tsuruga's position as a Shinkansen stop makes it an excellent option for a meaningful day trip or a stopover. If you're traveling between regions like Hokuriku and Kansai, dedicating a few hours to the Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum can enrich your journey with profound historical insights. Reddit

Plan your train connections to allow ample time for the museum visit. The museum is conveniently located near the Tsuruga train station, minimizing travel time within the city. This makes it feasible to experience a significant piece of history without a lengthy detour. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Humanitarian Legacy of Tsuruga

The Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum stands as a testament to Tsuruga's remarkable role in international humanitarian efforts. During the tumultuous years of World War II, this seemingly ordinary port town became a crucial transit point for thousands of refugees fleeing persecution. The museum meticulously details the stories of Polish orphans who found temporary sanctuary in Japan and the significant number of mainly Polish Jews who passed through Tsuruga en route to safer havens like America. These narratives highlight the courage and compassion of both the refugees and the Japanese individuals who aided them. Reddit

Central to these stories are figures like Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat who famously issued transit visas against his government's orders, and Tatsuo Osako, who was instrumental in facilitating the sea passage for these desperate individuals. The museum's exhibits aim to preserve their legacy and inspire future generations with examples of humanity and peace. It challenges perceptions of Japan as a closed society, showcasing decades of welcoming those in dire need. Reddit

Visitors often leave with a profound sense of empowerment, feeling inspired to carry on the legacy of peacekeeping and promoting human kindness. The museum's design is praised for its thoughtful presentation, making these historical events relatable and impactful. It's a place that encourages reflection on the importance of empathy and international cooperation. Reddit

Navigating Tsuruga by Train

Tsuruga is a key hub on Japan's efficient rail network, particularly for travelers utilizing the Shinkansen. The Hokuriku Shinkansen line connects Tsuruga directly to major cities like Tokyo, making it an accessible destination. For those traveling from the Kansai region, such as Osaka or Kyoto, the Thunderbird Limited Express train provides a direct and comfortable route to Tsuruga station. Reddit

This strategic location means Tsuruga often appears on Shinkansen itineraries. For instance, a journey from Kanazawa to Osaka might involve a segment on the Shinkansen to Tsuruga, followed by a transfer to the Thunderbird. Understanding these connections is vital for planning your travel efficiently. The Japan Rail Pass is generally valid on these JR lines, offering cost savings for eligible travelers. Reddit

Arriving at Tsuruga station, you'll find it's a well-organized transport hub. Information desks can assist with onward travel plans, and there are often amenities like coin lockers and nearby parking facilities. The museum is typically a short distance from the station, making it convenient to visit upon arrival or before departure. Reddit

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