Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture provides vacationers every part from an opportunity to step inside a Japanese submarine to eating like a naval officer
Set sail for Kure, a coastal gem in Hiroshima Prefecture with a wealthy naval heritage and breathtaking views of Japan’s Inland Sea. Step aboard the award-winning Sea Paseo ferry for a leisurely journey throughout glowing waters. Discover the JMSDF Kure Museum, partly housed in an actual submarine, which brings Japan’s maritime previous, current, and future to life. Because the solar units, take a singular battleship tour for an unforgettable view of the town aglow in opposition to the ocean.
For a style of custom, savor an genuine meal as soon as loved by sailors of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Enterprise past Kure to Etajima Island, dwelling to historic naval websites and scenic coastal trails or head to Saijo, one in all Japan’s most prestigious sake brewing cities. Stroll by its charming streets on a guided brewery tour, sampling award-winning sake and experiencing a centuries-old craft firsthand. Mitarai, a superbly preserved townscape on the fringe of a picturesque island chain, invitations you to loosen up and fall into the rhythm of island life.
Whether or not you’re drawn to naval historical past, breathtaking landscapes, conventional townscapes, or native flavors, Kure and its environment provide an unforgettable mix of tradition, historical past, and journey—simply ready to be explored.
Sail the Seto Inland Sea in fashion aboard the award-winning Sea Paseo
Expertise Japan’s breathtaking Seto Inland Sea aboard Sea Paseo, an award-winning ferry that turns journey right into a scenic journey. Greater than only a technique to get from Hiroshima to Matsuyama, this fashionable vessel provides a soothing cruise at an inexpensive value, with spacious luxurious recliners and onboard eating the place you’ll be able to savor a meal because the tranquil waters go by.
What really units Sea Paseo aside is its beautiful rooftop deck—designed like an open-air park, full with gazebo seating cubicles. Get pleasure from a espresso within the sea breeze as you absorb panoramic views of island-dotted waters, making each second of your journey as memorable because the vacation spot itself.
Conveniently departing from Hiroshima Port with stops within the historic naval city of Kure earlier than reaching Matsuyama, Sea Paseo provides a seamless and scenic different to the practice. With prestigious honors just like the 2020 Small Passenger Ship of the Yr and the 2019 Good Design Award, this ferry isn’t simply transportation—it’s an expertise you gained’t overlook.
JMSDF Kure Museum: Step inside Japan’s submarine historical past
Considered one of Kure’s most putting sights is the large Akishio submarine, fondly referred to as the “Iron Whale,” seemingly floating above the cityscape. This decommissioned vessel is the star attraction of the JMSDF Kure Museum, providing guests a uncommon probability to step inside an actual Japanese submarine and expertise firsthand what life is like beneath the waves.
Considered one of Kure’s most putting sights is the large Akishio submarine, fondly referred to as the “Iron Whale,” seemingly floating above the cityscape
Past the Akishio, the museum delves into the fascinating world of Japan’s Maritime Self-Protection Power (JMSDF), with displays on cutting-edge submarine know-how and the high-stakes mission of mine-clearing operations. Even many years after World Conflict II, JMSDF groups proceed the damaging however important work of eradicating underwater mines, making the seas safer for future generations.
The JMSDF Kure Museum is an eye-opening journey into naval innovation, maritime protection, and the unseen sacrifices that form Japan’s trendy waters, excellent for historical past buffs, engineering lovers, and curious vacationers.
Kure battleship tour and sundown cruise
Set sail on a one-of-a-kind cruise by Kure Bay, the place historical past and breathtaking surroundings come collectively for an unforgettable expertise. This distinctive tour provides an up-close have a look at the highly effective vessels of JMSDF as you glide previous escort ships, submarines, and naval amenities that showcase Kure’s deep maritime heritage.
Because the solar units over the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea, loosen up on deck and take within the beautiful view—the sky painted in shades of orange and gold, mountains silhouetted on the horizon. It’s the proper technique to finish a day exploring Kure, providing a captivating have a look at Japan’s trendy naval fleet and a peaceable escape into the great thing about the Inland Sea.
Dine like a naval officer at Satsuki-so
Kure’s naval historical past has strongly influenced its culinary heritage, which could be skilled at Satsuki-so by a eating expertise like no different. With over 100 years of historical past, this elegant restaurant has lengthy been a favourite of naval officers, serving dishes that seize the essence of the area’s seasonal flavors.
Step right into a superbly preserved setting and savor kaigun-gozen, a conventional multi-course banquet impressed by the meals as soon as loved by Japan’s Imperial Navy. Contemporary, domestically sourced elements take heart stage, making a feast that’s each refined and deeply rooted in Kure’s maritime previous.
Eating at Satsuki-so is greater than only a meal—it’s a journey by time, the place historical past, custom, and distinctive delicacies come collectively for an unforgettable expertise.
Discover the naval legacy and scenic great thing about Etajima Island
A brief cruise from Kure takes you to Etajima Island, the most important island in Hiroshima Bay, the place breathtaking coastal landscapes meet a wealthy naval heritage. On the coronary heart of the island stands the celebrated Etajima Naval Academy, ranked among the many world’s high three naval academies alongside the Annapolis within the US and the UK’s Dartmouth.
Step into historical past with a guided tour of this esteemed establishment, marveling at its grand structure and naval design. The Etajima Naval Academy Museum homes uncommon artifacts that provide a deeper look into Japan’s maritime previous—a lot of which may solely be seen right here.
On the coronary heart of the island stands the celebrated Etajima Naval Academy, ranked among the many world’s high three naval academies alongside the Annapolis within the US and the UK’s Dartmouth
Past its historic significance, Etajima’s serene shoreline and luxurious surroundings make it an ideal escape for these looking for each cultural depth and pure magnificence. Whether or not you’re a historical past fanatic or just in search of a singular off-the-beaten-path expertise, Etajima Island provides an unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s naval custom and beautiful island landscapes.
Sake tasting tour within the birthplace of premium daiginjo sake
Only a quick journey from Kure, Saijo is a must-visit vacation spot for sake lovers. Saijo is taken into account one in all Japan’s high three sake brewing districts and the birthplace of premium daiginjo sake. The numerous breweries clustered in its compact brewing district are among the many nation’s most famed breweries, the place centuries-old traditions meet masterful craftsmanship.
On this immersive guided tour, stroll by charming streets lined with white-walled breweries, every providing a singular tackle Hiroshima’s signature brewing fashion. Go to as much as seven sake breweries, tasting a various vary of award-winning varieties whereas studying the secrets and techniques behind their wealthy, advanced flavors from native specialists.
Whether or not you’re a seasoned sake fanatic or a curious first-timer, Saijo provides an unforgettable expertise—mixing historical past, tradition, and world-class sake in one in all Japan’s most celebrated brewing areas.
You can apply to hitch the tour by way of this hyperlink.
Journey again in time in Mitarai: A hidden port city of the Seto Inland Sea
On the fringe of the Tobishima chain of islands, the superbly preserved port city of Mitarai provides a uncommon glimpse into the life and tradition of the Seto Inland Sea of the previous. Designated as an Vital Preservation District for Teams of Conventional Buildings, this charming city flourished as a bustling port for commerce and vacationers in the course of the Edo interval (1603-1868). At the moment, it stays a residing museum of Japan’s wealthy coastal heritage.
Wander by slim stone-paved streets lined with historic tea homes, wood inns, and chic service provider properties, evoking nostalgia for a bygone period. Alongside the way in which, you’ll uncover classic signboards, old style mailboxes, and hidden shrines that inform the story of Mitarai’s seafaring previous. The peaceable waterfront, as soon as a full of life cease for sailors, now invitations guests to decelerate and take within the serene great thing about the Seto Inland Sea.
Whether or not you’re a historical past lover or just in search of an off-the-beaten-path retreat, Mitarai guarantees an unforgettable journey into Japan’s timeless coastal tradition.