In its strategy against Russia, the Imperial Japanese Navy needed to set up a naval military base on the side of the Sea of Japan, and in 1889, decided to establish Chinjufu in Maizuru, singling out Maizuru Bay for its geographical features which were suitable as a naval port with its narrow entrance which could be easily defended while the calm inside of the bay could accommodate many ships.
対ロシアの戦略上、日本海軍は日本海側へ海軍の軍事拠点を設置する事が悲願となっており、1889年（明治22年）に、湾口が狭く、防御に適しており、また湾内は波静かで多くの艦船が停泊できるなど軍港としては格好の地形であった舞鶴湾に白羽の矢をたて、舞鶴に鎮守府を設置する事になった。