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JMSDF Kure Museum

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JMSDF Kure Museum

The only museum in Japan where you can explore the inside of a submarine used in the past.

4.18 3

Last update :
Head Editor : Kure City Tourism Promotion Division

A submarine “Akishio” fulfilled various missions from 1986 to 2004, opens to the public as a museum in JMSDF (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) Kure Museum which is called “Iron Whale Museum”. This is the only museum in Japan where you can explore the inside of a submarine used in the past.

As you enter the museum, on the first floor，you can learn about the history of Kure and JMSDF, which has developed as a “naval town” since the opening of the former naval town hall in Kure in 1889.
You can learn about the history of Japan, an island nation surrounded by the sea, from the postwar navy, which was engaged in minesweeping, to the establishment of the JMSDF.

On the 2nd floor, Minesweeping, which participates actively across the world, is explained. “Minesweeping”, which removes mines left at the bottom of the ocean, is one of the important missions for JMSDF. There are other various exhibits, including full-scale reproductions of real mines and part of the deck of a minesweeper.

As you go up to the 3rd floor, you can see various exhibits where you can learn about submarines, including a model of a submarine and a corner that reproduces the living space inside a submarine. The more you learn about submarines, the more you will be able to enjoy the inside of a submarine.

From the third-floor exhibition room, you can take a connecting path and finally go inside the submarine!
Inside the submarine Akishio, which has been preserved almost exactly as it was when it was still in service, you can see the space where the crew actually lived, and you can use two types of periscopes to look out over Kure bay.

The leaflets are available in 7 languages (English,　traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish and Portuguese) that about 90% of the world can follow.

Highlights

  • The only facility in Japan opening to the public the inside of the submarine which was once used to work in the past.
  • A chronological introduction to the history of Kure, which as developed as a “naval town”, and the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
  • The variety of exhibits introduce the “minesweeping” that protects the safety of the world’s oceans.
  • You can see the inside of the submarine Akishio, which has been preserved almost as it was when it was in service.
  • Leaflets in seven languages (English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, and Portuguese) are also available.

Photos

  • The huge submarine,“Akishio”, 76 meters in length and 9.9 meters in width. This is the only submarine in the world that ran on public roads to be installed here.

    The huge submarine,“Akishio”, 76 meters in length and 9.9 meters in width. This is the only submarine in the world that ran on public roads to be installed here.

  • On the 1st floor，the history of JMSDF from the establishment in 1889 to the current time are explained using the timeline and panel.

    On the 1st floor，the history of JMSDF from the establishment in 1889 to the current time are explained using the timeline and panel.

  • On the 2nd floor, the mine which actually was removed by Minesweeping is exhibited.

    On the 2nd floor, the mine which actually was removed by Minesweeping is exhibited.

  • An unmanned minesweeper with a face painted on it to ease the harshness of the mission. It is said that they are usually thrown away and only Japan brings them back.

    An unmanned minesweeper with a face painted on it to ease the harshness of the mission. It is said that they are usually thrown away and only Japan brings them back.

  • A cross-section of the submarine is shown to make it easier to understand how it works. After a thorough tour, you can go inside the submarine “Akishio”.

    A cross-section of the submarine is shown to make it easier to understand how it works. After a thorough tour, you can go inside the submarine “Akishio”.

  • The crews’ living area is surprisingly small. It is surprising that this is the only private space for them.

    The crews’ living area is surprisingly small. It is surprising that this is the only private space for them.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Can you provide services in foreign languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
＊Please denote if there are any foreign language pamphlets available.
A

In-person service is not available.
Written guidance via pamphlets is provided (English, French, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish). A QR code is displayed beside each exhibit for you to play English or Japanese guidance via your smartphone.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
A

Yes, it is.

Q

Is free WiFi available in the facility?
A

Not available.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Yes. (You need 100 yen to lock which will be returned when you open the locker)

Q

Is parking provided?
A

Parking is not provided.
Please use a nearby parking lot or public space.

Reviews

3

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • MEFEI WANG

    The museum has a huge collection of historical materials and artifacts related to the Japanese Navy, including a model of the battleship Yamato, various weapons, naval uniforms, and historical photos. These exhibits gave me a thorough understanding of the development of the Japanese Navy.

  • BoBo Chen

    I've never seen a submarine before! You can actually go inside and see what it's really like. The exhibits show the equipment and living spaces, and there are guides who explain everything on site.

  • Chun Liu

    The submarine model at the entrance really stands out. Admission to the museum is free, and there are detailed exhibits about torpedoes and underwater mine-clearing operations. You can even go inside the actual submarine to see its interior. It's right next to the Yamato Museum, so you can easily visit both in one trip.

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Details

Name in Japanese
海上自衛隊呉史料館（てつのくじら館）
Postal Code
737-0029
Address
5-32 Takaramachi, Kure City, Hiroshima
Telephone
0823-21-6111
Holiday
Closed On Tuesdays (If Tuesday Is A Public Holiday, Closed The Following Day)
[ Year-End And New Year Holidays ] December 29 – January 3
Hours
10:00am - 6:00pm (Admission allowed until 5:30pm)
Admission
Free
Ⅾirections
5-minute walk from Kure Station on the JR Kure Line
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)

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