Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines
Not far from Hiroshima city lies the historic naval port town of Kure. Before and during World War II, this city became the largest military port in East Japan. It Is known as one of the greatest shipbuilding cities in the world, and it is where the largest battleship of all time, Yamato, was constructed. Kure is also currently home to one of the major bases of the Japanese Navy.
Join this 1-Day Kure tour to enjoy a mini-cruise ride on the Kure Bay area, learn about the role of the Japanese Navy during and after the war, and understand the key role this city played in the modernization of Japan. Guests will also have the unique opportunity to walk inside a decommissioned submarine and view the inside of the former residence of the Kure Naval Station Commander-in-Chief.
This tour is a must for ship and history enthusiasts! There is no better place to visit if you wish to get a first-hand experience of Japan’s naval technology.
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Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines
What's included in Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Yamato Museum
You will visit the Yamato Museum, where your guide will walk you through the exhibits, providing context and explanations about Japan's Navy and Kure's Naval Base. You will also have the opportunity to admire the one-tenth scale model of the battleship Yamato, the largest battleship ever constructed. *NOTE - The Yamato Museum is currently undergoing renovations until March 2026. Due to this, you will be visiting a temporary exhibit titled the "Yamato Museum Satellite" instead. While you will have access to the same type of information, the one-tenth scale model of the battleship Yamato is not viewable at the moment. Instead, you will be able to observe a 1:100 scale model of the Yamato, as well as a full-scale model of the Type Zero Observation Seaplane (Mitsubishi F1M).*
JMSDF Kure Museum
We will tour the JSMDF Museum where you will have the unique experience of stepping inside of a real decommissioned submarine
Kure City Irifuneyama Memorial Hall
We will tour the Irifuneyama Memorial Museum, where we will enter the former official residence of the Kure Naval Station Commander-in-Chief. This home is a stunning example of the beautiful and unique architecture that developed in Japan during the Meiji era.
Inclusions
- English speaking guide
- Transportation to/from activities (public transport)
- Entry fees at all tour locations
- Lunch
- Accommodation
- Transportation to meeting point
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- The meetup point is under the Tourist Information sign outside the Shinkansen gates. If arriving via Shinkansen, the sign will be located to your left as you exit the gates. At Hiroshima Station, follow signs for the Shinkansen Gate. Your guide will be holding a sign.
