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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection.

Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Tsuruga's vital role as a port of refuge for Polish orphans and Jewish refugees, honoring heroes of humanity.
"A powerful testament to Tsuruga's humanitarian spirit, showcasing incredible stories of courage and compassion."

📸 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stories of Polish Orphans
Exhibition Rooms
Discover the touching accounts of Polish orphans finding refuge in Tsuruga.

Jewish Refugees' Transit
Exhibition Rooms
Learn about the vital role Tsuruga played for Jewish refugees fleeing Europe.

Chiune Sugihara & Tatsuo Osako
Exhibition Rooms
Honor the heroes who saved thousands, showcasing their incredible humanitarian efforts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Tsuruga's Humanitarian Role
Photography Restrictions & Souvenirs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 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.
Has anyone been to the Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum?
🌍 Deep Dive into History
Explore the incredible stories of Japanese aid to European refugees.
🚄 Shinkansen Connection
Tsuruga is a stop on the Shinkansen line, making it accessible from major cities.
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.
🎁 Unique Souvenir
Foreign visitors often receive a dinosaur magnet! Ask at the counter.
🌍 Deep Dive into History
Explore the incredible stories of Japanese aid to European refugees.
🚄 Shinkansen Connection
Tsuruga is a stop on the Shinkansen line, making it accessible from major cities.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
From Tokyo, you can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen directly to Tsuruga. From Osaka or Kyoto, the Thunderbird Limited Express is a common route.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
Admission fees are generally reasonable. Specific pricing for adults, children, and any potential group discounts should be verified on the museum's official website.
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.
Check for potential discounts for students, seniors, or group visits. Foreign visitors may also receive special souvenirs, like a dinosaur magnet.
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.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Photography is generally prohibited in most areas of the museum to protect the exhibits. Please adhere to the signage and staff instructions.
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.
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.
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.
While the museum focuses on historical displays and narratives, some exhibits may incorporate multimedia elements to enhance the visitor experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Tsuruga city offers various dining options, from local eateries to more established restaurants, particularly around the train station area.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside museum exhibition halls. There might be designated areas for consumption.
Tsuruga is a port town, so seafood is a popular choice. Look for fresh sushi, sashimi, or local seafood dishes.
While not always explicitly advertised, many Japanese restaurants can accommodate vegetarian or vegan requests if you communicate your needs clearly.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is strictly prohibited in most exhibition areas to preserve the artifacts and the integrity of the displays.
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.
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.
You can likely take photos of any souvenirs you purchase, such as the dinosaur magnet, once you are outside the museum premises.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
✈️ Day-Trippers & Transit Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Humanitarian Legacy of Tsuruga
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.
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.
Navigating Tsuruga by Train
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.
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.





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