Kure Ship Tour

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Kure Ship Tour

This is a tour of the ships that dock at the Kure base of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, where you can approach them from the sea.

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The "Kure Bay Ship Tour" is a scenic cruise around the Kure base of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, with four to five regular cruises a day and an evening Kure cruise before sunset. The 35-minute cruise is popular for its ability to get very close to Maritime Self-Defense Force submarines and destroyers docked at the base.

After completing the registration at the Kure Central Pier Terminal, the gateway to the sea of Kure, we went to the sightseeing boat. The windows on the ship are good enough for viewing, but we recommend the open deck on the roof. The rooftop deck is an unobstructed open space where you can enjoy the scenery of the sea as the ships dock.

Departing from the Kure Central Pier, the cruise ship will pass ships under construction or repair in the docks of the shipyard and the remains of the secretly built Battleship Yamato dock before arriving near the Kure base of the Maritime Self-Defense Force under the guidance of a guide. The type of ships that dock at the base varies depending on the time of year, but this is a rare chance to see submarines, destroyers, and transports up close from the sea. If your timing is right, the Self-Defense Force officers working on the ship may even wave to you! The guide will tell you the best spots to take your shots, so be sure not to miss any.

Visiting the ships during the day is also recommended, but the best time to go is before sunset on the "Evening Kure Cruise". The ships standing against the setting sun is a beautiful sight that lasts only a moment. You can also watch the ceremony where the flag of the Self-Defense Force is lowered with a bugle call, which is a special feature of the evening Kure cruise!

After the ship tour, it is a good idea to see from the Alley-Karasukojima what you saw from sea.

Highlights

  • This is a 35-minute sightseeing cruise where you can see the ships of the Maritime Self-Defense Force up close from the sea.
  • You can also see ships under construction in Kure and the remains of the dock where the battleship Yamato was manufactured.
  • There are four regular cruises a day (five on weekends and holidays) and the "Evening Kure Cruise" before sunset.
  • The guide will tell you where to take pictures, so listen carefully.
  • On the Evening Kure Cruise, you can watch the flag of the Self-Defense Force being lowered.

Photos

  • Kure Ship Tour Cruise

    Kure Ship Tour Cruise

  • The guide's detailed explanation is great!

    The guide's detailed explanation is great!

  • The Self-Defense Forces ships up close are a sight to behold!

    The Self-Defense Forces ships up close are a sight to behold!

  • The "Evening Kure Cruise" is a once-a-day special service (reservations are required at least two days in advance).

    The "Evening Kure Cruise" is a once-a-day special service (reservations are required at least two days in advance).

  • Only on the "Evening Kure Cruise" can you see the Self-Defense Forces flag drop!

    Only on the "Evening Kure Cruise" can you see the Self-Defense Forces flag drop!

  • At the reception desk of the ship tour, there are also goods for sale, so stop by to look for souvenirs!

    At the reception desk of the ship tour, there are also goods for sale, so stop by to look for souvenirs!

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 language support is not available. Foreign language pamphlets are not provided.

Q

Is there free Wi-Fi available to use?

A

There is Wi-Fi available at the Kure Central Pier Terminal

Q

Are there coin lockers available?

A

On the 1st floor of Kure Central Pier Terminal

Q

Are reservations required?

A

The Night Kure Cruise requires a reservation two-days in advance.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
呉艦船めぐり
Postal Code
737-0029
Address
Kure Central Pier Terminal 1F, 4-4 Takaramachi, Kure City, Hiroshima
Telephone
082-251-4354
Holidays
Tuesdays (operates on national holidays), in case of inclement weather
Hours
Four regular cruises a day from 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm (also from 12pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays), and the evening Kure cruise departs 15 minutes before sunset (reservations required at least two days in advance).
Admission
Boarding fee: 1,500 yen
Directions
5-minute walk from Kure Station on the JR Kure Line
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Related Website (English)