Learn about the history of Tsuruga Port, where Jewish refugees once landed.

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Tsuruga Port was the only port in Japan where Polish orphans and Jewish refugees who came on the "Visa for Life" issued by Chiune Sugihara, a diplomat stationed in Lithuania during World War II, landed. Tsuruga is also known as the "Port of Humanity" because the people of the town warmly welcomed them.

The "Tsuruga Museum, Port of Humanity" introduces the historical facts of the Polish orphans and Jewish refugees who overcame many hardships and landed in Tsuruga, as well as testimonies and episodes from the citizens of Tsuruga at that time, and the heartwarming exchanges that continue to this day! Incidentally, museum means "museum" in Polish.
And it reopened in November 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the landing of Polish orphans and the 80th anniversary of the issuance of the Visa for Life! The exterior of the new building, whose total floor space has expanded approximately four times from the former museum, features four buildings that were located at Tsuruga Port from the Taisho era to the early Showa era, including Tsuruga Port Station and the customs and luggage inspection station, restored to their original locations, giving visitors a sense of the atmosphere of the Tsuruga Port in bygone days. The museum also features new exhibits of materials donated by related parties, as well as a new theater and animation exhibits.
With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in the spring of 2024, the Tsuruga area is becoming more and more attractive! In particular, the Tsuruga Port area has many other port and railroad legacies, such as the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, the Railway Museum, and the old Tsuruga Port Station Ramp Hut, and a short distance away are power spots such as Kibi Jingu Shrine, famous for its large red torii gate, and Kanasaki Shrine for matchmaking. Why not tour the nostalgic atmosphere of this port town and feel its history?
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