Ships in the class were powered by two Kawasaki-MAN V8V 22/30 AMTL diesel engines turning two shafts rated at 3,300 kilowatts (4,400 bhp).

The LCVPs were slung under davits and a traveling gantry crane with folding rails that could be extended over the side handled the two LCMs positioned on the foredeck.

[1][2] The LSTs could carry up to 200 troops or 1,800 t (1,800 long tons) of cargo, or ten Type 74 main battle tanks.

[1][3] Three tank landing ships were ordered from Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries and constructed in Tokyo, Japan.

The first of the class, Miura entered service in 1975 with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), with Ojika following in 1976 and Satsuma in 1977.