Culture
Yamato Maritime Museum in Kure
JJ WalshImpressive modern museum depicting wartime culture and the technological advances of the Japanese navy in Kure during WWII
The Yamato Museum is the nickname of the Kure Maritime Museum in Kure, Hiroshima. The Kure Naval Base was established in 1889 and the Kure Naval Shipyard opened in 1903. The famous battleship Yamato was also built here.
Closed for renovation until April 22nd 2026 — a satellite facility at Viewport Kure remains open during the interim.
After World War II, technologies that were cultivated in the pre-war era were combined with later developments, resulting in Kure becoming one of the leading cities in the naval industry. Kure was also a place where many of the largest tankers in the world were built.
A 1:10 scale model of the battleship "Yamato" is exhibited inside the museum. It has been duplicated as closely as possible based on original drawings, photos and underwater images made through underwater surveys.
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Impressive modern museum depicting wartime culture and the technological advances of the Japanese navy in Kure during WWII
Yamato, the biggest battleship ever built, was sunk by American aircraft during the suicide operation Ten-Go. Kure's Maritime Musem shows the story behind the ship.
The Kure Fireworks Festival takes place every August by the city port. Spectators here will enjoy an hour of pyrotechnics over the ocean.
Kaigun-san no Mugishu-kan is a restaurant near the Yamato museum serving excellent beer brewed locally.