Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines

Exploring Kure’s Naval Legacy: Battleships, Submarines, and History

If you’re visiting Hiroshima and have an interest in military history, ships, or Japan’s naval modernization, this day tour to the port city of Kure offers more than just sightseeing. For around $162, you’ll spend about 9 hours exploring some of Japan’s most significant maritime sites, including a mini-cruise around Kure Bay, a visit to a notable museum featuring a decommissioned submarine, and a walk through a beautiful Meiji-era residence.

What we really love about this experience is the chance to walk inside a real submarine—a rare, tangible peek into naval technology—and to see models and exhibits that tell Japan’s naval story. The guides’ local knowledge makes these visits deeply engaging, transforming what could be a standard museum tour into a vivid journey through history.

One potential consideration is that the Yamato Museum is currently under renovation until March 2026, so instead of the iconic battleship model, you’ll visit a temporary exhibit. While this slightly alters the visual experience, the explanations and context provided by the guide keep the tour informative.

This tour is perfect for ship enthusiasts, history lovers, or those with a curiosity about Japan’s military. If you enjoy detailed stories, authentic sites, and a manageable group size (up to 20), you’ll find this tour well worth the time and money.

Key Points

• Historical depth: Learn about Japan’s naval history, from WWII to modern times.
• Unique access: Walk inside a decommissioned submarine—a rare, compelling experience.
• Engaging guides: Expect friendly, knowledgeable guides who bring history alive.
• Beautiful architecture: The residence of the Kure Naval Commander-in-Chief offers a glimpse of Japan’s Meiji-era design.
• Value for money: All entry fees and transportation are included, providing a hassle-free experience.
• Limited group size: With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour feels personal and well-paced.

A Deep Dive into the Kure Naval Tour Experience

The Start: Hiroshima’s Convenient Meeting Point

The tour begins promptly at 9:30 am at Hiroshima Station, a central and accessible location. From there, transportation is by public transit, which keeps costs down and immersion high, as you’ll get to see local life in Hiroshima and Kure. The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness, as some walking and exploring are involved, such as walking inside a submarine and touring historic buildings.

First Stop: The Yamato Museum

The Yamato Museum is the centerpiece of the tour, celebrated for its extensive exhibits on Japan’s naval past, especially during WWII. You’ll enjoy a guided walk, where your guide will narrate Japan’s naval strategy, shipbuilding prowess, and the significance of the largest battleship ever built—the Yamato.

Currently, the museum is undergoing renovations until March 2026, but visitors can still access the “Yamato Museum Satellite”, which offers similar valuable information. While the one-tenth scale model of Yamato isn’t visible at the moment, the exhibits remain engaging, with detailed displays and models that give a vivid picture of Japan’s naval ambition.

A traveler noted: “Great day out. Isabel was a super friendly and informative guide. We would be happy to do another tour around Hiroshima with her.” This highlights how knowledgeable guides can significantly enhance the experience, making history accessible and interesting.

Second Stop: JMSDF Kure Museum

Next, you’ll visit the JMSDF (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) Kure Museum, which is a highlight for many. Here, you’ll step inside a decommissioned submarine, an experience that offers a rare, up-close view of naval engineering and life aboard a submarine. The guide will explain the submarine’s history, its technology, and the role of submarines in Japan’s defense.

Expect to spend about 50 minutes here, but that’s enough time to get a solid sense of the submarine’s cramped quarters and technical sophistication. One review mentions how the experience “really made us appreciate the complexity of submarine technology,” and it’s something that stays with you.

Third Stop: Kure City Irifuneyama Memorial Hall

The tour’s final highlight is a walk through the former residence of the Kure Naval Station Commander-in-Chief. This beautifully preserved Meiji-era home gives insight into the architecture and lifestyle of Japanese naval leadership during a pivotal period. The Irifuneyama Memorial Museum offers a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing environment, contrasting with the intense military history seen earlier.

This stop also provides context on Japan’s modernization during the Meiji era, showcasing how military and civil architecture intertwined.

The Mini-Cruise: Kure Bay

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy a mini-cruise around Kure Bay, giving you a fresh perspective on the city’s maritime environment. It’s a relaxed, scenic way to see the harbor, ships, and coastal scenery, adding a touch of leisure to an otherwise historically intensive day.

Practical Aspects and Value

This tour costs $161.55 per person, which includes all entry fees, a knowledgeable guide, and transportation between sites. No need to worry about extra costs—just bring your curiosity and a camera. It’s a good value for the depth of experience, especially considering the ability to walk inside a real submarine and see a scale model of Yamato (or its satellite exhibit).

The tour lasts about 9 hours, which sounds long but is balanced by the variety of sights, engaging explanations, and a manageable group size. The maximum of 20 travelers ensures that everyone gets attention, making it easier to ask questions and enjoy the experience.

Considerations

One thing to keep in mind is the current exhibits’ limitations, with the Yamato model temporarily absent. However, the tour’s narrative and guide explanations compensate for this visually, and many travelers appreciated the overall richness of the visit.

You’ll need to walk moderate distances and stay on your feet at times, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The tour starts early in the morning, so plan your day accordingly, especially if you’re combining it with other activities around Hiroshima or Kure.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re fascinated by ships and military technology, this tour offers a hands-on look at the hardware and history behind Japan’s naval strength. It’s perfect for history buffs, maritime enthusiasts, or families with older children interested in naval history.

Travelers who enjoy authentic sites and knowledgeable guides will find the tour’s personal touch and insider explanations particularly rewarding. It’s also excellent for those who prefer a well-structured, all-inclusive experience that balances sightseeing, learning, and scenic relaxation.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This Kure naval history tour offers a compelling mix of scenic views, historic insight, and authentic naval experiences. The chance to walk inside a real submarine alone makes it stand out, but it’s also the detailed storytelling and beautiful architecture that bring the day to life.

It’s particularly valuable for anyone with a keen interest in Japan’s military, shipbuilding, or WWII history, providing a tangible connection beyond photographs. The well-organized itinerary and friendly guides make it a comfortable, educational outing—worth considering if you’re seeking a meaningful, immersive day in Hiroshima’s maritime past.

While it may not be a full-scale museum experience due to ongoing renovations, the tour’s storytelling, scenic boat ride, and inside look at naval technology more than compensate. It’s a thoughtfully curated day that balances history, scenery, and authentic experiences—an excellent choice for curious travelers.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation between the tour sites is included, using public transit, which helps keep the cost manageable and adds a local touch to your day.

What is the tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 9:30 am at Hiroshima Station and ending back at the same meeting point.

Are entry fees included?
All entry fees for the Yamato Museum, JMSDF Kure Museum, and Irifuneyama Memorial Hall are included in the price.

Can I walk inside the submarine?
Yes, the tour includes a guided walk inside a real decommissioned submarine, giving you a unique behind-the-scenes look.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with walking and standing; children with an interest in ships or history will likely enjoy it.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking and exploring historic sites. Dress appropriately for the weather.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a guide?
Yes, an English-speaking guide leads the tour, providing insights and answering questions throughout the day.

What happens if the Yamato Museum exhibits are still under renovation?
You’ll visit the Yamato Museum Satellite exhibit, which offers similar information, ensuring your understanding of Japan’s naval history remains comprehensive.

This Kure naval tour combines a rich learning experience with scenic boat rides and authentic military sites—perfect for anyone eager to understand Japan’s naval prowess from past to present.