Maizuru, Kyoto

For the Japanese train name, see Maizuru (train).

Maizuru 舞鶴市
—  City  —
Flag
Location of Maizuru in Kyoto
Maizuru
Coordinates: 35°28′N 135°23′E / 35.467°N 135.383°E / 35.467; 135.383Coordinates: 35°28′N 135°23′E / 35.467°N 135.383°E / 35.467; 135.383
Country	Japan
Region	Kansai
Prefecture	Kyoto
Government
– Mayor	Akira Saitō
Area
– Total	342.15 km2 (132.1 sq mi)
Population (April 2008)
– Total	89,626
– Density	264/km2 (683.8/sq mi)
Time zone	Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
City symbols
- Tree	Japanese zelkova
- Flower	Azalea
Phone number	0773-62-2300
Address	1044 Kitasui, Maizuru-shi, Kyōto-fu 625-8555
Website	Maizuru City

Maizuru (舞鶴市, Maizuru-shi^?) is a city located in Kyōto, Japan, on an inlet of the Sea of Japan.

As of 2008, the city has an estimated population of 89,626 and the density of 264 persons per km². The total area is 342.15 km² (132.10 sq mi).

The city was founded on May 27, 1943.

Maizuru is a city rich in nature, located on the scenic Maizuru Bay. Maizuru Harbor is located in Maizuru Bay, from which travel to Hokkaidō is possible via the Sea of Japan.

History

Maizuru port

Maizuru's development was greatly spurred after the naval port was installed in 1901. In the Russo-Japanese War, many warships were based there, due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan. After the Second World War, Maizuru was a key port for returning Japanese servicemen and detainees from continental Asia for over 13 years. Today, Maizuru is a key district headquarters for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

International town twinnings

Maizuru became sister town to Nakhodka, Russia in June 1961, the first Russian - Japanese sister towns in history. More recently the town has been twinned with Dalian, China since 1982 and Portsmouth, England since 1998.

Sightseeing

Maizuru is dotted with sightseeing spots. There is a commemorative hall which documents the return of servicemen and detainees, and an observatory which overlooks the Rias seashore of the Maizuru bay.

External links

• Maizuru official website in Japanese