JMSDF Kitasui Pier

In short

JMSDF Kitasui Pier is the Kitasui Mooring Facility of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Maizuru District, also called the Jieitai Pier. It was inherited by the JMSDF from piers and other facilities created in the Naval District era, and its quay, about 1,000 meters long, is the longest at any JMSDF base.

• ​Seeing vessels up close​​: On public opening days, you can enter the quay and view docked destroyers and other vessels right before your eyes. Tours are limited to designated public opening days, and may not be possible due to operational circumstances
• ​Military port scenery​​: To the west of Maizuru Red Brick Park are facilities such as the JMSDF Maizuru District Headquarters and shipyards that originated from the former naval arsenal, where you can take in the townscape of a naval port that has continued since the Naval District era
• ​Viewing from the sea​​: On the "Navy-related Harbor Cruise" sightseeing boat departing from Maizuru Red Brick Park, you can tour Maizuru Bay in about 30 minutes and see destroyers, supply ships, and other vessels up close from the sea. The mooring status of the vessels is not announced in advance

History and Highlights

​JMSDF Kitasui Pier​ is the Kitasui Mooring Facility of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Maizuru District, and is also called the Jieitai Pier. Located along National Route 27, it offers the chance to witness up close the impressive sight of docked, cutting-edge destroyers and other naval vessels.

Maizuru Bay is a natural good harbor with a narrow mouth and calm waters. In 1901 (Meiji 34), the Maizuru Naval District was established with Togo Heihachiro serving as its first Commander-in-Chief, making Maizuru the sole naval base facing the Sea of Japan. During the Naval District era, the Kitasui Mooring Facility was created as a pier for comparatively small vessels and submarines, and as a landing point when large ships dropped anchor; this facility was subsequently inherited by the JMSDF. It later reached its current form through repeated expansions and renovations. The quay is approximately 1,000 meters long, making it the longest at any JMSDF base.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Seeing Vessels Up Close​​: On public opening days, visitors can enter the quay and view docked destroyers and other vessels right before their eyes.
• ​Military Port Scenery​​: To the west of Maizuru Red Brick Park, facilities such as the JMSDF Maizuru District Headquarters are concentrated, alongside shipyards that originated from the former naval arsenal. Visitors can stroll and take in the townscape of a naval port that has continued since the Naval District era, from the red brick warehouses to the quay lined with naval vessels.
• ​Viewing from the Sea​​: Boarding the "Navy-related Harbor Cruise" sightseeing boat departing from Maizuru Red Brick Park allows visitors to tour Maizuru Bay in about 30 minutes, viewing destroyers and supply ships up close from the sea. Because operational information of the JMSDF cannot be made public, the mooring status of the vessels is not announced in advance.

Walking Tips

Entry onto the quay for tours is limited to designated public opening days, and tours may not be possible due to operational circumstances. Be sure to check the JMSDF Maizuru District website before visiting. The route between here and Maizuru Red Brick Park, located about 540 meters east-southeast, is commonly frequented on foot. At the Navy Memorial Hall, approximately 520 meters west-southwest, materials from the Naval District era are on display. Information about the red brick warehouses is presented at "Maizuru Red Brick Park" and "Red Brick Museum".