Kure, a deep natural harbour east of Hiroshima, was one of the great naval bases of imperial Japan and the shipyard that built the Yamato, the largest battleship ever constructed. The Yamato Museum tells that story through a spectacular 26-metre, 1:10 scale model of the ship, alongside a Zero fighter, a human torpedo and exhibits that deal frankly with the war, the city’s bombing and postwar shipbuilding. Directly opposite stands the Iron Whale Museum, where a real decommissioned submarine sits beached on land and can be entered and walked through — an unusual and memorable pairing.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kure, Hiroshima |
| Hours | ~9:00–18:00, closed Tuesdays |
| Admission | Yamato Museum ~¥500; submarine free |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours for both |
| Best time | Year-round; a good rainy-day choice |
What to See
- A 26 m, 1:10 scale model of the battleship Yamato.
- A Zero fighter and human torpedo in the main hall.
- The Iron Whale: a real submarine you can walk inside.
- Exhibits on the war, the bombing of Kure and shipbuilding.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the free Iron Whale submarine across the road.
- Pair with Hiroshima’s Peace Park for the fuller history.
- Read our Hiroshima overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR Kure Line to Kure Station, about 5 minutes' walk.
- From Hiroshima: roughly 35–45 minutes by train.
Tips
Do both museums, as the submarine opposite is free and being able to walk through a real one is the highlight for many visitors. Check the Tuesday closure before travelling, allow a couple of hours, and note that this is military history presented with more nuance than you might expect — pairing it with the Peace Park in Hiroshima gives a much fuller picture of the era.
