WWII Naval History Yamato Museum and Kure Submarines Car Tour

This private door-to-door car tour is ideal for cruise visitors, Shinkansen travelers, and guests of all kinds. The Yamato Museum and the Peace Memorial Museum complete the historical puzzle: Hiroshima’s wartime buildup and the devastation of the atomic bombing. This comfortable car tour for up to three guests takes you to Kure, a historic port city that served as a major base of the former Imperial Navy. At the Yamato Museum, you will explore how Japan moved toward war. The 1/10-scale Yamato and authentic Zero fighter bring this history to life. Driving makes it easy to visit the hill overlooking the Yamato shipyard and the pier where you can see active submarines. The itinerary can be adjusted to include the Peace Memorial Museum, with lunch and some sightseeing stops shortened as needed. Your Guide: I am a U.S. university graduate and a Hiroshima-licensed guide who has led more than 200 tours. I will drive and guide you throughout the day. I look forward to seeing you soon!

1. 1

   Stop 1

   40 min

   *Pick‑up: Your preferred location within Hiroshima City. From there, we will drive for approximately 40 minutes to Kure City *Ideal sea excursion for cruise passengers docking at Ujina Cruise Port — a perfect location to access Kure City and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Pickup from Itsukaichi Port is not available due to the long distance from Kure.

2. 2

   Yamato Museum

   1.7 hours

   The spaceship in the anime Space Battleship Yamato (also known as Star Blazers) is inspired by and modeled after the real battleship Yamato. At the Yamato Museum, you can learn about the history of Kure, Japan’s former naval base, and see the impressive 1/10‑scale model of the battleship Yamato along with many historical exhibits.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   40 min

   JMSDF Kure Museum (Submarine Museum) Explore the Japan Maritime Self‑Defense Force Museum, known for the retired submarine Akishio displayed outside. You can enter the submarine and see its interior up close, gaining a rare look inside a real vessel that once served in the JMSDF. You can learn about the missions of the Japan Self‑Defense Forces, a globally rare organization with a unique structure and role.

4. 4

   Kure

   50 min

   Enjoy lunch with your choice of the JMSDF Curry—famous for its tradition of being served every Friday in Japan’s Maritime Self‑Defense Force—or Kure’s local specialties. Depending on the tour’s starting time, lunch options can be adjusted. Depending on the tour’s starting time, lunch may not be needed and can be skipped.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   40 min

   Arei‑karasukojima is a waterfront promenade in Kure where you can see real submarines of the Japan Maritime Self‑Defense Force up close. From the harbor, you can view real, active JMSDF submarines at very short range. Being able to observe operational submarines this near is extremely rare, even by global standards. The area offers excellent photo opportunities with a clear view of the berthing facilities right in front of you.

6. 6

   Hiroshima

   40 min

   Return to Hiroshima City

7. 7

   Hiroshima

   Pass by

   Tour Ends I will drop you off at your preferred location in Hiroshima City. A Peace Park guided walk and a visit to the Peace Memorial Museum can be added only for ¥5,000. I will adjust the itinerary so that both locations can be visited. Please write your request when making your reservation. The ¥5,000 fee for the optional Peace Park and Museum visit is payable on the day of the tour.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.