Kure is well known because of its various military ports from long ago, and it is still the base of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Kure also has strong relations with the navy.

From Hiroshima city you can access Kure by train or bus in about one hour. If you are near Hiroshima station, the train is most convenient (use the Kure line), but for those coming from Kamiyacho or the central part of Hiroshima, the bus is the easiest to use, and you can access the bus from the Hiroshima bus terminal.

Most of the tourist attractions are located along the sea side near Kure station, and is possible to explore while walking.

The Irifuneyama Memorial

The Irifuneyama Memorial is located about 15 minutes, by walking, from the station. The Kure office guardians barracks were located inside the building. The Irifuneyama Memorial is unique because it has both Western and Japanese styles incorporated into its architecture. The Western part of the building is distinctly British in style.

Sign for the Japanese Self-Defense Force

Looking down the hill from the Irifuneyama Memorial, you can see the area which is used by the Self-Defense Force.
In one corner you can see where the current self-defense force Kure area commissioner is located. The facilities are known for the beautiful buildings made of red bricks, and every Sunday it is open to the general public.

Kure Maritime Museum

The Kure Maritime Museum, more commonly called the Yamato Museum, is about 15 minutes away from the Irifuneyama Memorial.

The Yamato Museum was opened to display the Kure history, and scientific technology used in the creation of ships and steelmaking through the “Yamato”, which was built in Kure, the world’s largest, and most powerful warship.

Yamato

A replica of the Yamato warship is on display at the entrance of the museum. The model is only 1/10th of the magnificent ship.

War plane

The Zerosen, Torpedo, and main gun barrels loaded onto the warships, and other many naval weapons, were also on display.

Simulation

Located inside of the museum you can find all kinds of amazing things which can teach you about and even let you experience what the Yamato and other weapons used in war were all about. There are experiment work rooms and even ship handling simulations where you can learn about the science and technology that went into operating these ships. It’s fun and educational.

Tetsunokujira-kan

On the other side of the Yamato Museum is the Tetsunokujira-kan (lit. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Museum). A submarine which was on duty until 2004, named Akishido, is on display at this portion of the museum. The submarine is connected to the building and it is possible to observe the command room, chief room, and other parts of the submarine.

The Tetsunokujira-kan is about a five minute walk from Kure station.