Throughout the Meiji and Showa period, the city of Tsuruga was an international city that bridged Russia, and eventually Europe. This warehouse represents the international nature of the city. In 1905, the warehouse stored fossil fuels. It was designed by foreign designers. Later, the warehouse stored military munitions, and preserved food such as seaweed. This is one of the few brick buildings in Fukui prefecture, and in 2009, the north, and south wing and the brick moat were designated as intangible cultural assets.
In 2015, as the “Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse”, the Diorama Hall and Restaurant Hall opened after a refurbishment. The Diorama Hall in the North wing has a diorama that recreates the late Meiji to early Showa period, when the Tsuruga flourished as a port town. The Restaurant Hall in the South wing is a perfect place to eat surrounded by brick architecture.
The “Railway and Port Diorama”, one of the largest measuring 27.6m in height and 7.5m in depth, it recreates the town of Tsuruga during the Meiji~Showa period in 1/80 scale. Make sure to check out the Diorama Show and short movie theater shown every 30 minutes. The dioramas, train models, and bus models move in synchronization with the movie. Look up to the ceiling and check the skies, and the lights change color. You can also peek into the Diorama and enjoy some picturesque views.
Highlights
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The Diorama Hall features nostalgic models.
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The museum shop features original and train souvenirs.
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The Restaurant Hall has various to-go meals from light snacks to seafood. A total of 3 shops.
