2026 Kure Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

#0yentrip There are several ferries going from Hiroshima to Matsuyama, and more than half of them are now newly built and operate under the names Sea Paseo and Sea Paseo 2. This ship is truly the most recommended of all the ferries I have been on in Japan. The interior is simply beautiful and has a wonderful design, and there is also a rooftop deck, as well as a counter where you can order udon noodles, rice balls, and more. I ordered and ate udon noodles on board. Feeling the rocking of the ship and gazing at the sea while eating warm udon noodles was a particularly memorable part of the trip. The atmosphere on board was calm, and I was able to relax despite the long journey.

Located in the Kubi area of ​​Osakishimojima, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Mamena Shokudo is a simple restaurant that serves home-style dishes using local ingredients. It is loved by locals and tourists and is a central presence in the local community. Recommended points ・Utilization of local ingredients: The Kubi area has a deep-rooted culture of home gardening, called "notoko," and it is customary for residents to grow and exchange vegetables with each other. Mamena Shokudo uses an abundance of these fresh local vegetables to create menus that aim to make you healthier the more you eat them. ・Hub of the local community: Originally built in a renovated building from the old Kajiwara clinic, this restaurant serves as a gathering place for local seniors and young people. It also serves as a place for interaction with local residents and as a third place where multiple generations gather. 〜〜〜〜〜Information〜〜〜〜〜 📍Mame Na Shokudo Address: 2312 Kubi, Toyomachi, Kure, Hiroshima 734-0304 Access: 70 minutes by car from Kure Station Opening hours: 11:30~13:30 *Closed on Thursdays Reference menu ・Daily lunch: Daily menu using fresh locally grown vegetables and fish 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 #Domestic travel strategy #Domestic travel

𓇠✈︎ "Mitarai Preservation District" on a remote island in Hiroshima A road trip while island hopping on the Tobishima Kaido The port town of Mitarai was designated by the government as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1994 It is also a filming location for Drive My Car There were posters of the movie starring Hidetoshi Nishijima and the red Saab, which was filmed here, hanging in the town There were many cafes and restaurants that we stopped by while strolling around the port town, and many photogenic spots! 📍Shiomachikan The interior was retro with a Showa era feel, and the pudding bowls were cute 📍Funayado Cafe Wakanaga A cafe renovated from a building that used to be a boathouse. If it's available, I recommend a seat on the second floor. The chocolate cake had lemon peel from Hiroshima and was delicious. 📍Kou Setouchi Main Branch I had lunch here. Anago rice and sea bream set meal 📍Kangetsuan Shintoyo A lodging that only accepts one group per day Apparently, the photo of the drive-by car was taken on the second floor here. I looked at the website and it was a wonderful lodging. #besttrip2023 #domestictravel #hiroshimatrip #hiroshimatourism

Access: 30 minutes by boat from Mihara Port Tourist attractions: Cafe and souvenir shop "Shiomachikan", Sugawara Shrine, Edo period streetscape, etc. The Mitarai district of Osaki Shimojima is a stop on the tour from Mihara Port. The Mitarai district retains the streetscape of the Edo period and is preserved as a preservation district. Shiomachikan is a small shop that sells cafes and souvenirs. If you go to the Mitarai district, it's definitely worth stopping by. Cafes and luxury inns line the seafront. There are also about three shrines. It takes about 60 minutes to look around, so it's perfect for a stroll. #Domestic travel #Hiroshima #Edo period #Osaki Shimojima

The Yamato Museum is a history and science museum located along the port of Kure. You can learn about the history of the city of Kure and the shipbuilding history that is unique to a port town. In front of the Yamato Museum are actual ship anchors and screws. There are displays of cannons that are unique to a naval port, and you will be overwhelmed by their size. It is also an opportunity to learn about the history unique to the land of Kure, so if you are interested in history, be sure to check it out! #SummerWeekendTrip #KeihanGroupCampaign #Kure #KurePort #Hiroshima #HiroshimaTrip #HiroshimaTourism #PortTown

#QuintessaCampaign [Shimokamagari Island] Shimokamagari Island is an island in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and can be reached by crossing the Akinada Bridge. Hiroshima Prefecture has many islands, and the Shimanami Kaido is famous, so many people drive around the islands, but the route from Kure City is also recommended as you can drive while enjoying beautiful scenery 🚗 #Breathtaking views #Couple trip #Drive #Hiroshima Prefecture #Kure

#Hiroshima #Kure Visited on March 2nd. About a 5-minute walk from JR Kure Station. The Yamato Museum is a museum dedicated to the battleship Yamato, where you can experience the history of Kure as a naval port and the greatness of the Yamato. There is also a Maritime Self-Defense Force museum nearby, which you can visit for free if you line up early and aim for the right time.

A place I've wanted to visit ever since watching "In This Corner of the World" While feeling the breeze from the harbor, I watched ships coming in and out, and before I knew it, it was dusk 🌆 Nearby sightseeing spots ・Yamato Museum, themed around the battleship Yamato ・Must-see for Umizaru fans! Kure Maritime Self-Defense Force Museum ・Kure Portopia Park ・Night view of Haigamine #Hiroshima #KurePort #trip2022

Cold noodles (with wontons) at Goryu, a ramen restaurant in Kure City. Known as a renowned "Kure Cold Noodles," it goes without saying that there's a long line out front. The first bite delivers a clear umami flavor and vivid sweetness. The rich, savory soup fills your mouth, inviting you to take another bite. The flat noodles have a well-defined texture, and the more you chew, the more pronounced they become. The wontons have firm skins and are satisfying to eat, and the balance of noodles, soup, and ingredients is impeccable. It's easy to see why people line up for this bowl. Address: 5-10-20 Nishichuo, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture Hours: 11:30-15:30 #KureColdNoodles

Learn about architecture and see how others live.

Walk the inside of the submarine see his structure

📍Trip Overview: Kure to Shimanami Kaido 🚩Route: National Route 2 🏖️Photogenic Spots: The Blood of Wolves and the Mitarai District 🚇Transportation: Car 📷Recommended Photo Location: Downtown Kure 🍜Exquisite Cuisine: Kure Cold Noodles 🏠Recommended Accommodation: Morisawa Hotel 💡Note: Shimanami Kaido bridge tolls are discounted if you shop on the island. #DomesticTravel #Fieldwork #Architecture #AoiCorporation #HimawariReformKitakyushu

#hellohalloween Standing tall by the Sasebo harbor, the JMSDF Sasebo Museum — also known as Sail Tower — offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s naval history and maritime culture. The sleek, sail-shaped building is an iconic part of the city skyline, symbolizing Sasebo’s deep connection with the sea. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere blends pride, precision, and curiosity, reflecting the long-standing presence of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in the region. The museum’s exhibits cover everything from the early days of the Imperial Japanese Navy to modern maritime defense operations. Scale models of ships, naval uniforms, and historical documents bring the story of Japan’s maritime evolution to life. Interactive displays and panoramic views from the observation deck make the experience even richer — offering visitors a chance to appreciate both the technological advancements and human dedication behind naval service. Beyond the history, Sail Tower also provides one of the best views of Sasebo Bay. The contrast of calm blue waters and massive docked vessels creates a scene that’s both peaceful and powerful. Whether you’re a military history buff or simply curious about Japan’s seafaring legacy, the JMSDF Sasebo Museum stands as a proud symbol of exploration, discipline, and respect for the sea.

An island where you can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine while overlooking the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Historically significant as the strait opened by Taira no Kiyomori. Enjoy a variety of seafood and mountain delicacies year-round through fishing, driving, and mountain climbing. Recommended for those looking for a relaxing time and a new way to experience Japan. 📍Kurahashi Island, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture 🚇Car or bus from Kure Station 📷Dai-ni Ondo Bridge 🍜Sea bream, flounder (fished), oysters (farmed November to March), wild boar, olives, sake (Hanahato), gin (Sakurao) 💡Notes

Experience the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force base up close during the hot summer. The port area also offers sightseeing cruises, with the sunset cruise being highly recommended. On the last cruise of the day, you might be lucky enough to witness the flag-lowering ceremony and the lighting of the ships. 🕰️ Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM 📍 Address: Port building next to the Yamato Museum 💰 Average Cost: 1,700 yen per person 💞 Recommended for: Those interested in military history, especially naval forces 🗓️ Suggested Itinerary: Opt for the last sightseeing cruise of the day for the best experience.

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip The Yamato Museum in Kure City is a museum where you can learn about Japan's naval technology and shipbuilding history, with a focus on the battleship Yamato. The impressive 1/10 scale replica of the battleship Yamato is a sight to behold; it took my breath away the moment I first saw it. 🚢✨ The museum features a wide variety of exhibits, including actual weapons, models, and video materials, showcasing not only the history of war, but also the evolution of technology and the aspirations of the people. With content that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, it's a space filled with learning and inspiration. When I actually visited, the unique atmosphere of the seaside town of Kure and the museum's dignified atmosphere were a perfect match, making it a particularly memorable spot on my trip. I also recommend combining a visit with the adjacent Iron Whale Museum! Located about a 5-minute walk from JR Kure Station or a 45-minute train ride from Hiroshima City, it's easily enjoyable even on a day trip. Why not experience a thrilling journey at the Yamato Museum, where you can experience history, technology, and human aspirations? Domestic Travel #Couple Travel #Solo Travel #Yamato Museum #Kure Tourism #Battleship Yamato #History and Technology #Educational Trip #Seaside Town

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip The Iron Whale Museum in Kure City is Japan's first museum dedicated to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's submarines. Amazingly, an actual giant submarine, the Akishio, is on display outdoors, and you can even go inside to tour it! 🚢✨ When I actually visited, the submarine's interior was cramped and impersonal. But the space evoked the tension and sense of mission of the crew, making it feel like I was transported to a movie scene. Every detail, from the cockpit to the living quarters, is realistic and truly impressive! Inside, you can learn about the activities and history of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the mechanics of submarines, making it a fascinating experience for children and adults alike. Located right next to the Yamato Museum, it's a popular choice to visit both museums. It's about a 5-minute walk from JR Kure Station, or about a 45-minute train ride from Hiroshima City, making it perfect for a day trip. Why not experience something a little exciting in an extraordinary space? It's sure to leave a lasting memory! Domestic Travel #CoupleTravel #SoloTravel #IronWhaleMuseum #KureSightseeing #SubmarineExperience #JapanMaritimeSelfDefenseForce #UnusualTravel #HiroshimaTouristSightseeing

#AbsolutelyFreeTravel "Kenmin no Hama" (Citizens' Beach), located in Kamagari Town, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a soothing beach spot known only to those in the know, featuring the calm waves of the Seto Inland Sea and a stretch of white sand. The shallow waters are crystal clear, and the beauty of the beach is reminiscent of a tropical paradise. 🌊✨ When you visit, you'll find not only swimming, but camping, barbecues, and even hot springs, making it the perfect environment for relaxing in nature. Simply walking along the beach while listening to the sound of the waves makes you feel like all your daily fatigue is melting away. Bustling with families and couples in the summer, the quiet beach is also recommended for reading or strolling in the spring and fall. Even solo travelers can find plenty of time to calm their minds. 📖🍃 The beach is about an hour and a half by car from Hiroshima City and about an hour by car from Kure City. By public transportation, you can access the beach via bus and transfers from Kure Station. Parking is also available. Why not spend some relaxing time by the sea at "Kenmin no Hama," enveloped in the gentle breeze and light of the Seto Inland Sea? Domestic Travel #CouplesTrip #SoloTravel #Kenmin no Hama #KureTourism #SetoInlandSea #SeasideHoliday #RelaxingTrip #HiroshimaBeach

📍Alley Karasukojima 8 Showa-cho, Kure, Hiroshima 737-0027 This is a park (or rather, a submarine viewing spot along the sea) on the grounds of the former navy, where you can see an active navy submarine. Actually, it is the only place in Japan, and it is quite rare in the world, to be able to see an active submarine up close. You can't actually enter the navy grounds, so it's not exactly right in front of your eyes, but there was something exciting about it. The old torpedo loading crane is also located on the park grounds. You can see this up close, but even though it's such a valuable object, there is no caption, so... There are also cafes and restaurants dotted around the park, so be sure to visit it on your way to and from the Yamato Museum 🐟 #AbsolutelyFreeTravel

📍Yamato Museum (Kure City Maritime History and Science Museum) 5-20 Takaramachi, Kure, Hiroshima 737-0029 A museum that tells the history of the Japanese navy. As soon as you pass through the entrance, you will see the Battleship Yamato. This is a model, but you can see it from above and below in 360 degrees, and you can learn about its history from the captions. Inside the museum, the history of war is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner, focusing on World War II. There is also an exhibition of Kaiten, a human torpedo, which was used at the end of the war. You can also listen to audio tapes of young promising students just before they became human torpedoes for their country. Until now, there have not been many opportunities to learn about war through the navy, so I think it was valuable to be able to learn about it in Kure. Next to this museum is the Kure Maritime Self-Defense Force Museum, which has a large submarine installed, so please visit both. #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

**Hiroshima·Kure City: A Historical Town of the Japanese Navy** Kure City is located in the southeast of Hiroshima Prefecture, bordering the Seto Inland Sea. It has been an important naval base and shipbuilding center in Japan since the Meiji era. As one of the four major naval bases of the old Japanese Navy, the Kure Naval Factory has built many famous warships, including the world's largest battleship "Yamato". ### **History of Kure and Warships** 1. **The Rise of the Naval Base**: In 1886, the Kure Naval Factory was established. With its natural harbor and geographical advantages, it gradually developed into the core of the Japanese Navy. 2. **The Glory of Battleship Construction**: Before World War II, the Kure Naval Factory built battleships such as "Nagato" and "Yamato", and its technical strength was the world's leading. 3. **The Birth and Sinking of the Yamato**: In 1941, the "Yamato" was secretly built in Kure Port, symbolizing the ambitions of the Japanese Navy. It was eventually sunk by the US military in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. ### **Kure City Today** After the war, Kure City transformed into a Self-Defense Force base and shipbuilding city. **Kure City Maritime History and Science Museum (Yamato Museum)** is the core attraction, exhibiting a 1/10 model of the "Yamato" and naval historical materials, telling the military memory of Kure. In addition, **Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Historical Museum** and the retired submarine "Akishio" also attract military enthusiasts. Kure City combines war lessons and peace visions. From a military port to a tourist city, its history reminds people to reflect on war and cherish peace. #Kure #Hiroshima

Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture The Yamato Museum in Kure City was temporarily closed for renovation in February of this year, and opened as a Yamato Museum Satellite in a facility a little further away. The facility has models of Zero Fighters and Yamatos, so even though it's called a satellite, it has quite a lot of stuff. In the facility between Kure Station and the Yamato Museum, you'll find Sanbashiya Cafe. There is a wide variety of menu items, but this time I ordered a milkshake. The milkshake is rich but not too sweet, so it's easy to drink and very delicious. Spending time looking out the window at the Seto Inland Sea is also a great way to enjoy Kure. If you visit Kure, be sure to stop by these two facilities. #KureCity #YamatoMuseum

I went to 7 countries in Europe during the coronavirus pandemic! Disney in Paris The Berlin Wall Auschwitz The Louvre The beautiful ocean I saw in Cambodia Also, the Golden Bridge in the US The wonderful hotel I stayed at in Okinawa

⚫︎Kure, a city of history and naval ports⚓️ Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Once thriving as Japan's leading naval port, this city still retains the nostalgic atmosphere of a port town. The shopping district is lined with shops selling the famous "Navy Curry," and you can feel the breath of history that has walked alongside the sea from every street corner😌 The Yamato Battleship is a symbol of Kure. The battleship, which was touted to be the largest and strongest in the world, was born here. This time, we will introduce the highlights of the Yamato Museum, a popular facility themed around the Yamato battleship✨ ⚫︎Recommended➀ The impressive 1/10 scale model of the Yamato Battleship🚢 The giant model, 26.3 meters long, is precisely reproduced based on the blueprints and photographs of the actual ship. Its appearance, meticulously reproduced based on the blueprints and photographs of the time, is simply breathtaking. Around the model, the technology and blueprints used in its construction, as well as photographs from that time, are also on display. You can experience the era when Japanese shipbuilding technology was at its peak right before your eyes 📜 ⚫︎Recommended➁ Valuable real materials and historical exhibits🛫 Many real wartime materials are on display, such as the Zero Fighter (A6M Zero carrier-based fighter), torpedoes, prototypes of the kamikaze weapon "Kaiten," and main gun shells from the battleship "Yamato." As a city that prospered through shipbuilding technology, there are also events that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, such as a piloting simulator and a shipbuilding technology experience corner. Through the history of the battleship "Yamato" and shipbuilding and science technology in Kure, you can also think about the development of science and technology and the importance of peace 🕊️ ⚫︎Recommended➂ Enjoy the food culture of the former navy 🍛 The attached restaurant serves menus such as "navy curry" that inherit the food culture of the former navy. After viewing the exhibits, it is recommended to take a break while thinking about the taste of those days🍽️ The square and benches in front of the museum are also well-maintained, making it a perfect destination for a family holiday🛝 ⚫︎Summary A place that connects the past and the future. The Yamato Museum is a place to "know the past and think about the future." Through the gigantic presence of the Yamato battleship, it quietly but powerfully conveys the progress of technology and its use, as well as the importance of peace. The quiet message of the gigantic battleship may be a question for each of us who build the future🏛️ --------------------- 📍Yamato Museum Address: 5-20 Takaramachi, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture Access: (By train) 7 minutes on foot from JR Kure Station 　　　　　(By car) 40 minutes from Hiroshima city *The Yamato Museum is closed from February 17, 2025 to the end of March 2026 due to renovation work. During the closure, the exhibition will be held at the Yamato Museum Satellite in the city. --------------------- #Yamato Museum

Hiroshima A place in modern history that everyone knows. It is the largest city in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions of Japan. The first city in history to be attacked by an atomic bomb. In addition to the famous Hiroshima atomic bomb site, There is also Miyajima Shrine with its sea torii. Kure Port, the pride of the Japanese Navy, Onomichi, a scene resembling literature and movies, There is also a bunch of octopus in Mihara. I am very happy to have the opportunity to visit this city and appreciate this largest city located in the Seto Inland Sea. The museums and memorial parks near the atomic bomb site actually have a very heavy feeling, but was it right to drop this weapon? Or was this something Japan had to endure at the time? Is it still controversial in discussions among later generations? But it tells us one thing: the damage caused by atomic weapons is indeed very terrifying. The power of today's atomic weapons is dozens or hundreds of times that of the little boy, and the damage caused is unimaginable. But as a military fan, when I came to Hiroshima, of course I had to go to the port city of "Kure" located in the suburbs of Hiroshima. Kure City (KURESHI), which started as a military port and prospered, is known as the "No. 1 Military Port in the East". The Yamato, the hope of all Japanese people in the past, was also born here. From the Imperial Navy era to the current Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Kure has always been the most important military port. Located in a natural bay in the Seto Inland Sea, Kure Port is suitable as a military base. Famous Japanese warships in history also used this port as their home port. The city is full of artifacts from the imperial period, and the remains of famous ships such as Mutsu, Haruna, and Amagi are also commemorated here. Take a stroll along the harbor of Kure City, and feel the gentle breeze caressing your face and hair. At dusk, you can take a boat from the building next to the Kure City Maritime History and Science Museum. It is also a good idea to take a cruise ship tour, where you can admire all kinds of active ships of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, and we are not afraid to take pictures. The whole city is full of "spirit". After all, the famous Japanese Navy military attaché Morishita once said: "It's very spirited. Do you still want to sail a warship when you are so quiet!" In the end, Hiroshima-style omelette wins over Osaka-style omelette, right? I think so anyway.

#0yentrip I took a high-speed boat from Takehara to Mitarai. While on the boat, I could see the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea. When I arrived in Mitarai, I was impressed by the quiet atmosphere of a port town, and the beautifully preserved streetscape from the Edo period. It seems that this place is also registered as a Japanese Heritage site. As I walked through the narrow alleys and old buildings, I could feel the atmosphere of the time. I also had fond memories of stopping by the museum and a small cafe and chatting with the locals. As I walked along the sea, the sound of the quiet waves was soothing, and it was a place I would like to visit again in a different season.

While it's wonderful to reflect on peace at Hiroshima Station and enjoy the city, why not try experiencing Hiroshima in a slightly different way? Spending several days on the Seto Inland Sea islands allows you to truly appreciate the charm of the place and its people. 📍Travel Overview Historical streets and a slow-paced life on the Seto Inland Sea islands 🚩Route Hiroshima Airport → Takehara Historical Preservation District → Kure → Kurahashi Island → Seto Inland Sea Life 🏖️Scenic Spots Takehara Historical Preservation District, sunrise/sunset on Kurahashi Island, volcano 🚇Transportation Bus, train 🍜Must-Try Cuisine Kure-yaki (Okonomiyaki) 🏠Recommended Accommodation Seto Inland Sea Life

#Spring0yenTrip The Yamato Museum (Kure Maritime History and Science Museum) is a museum located in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, that introduces the history and science and technology of Kure City, with a focus on the battleship Yamato. Attractions * 1/10 scale battleship Yamato: The huge model, 26.3 meters long, is faithfully reproduced down to the smallest detail, and its power is overwhelming. * Kure City's history and shipbuilding technology: You can learn about the history of Kure City, which flourished as Japan's largest naval port and shipbuilding city since the Meiji era, through valuable documents and videos. Testimonies and belongings of people involved in the construction of the battleship Yamato are also on display. * Science and technology exhibits: You can learn not only about shipbuilding technology, but also about modern science and technology. There are also hands-on exhibits that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. * Outdoor exhibits: The actual exhibits, such as the main guns and screws of the battleship Mutsu, are also impressive. * Observation Deck: From the observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of Kure Bay, you can see the port town scenery, including shipyards and Maritime Self-Defense Force ships. * Museum Shop: You can purchase goods and souvenirs exclusive to the Yamato Museum. Access * Train: About 5 minutes on foot from JR Kure Line "Kure Station". You can access the museum on foot via the connecting passage from the station, "Kure Station Connection Deck". * Car: * About 5 minutes from "Kure IC" on the Hiroshima-Kure Road (Claire Line). * Parking: Paid parking lot (65 cars), Yamato Museum visitor parking lot (220 cars). * Ferry: Ferries operate from Hiroshima Port, Matsuyama Tourist Port, etc. to Kure Central Pier, which is about 1 minute on foot from the pier. Notes The Yamato Museum will be closed from February 17, 2025 to the end of March 2026 due to large-scale renovation work. During the closure, some exhibitions will be held at the "Yamato Museum Satellite" at Viewport Kure. After its reopening, Yamato Museum is expected to offer even more exciting exhibits and experiences. Please check the official website for the latest information.