Maizuru, Kyoto

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**Maizuru**
**舞鶴市**
Maizuru's location in Kyoto, Japan.
Location
Country	Japan
Region	Kansai
Prefecture	Kyoto
Physical characteristics
Area	342.15 km² (132.10 sq mi)
Population (as of April 2008)
Total	89,626
Density	264 /km² (684 /sq mi)
Location	35°28′N, 135°23′E
Symbols
Tree	Japanese zelkova
Flower	Azalea
Flag
Maizuru Government Office
Mayor	Akira Saitō
Address	〒625-8555 1044 Kitasui, Maizuru-shi, Kyōto-fu
Phone number	0773-62-2300
Official 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.

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.

[edit] History

Maizuru 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.

Maizuru became sister town to Nakhodka, Russia in June 1961, the first Russian - Japanese sister towns in history.

Maizuru, Kyoto is also a Sister City with Portsmouth, England.

[edit] 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.