A Russian warship is seen in this picture on the website of the Russian Defense Ministry.

MOSCOW, July 5 (Xinhua) -- A task force of Russia's Pacific Fleet arrived in Maizuru naval base on Thursday to start a six-day visit to Japan, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a press release.

The Russian task force consists of large anti-submarine vessels Admiral Tributs and Admiral Vinogradov and the medium-sized sea tanker Pechenga, it said.

A ceremony was held to welcome the Russian soldiers. Sailors of the two navies will engage in an extensive cultural program and sports competitions during the visit.

Both Russia and Japan claim a group of islands off Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido, called the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia.

Russia has beefed up its military presence in the country's Far East, including on the disputed islands.