Hiroshima is of course known as the first city to ever suffer the effects of an atomic weapon. The iconic “Hiroshima Dome” is one of the most recognized images in the world. One reason Hiroshima was a target was that it was a major naval and shipbuilding hub for Imperial Japan. The nearby town of Kure was the site of more Japanese naval shipbuilding than any other in Japan. So during your visit to Hiroshima, if you have an interest in history, especially naval history, I recommend visiting Kure.
There are two museums of note in Kure and neither are duplicated anywhere else in Japan. The first is the Yamato Maritime Museum. This is a modern museum on the waterfront that showcases the history of the largest battleship ever built by any nation, the Yamato. Inside the museum you’ll see a 1/10 scale detailed model of the great ship and learn about its history as well as that of Kure’s roll in Japanese maritime history. There are numerous exhibits including a Japanese Zero aircraft and midget submarine. Periodically there are special exhibits such as the one we saw on the aircraft carriers of Japan.
The other museum is the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Museum, also known as “The Whale Museum”, only this museum has nothing to do with the largest air breathing creature on Earth. The “whale” is the Japanese submarine Akishio which was a hunter/killer submarine that served as recently as 2004. It stands majestically in a cradle outside the museum. There is no way you can miss it. This is perhaps the only place in the world where you can see an entire modern era submarine from every angle. After touring the main exhibits of the museum, you can take a self-guided tour of one of the decks of the submarine.
Once inside the main building there are several floors of exhibits detailing history of Japan’s maritime defense including mine laying and counter mining operations. Of course it features numerous models and displays pertaining to submarine operations. It is an exceptionally well done museum, and as an added bonus, it is free!
Kure is about a 35 minute local train ride from Hiroshima Station. So when you come to Hiroshima, take some extra time and discover this hidden gem of Hiroshima which very few western visitors will ever see. Its well worth it. And if your significant other does not necessarily care for naval history, there is a four story shopping mall next door ready to take some of your yen.
