【Kantai Collection -KanColle-】 Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture
Introduction: The Deep Connection Between KanColle and Kyoto Prefecture
“Kantai Collection -KanColle-” is a browser game that began service in 2013, where players develop and collect “Kanmusume” (ship girls), personified characters based on ships from the former Imperial Japanese Navy, and it is still beloved by many “Admirals” (players) today. The game features bases called “Chinjufu” (naval stations), and one of the actual former Imperial Japanese Navy Chinjufu that served as the setting for these is the “Maizuru Chinjufu” located in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture.
Kyoto Prefecture, particularly Maizuru City, has become an important pilgrimage site for KanColle fans, and it is gaining popularity as a place where players can deepen their understanding of the game’s worldview by visiting actual naval ruins and historical buildings. This article will provide detailed introductions to the sacred sites that KanColle fans should visit in Kyoto Prefecture.
About Maizuru City: The Only Former Naval Station on the Japan Sea Side
Maizuru City is a port city located in northern Kyoto Prefecture facing the Japan Sea. A naval station, the only one on the Japan Sea side, was established in the 34th year of the Meiji era (1901), and since then, it has developed as a key naval base. Today, it remains home to a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force base and is a city that retains much of the naval and maritime history.
The Maizuru Chinjufu was one of the four major Chinjufu along with Yokosuka, Kure, and Sasebo, and within the KanColle game, it is positioned as an important “Chinjufu Sea Area.” Many kanmusume were historically constructed and deployed at Maizuru, making it a place of special significance for fans.
Must-See! Major Sacred Pilgrimage Sites in Maizuru
Maizuru Red Brick Park
Maizuru Red Brick Park is the most important sacred pilgrimage site. Groups of red brick buildings from the former Navy, such as torpedo warehouses built during the Meiji and Taisho periods, have been preserved and renovated, with 8 of the 12 red brick warehouses designated as Important Cultural Properties.
The sturdy appearance of the red brick warehouses embodies the KanColle worldview itself, and many Admirals visit to take photographs. The scenery from warehouse 1 through warehouse 5 is particularly impressive, allowing visitors to experience the high level of naval architecture technology from the Meiji era.
Facility Information:
- Address: 1039-2 Kitasuii, Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (varies by facility)
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (varies by facility)
- Admission: Varies by facility (some free)
- Access: About 10 minutes by Kyoto Kotsu bus from JR Higashi-Maizuru Station, get off at “Akarenga Park Mae”
Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Hall
Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Hall is a facility that conveys the history of Maizuru Port, which accepted repatriated persons from overseas after World War II. It displays materials related to “Return to Maizuru,” registered as a UNESCO Memory of the World, and is a place that makes one deeply contemplate war and peace.
While the direct connection to KanColle is limited, visitors can learn about the fates of many kanmusume after the war and what role Maizuru played. The models of repatriation ships and photographic displays from that era convey the weight of history.
Facility Information:
- Address: 1584 Taira, Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
- Closed: Third Thursday of the month (if a holiday, closed the following day), year-end and New Year holidays
- Admission: Adults 400 yen, students 150 yen, elementary school children and under free
- Access: About 30 minutes by Kyoto Kotsu bus from JR Higashi-Maizuru Station, get off at “Kinen-kan Mae”
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Maizuru District Headquarters
At the Maizuru District Headquarters of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, which remains an important base for the JMSDF, destroyer open-house tours are held at the Kita-Suii Wharf every Saturday and Sunday (check the official website for the schedule). It’s a rare opportunity to see destroyers—modern-day “kanmusume”—up close.
Among KanColle fans, many enjoy viewing successor ships or same-named ships of kanmusume from the game. The impressive appearance of the destroyers will deepen your understanding of KanColle even further.
Facility Information:
- Address: 1190 Amobe-shita, Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Public Tours: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (may be cancelled depending on ship operations)
- Admission: Free
- Access: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Higashi-Maizuru Station
- Note: Please check the official website in advance to confirm the public tour schedule
Maizuru City Hall Museum (Former Maizuru Chinjufu Headquarters Building)
The Maizuru City Hall Museum is a facility housed in the former Maizuru Chinjufu headquarters building, constructed in the 35th year of the Meiji era (1902). The red brick building, with its robust appearance, conveys the dignity of the Navy of that era.
The museum displays materials about Maizuru’s history and naval affairs, making it a precious place where KanColle fans can feel the atmosphere of the Chinjufu firsthand. The building itself holds the value of an Important Cultural Property, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of Western-style architecture from the Meiji period.
Facility Information:
- Address: 1039-2 Kitasuii, Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture (within Maizuru Red Brick Park)
- Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
- Admission: Free
- Access: Same as Maizuru Red Brick Park
Togo Residence (Former Residence of Admiral Heihachiro Togo)
The Togo Residence, where Admiral Heihachiro Togo, a hero of the Russo-Japanese War, lived during his time as commander of the Maizuru Chinjufu, is also not to be missed. It currently operates as a ryotei (upscale Japanese restaurant), but the exterior can be viewed (interior viewing requires reservations and confirmation).
Since KanColle features many ships from the Combined Fleet under Admiral Togo’s command, visiting the sites associated with him holds deep meaning for fans.
Facility Information:
- Address: Amobe-shita, Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Exterior Viewing: Open (interior is a working restaurant)
- Access: Within walking distance of JR Higashi-Maizuru Station
Kanmusume Connected to Maizuru
Many vessels built and deployed at the Maizuru Chinjufu appear as kanmusume in KanColle. Here are some representative kanmusume:
Main Kanmusume Built at Maizuru
Destroyers:
- Yukikaze: Known as a fortunate ship and highly popular in KanColle
- Shimakaze: Famous as the fastest destroyer
- Hatsuyuki, Miyuki, Murakumo and many other Fubuki-class destroyers
- Amatsu Kaze, Tokitsu Kaze and other Kagero-class destroyers
Cruisers:
- Aoba: Heavy cruiser, built at Maizuru Naval Arsenal
- Kinugasa: Heavy cruiser
Others:
- Chitose, Chiyoda: Seaplane tenders
Visiting Maizuru, where these kanmusume were built, will deepen your affection for them even further.
Recommended Sacred Pilgrimage Routes
Day Trip Course (approximately 6 hours)
9:00 Arrival at JR Higashi-Maizuru Station
↓ Bus approximately 10 minutes
9:30-12:00 Maizuru Red Brick Park tour
- Red Brick Museum
- Maizuru Chie-gura
- Maizuru City Hall Museum
↓ Lunch (around Red Brick Park)
13:00-14:00 JMSDF destroyer tour (Saturdays and Sundays only)
↓ Walking
14:30-15:30 Togo Residence area stroll
↓ Bus approximately 30 minutes
16:00-17:00 Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Hall tour
↓ Bus approximately 30 minutes
17:30 Departure from JR Higashi-Maizuru Station
1 Night, 2 Days Thorough Course
Day 1:
- Morning: Thorough tour of Red Brick Park area
- Afternoon: JMSDF facility tour, local historic site exploration
- Evening: Maizuru Bay cruise (seasonal operation)
- Night: Enjoy Maizuru’s seafood (Maizuru kamaboko, seafood dishes, etc.)
Day 2:
- Morning: Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Hall tour
- Afternoon: Goro Sky Tower for panoramic view of Maizuru Bay
- Return: Stop by nearby tourist spots such as Amanohashidate
Access
By Train
From Osaka and Kyoto areas:
- Limited express “Maizuru” from JR Kyoto Station in approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, get off at Higashi-Maizuru Station
- From JR Osaka Station via Fukuchiyama in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
From Nagoya area:
- From JR Nagoya Station via Maibara and Kyoto in approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
By Car
From Osaka and Kyoto areas:
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Maizuru-Ooe IC” on the Kyoto Chuo Expressway
- Approximately 10 minutes from “Maizuru-Higashi IC” on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway
Parking:
Free parking available at Red Brick Park (approximately 100 spaces)
Preparation and Etiquette for Sacred Pilgrimage
Packing Checklist
- Camera or Smartphone: Photography is a must
- KanColle Merchandise: Itabags or can badges can be conversation starters with fellow enthusiasts
- Stamp Collection Book: Enjoy stamp rallies at various facilities
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: There is much walking between facilities
- Rain Gear: Weather changes easily on the Japan Sea side
- Notepad: To record observations and impressions
Etiquette and Precautions
- Photography Etiquette: Photography inside facilities only in designated areas. Be careful of photography-prohibited areas at JMSDF facilities
- Keep Quiet: Do not make noise in solemn places like the Repatriation Memorial Hall
- Take Trash Home: To keep the sacred sites beautiful
- Be Considerate of Local Residents: Avoid loud voices in residential areas and nighttime noise
- Do Not Enter Private Property Without Permission: Be considerate when approaching operating facilities like the Togo Residence
Maizuru Cuisine and Souvenirs
Maizuru Food
Maizuru Kamaboko:
A famous specialty of Maizuru. Can be enjoyed at places like “Akarenga café JAZZ” within Red Brick Park.
Seafood Dishes:
A variety of dishes using fresh seafood from the Japan Sea. Crab in winter is especially excellent.
Navy Curry:
Fittingly for a naval heritage area, there are multiple restaurants serving navy curry.
Maizuru Nikujaga:
Maizuru is said to be the birthplace of nikujaga. Menus inspired by Admiral Togo are available.
Recommended Souvenirs
KanColle Collaboration Goods:
Maizuru regularly holds KanColle collaboration events with limited merchandise sales. Check the Red Brick Park shops.
Maizuru Kamaboko:
Long shelf life makes it ideal as a souvenir.
Naval Merchandise:
Navy curry retort pouches and naval-themed miscellaneous goods.
Red Brick Goods:
Cookies or mugs featuring red brick designs.
KanColle Events and Maizuru
Maizuru City regularly holds collaboration events with KanColle. Past events have included the following:
Major Event Examples
Maizuru Chinjufu Opening Commemoration Event:
Around July each year, events may be held to commemorate the opening of the Maizuru Chinjufu.
KanColle × Maizuru Collaboration:
Held irregularly, these collaboration events include limited merchandise sales, stamp rallies, and life-size character panel displays.
Red Brick Festa:
A large-scale event held in autumn at Red Brick Park. KanColle-related vendors may participate.
Event information is announced on the Maizuru Tourism Association’s official website and the KanColle official Twitter, so it’s recommended to check before visiting.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Here are some nearby attractions worth visiting along with your sacred pilgrimage:
Amanohashidate
“Amanohashidate,” one of the three scenic views of Japan, is approximately 40 minutes by car or approximately 50 minutes by train from Maizuru. Since you’re coming to northern Kyoto, be sure to stop by this famous landmark.
Ine Funaya
A town in Ine known for its traditional boathouses built facing the sea. About 1 hour by car from Maizuru. You can enjoy Japan’s original landscape.
Goro Sky Tower
An observation tower at the summit of Goro-ga-dake in Maizuru City. It offers a panoramic view of Maizuru Bay and allows you to enjoy the beauty of the rias coastline. You can get a bird’s-eye view of Maizuru’s topography, the setting of KanColle.
Accommodation Information
Hotels in Maizuru City
Hotel Alstein:
5 minutes on foot from JR Higashi-Maizuru Station. A business hotel that is clean and comfortable.
Maizuru Grand Hotel:
An established hotel with views of Maizuru Bay. Known for cuisine using local seafood.
Hotel Mare Takata:
Near Nishi-Maizuru Station. Reasonably priced.
Minshuku and Guest Houses
For those wishing to enjoy interaction with locals, minshuku (family-run inns) and guest houses are also recommended. They feature cuisine made with fresh local seafood.
Best Seasons Throughout the Year
Spring (March – May)
Cherry blossom season. Sakura around Red Brick Park is beautiful and perfect for photography. The mild climate makes this an easy time to sightsee.
Summer (June – August)
Events are often held around the Maizuru Chinjufu opening commemoration day (July). However, rain preparations are necessary during the rainy season.
Autumn (September – November)
The most comfortable season. Many events such as the Red Brick Festa take place, and autumn foliage can also be enjoyed. This can be said to be the best season for sacred pilgrimage.
Winter (December – February)
The severe weather characteristic of the Japan Sea side may occur. However, this is when you can enjoy winter delicacies such as crab. The snowy red brick warehouses are fantastical.
Recording Sacred Pilgrimage on Social Media
Here are some tips for sharing your pilgrimage memories on social media:
Recommended Hashtags
- #艦これ
- #艦これ聖地巡礼
- #舞鶴
- #舞鶴鎮守府
- #赤レンガパーク
- #艦隊これくしょん
Photography Spots
Red Brick Warehouse Row:
A must-see shot. Photography during dusk is also recommended.
JMSDF Destroyer:
Collaboration photos of kanmusume and modern ships are popular.
Maizuru Bay:
The view from Goro Sky Tower is spectacular.
Collaboration with KanColle Goods:
Taking photos of itabags or can badges at sacred sites creates more immersive pictures.
Deep Knowledge to Enhance Your Sacred Pilgrimage
History of Maizuru Chinjufu
The Maizuru Chinjufu was established on October 1st, the 34th year of the Meiji era (1901). Initially developed as a military port, it played an important role in the Russo-Japanese War. It was temporarily reduced in size during the Taisho era, but was expanded again in the early Showa period, and during the Pacific War, many ships were deployed there.
After the war, it became a repatriation port, accepting over 660,000 repatriated persons, symbolizing the transition to peace. Today it serves as a JMSDF base, playing a role in Japan’s defense.
The Connection Between KanColle and Historical Facts
One of the major charms of KanColle is its character settings and dialogue based on historical facts. Visiting Maizuru allows you to experience the following history firsthand:
- Pride in Birthplace: The dialogue of kanmusume built at Maizuru often references the city
- Repatriation History: Many ships involved in repatriation services after the war, and the Repatriation Memorial Hall documents this history
- Atmosphere of the Chinjufu: The atmosphere of the “Chinjufu” within the game was inspired by the actual red brick buildings
Conclusion: Experience the KanColle World More Deeply Through Sacred Pilgrimage
A KanColle sacred pilgrimage centered on Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture, is a precious opportunity to experience the game’s worldview in reality. The robust red brick buildings of Red Brick Park, the historical displays of the Repatriation Memorial Hall, and active JMSDF destroyers. By actually seeing, touching, and feeling these things, your understanding and affection for the kanmusume will deepen further.
Maizuru is not a major city, but it is a precious town that retains much of naval history. The beautiful Maizuru Bay scenery, delicious seafood, and friendly interactions with locals are also part of the charm of a sacred pilgrimage.
KanColle fans, please visit Maizuru at least once and feel the air of the “Chinjufu” with your own senses. It will surely become an unforgettable memory. And through a sacred pilgrimage, it is hoped that this will become an opportunity to reflect on the value of peace and the weight of history.
Admirals, we’ll see you in Maizuru!
