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Alley Karasukojima

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Alley Karasukojima

One of the few parks in the world where visitors can see submarines up close.

3.25 5

Last update :
Supervised by :  Kure City Tourism Promotion Division

This park is one of the component sites of the Japan Heritage story “Four Dynamic Coastal Cities: Yokosuka, Kure, Sasebo, Maizuru—Centers of Japanese Modernization” and offers a glimpse into Kure’s history as a thriving naval port. It is known as one of the few places in the world where visitors can see submarines up close. The Kure Naval District headquarters opened in 1889, and the Kure Naval Arsenal was established in 1903, where battleships and other vessels were built. The Yamato, once hailed as the world’s largest battleship, is also said to have been built nearby in strict secrecy.

The area has since been developed into a park where visitors can get an up-close view of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarines and escort ships at anchor. A crane once used to load and unload torpedoes when the area was a military port has been preserved in the park as a monument. On the hillside behind the park stand brick buildings from the former Kure Naval Arsenal, creating a historic streetscape to explore.

Highlights

  • One of the few places in the world where submarines can be seen up close.
  • A park offering a glimpse into Kure’s history as a thriving naval port.
  • Panoramic views of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarines and escort ships.
  • A surviving wartime crane once used to load torpedoes is displayed as a monument.

Photos

  • The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force escort ships and submarines at anchor vary from day to day, offering a different view with every visit

    The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force escort ships and submarines at anchor vary from day to day, offering a different view with every visit

  • The area extending into the water beside the submarine pier is an ideal photo spot!

    The area extending into the water beside the submarine pier is an ideal photo spot!

  • A crane that was used to load and unload torpedoes during World War II

    A crane that was used to load and unload torpedoes during World War II

  • The number of submarines varies from day to day

    The number of submarines varies from day to day

  • The streetscape lined with brick buildings also makes a striking backdrop for photos

    The streetscape lined with brick buildings also makes a striking backdrop for photos

  • A waterfront promenade

    A waterfront promenade

  • Don’t miss the impressive nighttime views

    Don’t miss the impressive nighttime views

Official FAQs

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

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

No.

Q

Are there any coin-operated lockers nearby?
A

Coin-operated lockers are available at Kure Station and Kure Port, about a 10-minute drive away.

Q

Are there restrooms nearby?
A

Public restrooms are available.

Reviews

5

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    When visiting Kure, besides touring the naval port and maritime attractions, I also highly recommend taking a walk along Alley Karasukojima. As you walk along the coast, you can enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding islands, and the sea breeze feels especially pleasant. The path preserves its natural scenery, and it’s also a rare opportunity to see submarines up close.

  • mizutama_renga
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    This is a must-visit spot in the port town of Kure. The submarines and ships docked here change depending on the season, so there’s always something new to see every time you visit! I was lucky to catch quite a few during my trip.

  • Valiant Wang
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    You can see battleships and submarines right in front of you—it's really eye-catching!

  • Emily Wang
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    This is the only park in Japan where you can get up close and observe submarines.

  • 傅玉芬
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    This place is super impressive. It was my first time seeing a submarine!

Details

Name in Japanese
アレイからすこじま
Postal Code
737-0027
Address
8 Showa-cho, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Phone
0823-23-7845 (Kure Tourist Information Center)
Closed on
Open year-round
Hours
Open 24 hours
Admission
Free
Access
From Kure Station on the JR Kure Line, take a Hiroden Bus for 10 minutes and get off at Sensuitai-mae; the park is a short walk from the bus stop
Related Website
Related Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa