A former member of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force told me, “Among Yokosuka, Kure, Sasebo, Maizuru, and Ominato, Maizuru has the highest status,” so I came to check it out. I've only been to Yokosuka and Kure, but I can't compare them. Each has different good points, and I enjoyed looking around. There were Maizuru City stickers, so I bought one along with 3 varieties of “navy curry.” The curry's spiciness levels were displayed on signs, with descriptions like “medium-hot leaning toward hot,” and I was impressed by how detailed the classifications were. I was so absorbed in looking around that I forgot to take photos & videos, so I took 2 photos on my way out. More tourist-site manhole covers have place names on them these days! I was surprised that even the sewage manhole covers had place names.

Out of curiosity, I bought nikujaga bread and navy curry bread. The nikujaga bread was average, and the navy curry bread was delicious. Nikujaga originated in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture. Apparently, it began in the Meiji period when Togo Heihachiro, the first commander-in-chief of the Maizuru Naval District, ordered his head chef to recreate aboard ship the flavor of the beef stew he had eaten while studying in Britain.

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For souvenirs, I bought Kaigun-san no Curry, Aka Renga Pudding, weekend-only navy curry bread, and nikujaga bread. Both Kaigun-san no Curry and Aka Renga Pudding were labeled as including a bag with purchase, so I bought them as gifts, but the Aka Renga Pudding didn't come with a bag. When I told a staff member, “It says a bag is included by the Aka Renga Pudding,” they replied, “That's left over from a product we used to put there.” I couldn't help shouting in my head: leaving the old product's information there is unacceptable for a shop! If I'd known, I wouldn't have chosen this product!

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The densely packed shelves, like those in a general goods shop, are fun to browse. I bought navy curry as a souvenir. There's also a collaboration section with Kantai Collection, making it a fun place for fans. The staff have approved uploading the photos.

Along with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force souvenirs📦️, there's a wide selection of souvenirs📦️ such as Maizuru specialties. At the back, the toilets are clean and there's a rest area. Despite the intense heat, the building's ventilation and air conditioning worked well, so it stayed cool while waiting for the sightseeing boat⛴️.

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