JMSDF Kure Museum

The JMSDF Kure Museum, affectionately known as the "Tetsu no Kujira-kan" (Iron Whale Museum), is a museum where you can learn about submarines and mine-countermeasure vessels used to remove sea mines. In addition to introducing the history of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force through various materials, it also explains Kure City’s ties with the JMSDF as a city that developed through shipbuilding.
The main highlight is the submarine "Akishio," which was actually used by the JMSDF. The real vessel on display is 76 meters long and weighs about 2,200 tons, and visitors can even board it. The museum shop sells original goods, Kure souvenirs, and JMSDF-themed items such as unit identification caps and JMSDF pins. The café also serves the specialty "Akishio Curry," certified by the submarine’s 10th commanding officer. Access to the museum is a 5-minute walk from JR Kure Station. By bus, get off at "Yume Town / Yamato Museum-mae" and walk 1 minute. By boat, it is a 3-minute walk from Kure Chūō Pier. Paid parking is also available for private cars.