About Yamato Museum
– Passing on history, carrying forward craftsmanship–
Kure flourished as the naval port where the battleship “Yamato” was built and as the city that hosted Japan’s largest naval arsenal. After the war, it played a key role in Japan’s rise as the world’s leading shipbuilding nation, constructing many of the world’s largest tankers.
The “History of Kure” is, in essence, the story of Japan’s modernization since the Meiji era. This museum introduces the history of manufacturing in Kure—an industry that supported Japan’s modernization—and the excellence of the science and technology that formed its foundation and continues today, while also highlighting the efforts of those who came before us and the lifestyles and culture of the time.
Visitor Guide
Opening Hours
- Exhibition room:9:00～18:00（Last admission17:30）
- Museum Shop:9:00～18:00
- Library（4F）:9:00～17:00
Closed
- Tuesday (If Tuesday is a national holiday, the next non-holiday will be a closing day.)
- Open every day from April 29 to May 5, from July 21 to August 31, and from December 29 to January 3
- The facility may close in the event of a disaster or other emergency. Any temporary closure will be announced on the official website.
- Please check the opening-day calendar for details.
Permanent Exhibition Admission Fee
| Division | Non-Kure residents | Kure residents |
|---|
| Individual Fee | Group Fee（20 people or more ） | Individual Fee | Group Fee（20 people or more ） |
|---|
| Adults（includes college students） | JPY 1,000 | JPY 800 | JPY 500 | JPY 400 |
|---|
| High School Students | JPY 300 | JPY 200 | JPY 0 | JPY 0 |
|---|
| Elementary & Jr.High School Students | JPY 200 | JPY 100 | JPY 0 | JPY 0 |
|---|
※Preschool children: free
※Kure City residents will have their address verified with their Individual Number Card, driver’s license, or similar identification at the time of purchase.
※For discounts on admission to the permanent exhibition, please refer to the page “Regarding Reductions and Exemptions for Admission or Usage Fees.”
Group guests
For group visits, once your date and number of participants are confirmed, please contact us through the group reservation form at least three days before your visit.
Floor Guide
1F
Yamato Hiroba
The 1/10-scale battleship “Yamato”, measuring 26.3 meters in total length, has been recreated in as much detail as possible based on blueprints, photographs, and underwater footage from submarine surveys.
History of Kure
Introducing the history of Kure, a city that developed alongside the former Navy and the naval arsenal since the opening of the Kure Naval District. Exhibits include the “Yarrow-type boiler” installed on the battleship “Kongō”, as well as ship and aircraft models.
History of Kure / Battleship “Yamato”
From the planning and construction of the battleship “Yamato” to the technologies behind it, this exhibit also presents the life of the battleship “Yamato” and the people who served aboard her.
Large Objects Exhibition Room
Using real preserved materials—such as the Type 62 Zero Carrier Fighter and the “Kaiten” Type 10 (prototype) manned torpedo—we convey the tragedy of war and the importance of peace.
2F
3F
Science and Technology Exhibition Room
Based on the history of Kure as a center of manufacturing, this exhibition presents related original materials from the Kure Naval Arsenal and the Hiro Naval Arsenal, focusing on learning about the technologies cultivated there, the technologies passed down to the present day, and the newly added technologies.
Multi purpose hall
This hall can be used for a wide range of purposes, including exhibitions, lectures, and medium-sized conferences.
4F
Library
In addition to viewing materials related to ships and history, you can also access photographs and drawings from the Yamato Museum collection through a computer database search. A paid printing service is also available for printing collection photographs, drawings, and other materials.
Viewing Terrace
From the 4th-floor terrace, you can enjoy a full view of Kure Port. The landscape includes the former dock where the battleship “Yamato” was built, massive tankers, and the many ships passing through—one of the most iconic views of Kure. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a submarine in transit.
Outdoor Exhibition
Former Naval Arsenal Large Lathe Unit No. 15299
This machinery was imported from Germany by the former Imperial Japanese Navy to manufacture the gun barrels and related components for the main batteries—among the largest in the world—mounted on the Yamato-class battleships. Outdoor exhibition began in 2023 (Reiwa 5).
Salvaged Items from the Battleship “Mutsu”
Recovered artifacts such as the main gun barrel, propeller, and rudder of the battleship “Mutsu” are displayed in Brick Park, which stretches out in front of the Yamato Museum.
Museum Shop(Outside the building)
In front of the entrance outside the building is the “Museum Shop Yamato,” which offers a selection of items related to the battleship “Yamato”, including books and models, as well as exhibition-related goods and sweets unique to Kure. It also includes the ticket counter for the Yamato Museum and a nearby tourist information corner, serving truly as the “gateway” to the Yamato Museum.
Access
Address
5-20 Takaramachi, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, 737-0029
TEL 0823-25-3017 FAX 0823-23-7400
When using JR (Shinkansen/Trains)
When using route buses from Peace Memorial Park or Hiroshima Airport
When traveling by car
When using ferries, etc.
Opening Calendar
Yamato Museum Satellite
Yamato Museum (After Renewal)
Contact Us
Contact Form
