The area of Maizuru has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and numerous traces of Jomon and Yayoi period settlements have been discovered by archaeologists.

Following the Battle of Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu awarded the entire province of Tango to Kyōgoku Takatomo, who established Miyazu Domain.

After the Second World War, Maizuru was a key port for returning Japanese servicemen and detainees from continental Asia for over 13 years.

[7] Today, JMSDF Maizuru Naval Base is a key district headquarters for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

In terms of national politics, the city is part of Kyoto 5th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Maizuru has a mixed economy, with commerce, agriculture, forestry, tourism and commercial fishing all playing major roles.