Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines in Hiroshima, Japan
Hiroshima, Japan

Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines

Outty Ranking 67 5.0 · 4 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $155
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Outty Ranking

67/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines worth booking?

Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines is a 9-hour experience in Hiroshima, Japan, from $155 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
67 / 100
Rating
5/5 (4)
Duration
9 hours
From
$155 per person

Not far from Hiroshima city lies the historic naval port town of Kure. Before and during World War II, this city became the largest military port in East Japan. It Is known as one of the greatest shipbuilding cities in the world, and it is where the largest battleship of all time, Yamato, was constructed. Kure is also currently home to one of the major bases of the Japanese Navy. Join this 1-Day Kure tour to enjoy a mini-cruise ride on the Kure Bay area, learn about the role of the Japanese Navy during and after the war, and understand the key role this city played in the modernization of Japan. Guests will also have the unique opportunity to walk inside a decommissioned submarine and view the inside of the former residence of the Kure Naval Station Commander-in-Chief. This tour is a must for ship and history enthusiasts! There is no better place to visit if you wish to get a first-hand experience of Japan’s naval technology.

What you get

    About this experience

    Not far from Hiroshima city lies the historic naval port town of Kure. Before and during World War II, this city became the largest military port in East Japan. It Is known as one of the greatest shipbuilding cities in the world, and it is where the largest battleship of all time, Yamato, was constructed. Kure is also currently home to one of the major bases of the Japanese Navy. Join this 1-Day Kure tour to enjoy a mini-cruise ride on the Kure Bay area, learn about the role of the Japanese Navy during and after the war, and understand the key role this city played in the modernization of Japan. Guests will also have the unique opportunity to walk inside a decommissioned submarine and view the inside of the former residence of the Kure Naval Station Commander-in-Chief. This tour is a must for ship and history enthusiasts! There is no better place to visit if you wish to get a first-hand experience of Japan’s naval technology.

    What's included

    Included

    • English speaking guide
    • Transportation to/from activities (public transport)
    • Entry fees at all tour locations

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Accommodation
    • Transportation to meeting point

    What you'll see and do

    1. Yamato Museum

      You will visit the Yamato Museum, where your guide will walk you through the exhibits, providing context and explanations about Japan's Navy and Kure's Naval Base. You will also have the opportunity to admire the one-tenth scale model of the battleship Yamato, the largest battleship ever constructed. *NOTE - The Yamato Museum is currently undergoing renovations until March 2026. Due to this, you will be visiting a temporary exhibit titled the "Yamato Museum Satellite" instead. While you will have access to the same type of information, the one-tenth scale model of the battleship Yamato is not viewable at the moment. Instead, you will be able to observe a 1:100 scale model of the Yamato, as well as a full-scale model of the Type Zero Observation Seaplane (Mitsubishi F1M).*

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    2. JMSDF Kure Museum

      We will tour the JSMDF Museum where you will have the unique experience of stepping inside of a real decommissioned submarine

      50 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Kure City Irifuneyama Memorial Hall

      We will tour the Irifuneyama Memorial Museum, where we will enter the former official residence of the Kure Naval Station Commander-in-Chief. This home is a stunning example of the beautiful and unique architecture that developed in Japan during the Meiji era.

      55 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Hiroshima

    The meetup point is under the Tourist Information sign outside the Shinkansen gates. If arriving via Shinkansen, the sign will be located to your left as you exit the gates. At Hiroshima Station, follow signs for the Shinkansen Gate. Your guide will be holding a sign.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The meetup point is under the Tourist Information sign outside the Shinkansen gates. If arriving via Shinkansen, the sign will be located to your left as you exit the gates. At Hiroshima Station, follow signs for the Shinkansen Gate. Your guide will be holding a sign.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Tour Availability Disclaimer: All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.

    Photos

    Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines in Hiroshima, photo 2Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines in Hiroshima, photo 3Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines in Hiroshima, photo 4Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines in Hiroshima, photo 5Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines in Hiroshima, photo 6Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines in Hiroshima, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Physical effort

    1 mention

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
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    3 star
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    2 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    davidmF9891GI · August 2026

    Military history tour

    our tour guide Koh was so helpful and the tour was so interesting. It seems like there's not a lot of places in Japan where you can see a lot of Japan's WW2 military history on display, but this is a good tour if you want to learn more about this.

    via Tripadvisor

    R6496ARbrucea · September 2025

    Excellent day if you want to get a closer look at the Japanese JMSDF

    Isabelle and Koh were very knowledgeable hosts with excellent English. Unfortunately when we went, the main Yamato museum was closed for renovations, but we took in many other sights. The port tour around the ships is well worth doing. Be prepared for lots of walking as it is a full day that takes in a lot of the Kure Harbour area.

    via Tripadvisor

    Norman_F · September 2025

    I had a wonderful time...

    I had a wonderful time with guide making arrangement to meet at Hiroshima train station from which we caught a commuter train to naval base for a boat cruise getting close to ships and subs and learning about its history, afterwards walking to museums, through a decommissioned submarine, commander’s base quarters, and hill top view of facility and shipyard. Anyone who enjoys naval history should take this tour. Very informative, and great way to spend the day.

    via Viator

    paulaP4201VG · June 2025

    Kure Yamato tour

    Great day out. Isabel was a super friendly and informative guide. We would be happy to do another tour around Hiroshima with her.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    $155 to $23,800
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.), who run 124 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.8 and 2 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.) runs

    Why this scores 67

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)94
    Review evidence (18% weight)25
    Booking momentum (14% weight)13
    Value for money (12% weight)97
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hiroshima.

    How much does Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines cost?

    +

    Prices start at $155 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hiroshima usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines take?

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    Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hiroshima is not rushed.

    Is Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hiroshima, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines?

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    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hiroshima can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hiroshima and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hiroshima within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Hiroshima?

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    On Outty we rank every Hiroshima experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Peaceful Hiroshima & Miyajima UNESCO 1 Day Bus Tour, Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites, Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Trip with Itsukushima Shrine & Ferry. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Hiroshima?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Hiroshima?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines?

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    Included: English speaking guide; Transportation to/from activities (public transport); and Entry fees at all tour locations. Not included: Lunch; Accommodation; and Transportation to meeting point. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines?

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    The meetup point is under the Tourist Information sign outside the Shinkansen gates. If arriving via Shinkansen, the sign will be located to your left as you exit the gates. At Hiroshima Station. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Hiroshima. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Day Tour Explore Port City Kure Cruise Battleships and Submarines?

    +

    Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

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