About Kure City
Kure City is a port town located within an hour's drive of Hiroshima City and Miyajima.
Embark on a journey through the Seto Inland Sea, where you'll encounter the sea, islands, and history.
Kure is a town that has developed while being embraced by the calm Seto Inland Sea. The blue sea has shaped the town's way of life and culture, and has supported the shipbuilding and steel industries. For this town, the sea is not merely a landscape, but is deeply rooted in the lives, history, and hopes for the future of its people. The name "Blue Land Kure" perfectly symbolizes Kure's way of life in harmony with the blue sea. This naming reflects the desire for visitors to Kure to experience not only its image as a port town, but also the charm of a "miniature garden" that includes the simple and beautiful scenery of its islands, as well as its history, culture, and people.
The history and food of a simple yet stylish port town.
Embark on an exciting journey through retro townscapes and the tranquil atmosphere of island life.
Embark on an exciting journey through retro townscapes and the tranquil atmosphere of island life.
The pride of Kure as a shipbuilding town that built the battleship Yamato lives on today in places like the Yamato Museum and the Iron Whale Museum. On the other hand, just a short distance away you'll find breathtaking scenery like the Tobishima Kaido and Kurahashi Island, and the townscape of Mitarai that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, where time seems to slow down. Why not enjoy a journey into the depths of Kure?
Setouchi Sea
Kure, which faces the calm Seto Inland Sea, offers a variety of sea activities. Swimming and camping are also recommended in the summer. If you're lucky, you may be able to see a finless porpoise while sea kayaking. If you take a leisurely stroll through the fishing port town while listening to the sound of the waves, a fisherman may talk to you in a friendly manner. On the sightseeing cruise ship "SEA SPICA" and the "Kure Bay Naval Ship Tour", you can see the nostalgic townscape of Kure from the sea side. You can also enjoy the beauty of the many islands from the window of the sightseeing train etSETOra. Don't miss out on the seafood gourmet that is unique to this seaside town.
A day trip around the Setouchi region on the luxury tourist train "etSETOra" and the cruise ship "SEA SPICA"
A former naval port town
Before the war, Kure flourished as the largest military port in the East, producing the Yamato battleship. After the war, it played a major role in Japan's modernization and postwar reconstruction as one of the leading industrial cities in the Seto Inland Sea, as seen in the construction of the world's largest tanker. There are many facilities and museums related to the former military port, including the first outdoor exhibition of a real submarine in Japan at the Iron Whale Museum, the first time that a real submarine is exhibited outdoors at the Alley Karasukojima, and you can see the Maritime Self-Defense Force's submarines and escort ships actually lowering anchors at the Irifuneyama Memorial Hall, where you can learn about the history of Kure, which once flourished as a military port. Why not experience the whole of Kure, a town that still retains the atmosphere of a former military port that has been certified as a Japan Heritage site? *Japan Heritage sites are sites that are recognized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as "Japan Heritage sites" that tell the story of our country's culture and traditions through the historical charm and characteristics of the region. It has been certified as "Naval Base Yokosuka, Kure, Sasebo, and Maizuru - A town where you can experience the dynamism of Japan's modernization."
If you're not sure what to do, try this classic Kure itinerary!
Trekking with breathtaking views from the mountains
Kure has a strong impression of the sea, but there is a theory that the name "Kure" comes from "nine peaks (kyurei)". Kure has many mountains that are perfect for trekking and trail running! Noro Mountain is popular not only with hikers but also with general tourists, and is a scenic mountain where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, a highland summer resort in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn. Other mountains include Haigamine, which is famous for its beautiful night view overlooking the port town in Kure city, and a volcano in the Kurahashi area. The Seto Inland Sea sunset seen from the summit is sure to be an unforgettable memory. Why not try mountain climbing while feeling the Seto Inland Sea sea breeze?
Photogenic spots that will make you want to take pictures
Cycling across 7 islands and bridges
How about taking a scenic bike tour around the Setouchi region on a cycling road that connects six islands in Kure City and one island in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, with seven bridges? Beautiful beaches, Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings, hot springs, cycling stations, and more are scattered along the road. You can choose a course that suits your level, from a course along the gentle coastline to a course with ups and downs that is unique to the islands.
A girls cycling trip from the Akinada Tobishima Kaido to the Shimanami Kaido
Enjoy Kure's local cuisine
Kure has a wealth of gourmet foods to satisfy your stomach and your heart, such as Kure Navy gourmet food handed down from the former Imperial Japanese Navy, seafood gourmet food brought by the rich sea, juicy citrus fruits grown in the warm climate of the Seto Inland Sea, fine sake made from the underground water and fertile soil of the Chugoku Mountains, Kureyaki, a stir-fried thin udon noodles loved by shipwrights as a quick meal, Igamochi, a seasonal autumn dish eaten at the city's autumn festival, and Kure Hiyashi Noodles, an unusual dish made with chicken broth and packed with the umami flavors of chili peppers and sesame.
If you come to Kure, try these! A list of Kure's specialties
The sea and historical romance
During the Edo period, Mitarai district flourished as a port town where Kitamae ships would stop to wait for the tide or the wind. It is filled with a nostalgic atmosphere, with a mixture of large and small merchant houses, tea houses, boat lodges, houses, shrines, and temples, all of which still retain their appearance from that time. In 1994, it was designated as a national important preservation district for groups of buildings. At Shotoen Garden, where you can see the borrowed scenery of the rapid tides of Sannose Seto and magnificent pine trees, you can see valuable historical materials registered as "UNESCO's Memory of the World Heritage Sites". *Japan Heritage is a story that tells the culture and traditions of Japan through the historical charm and characteristics of the region, and is recognized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as "Japan Heritage". Mitarai district has been recognized as "another space woven by the dreams of men who crossed the rough seas - a port of call for Kitamae ships and a shipowner's village".
Kure City Japan Heritage: A unique space woven by the dreams of men who crossed the rough seas - A port of call for Kitamaebune ships and a shipowners' village
Filming locations of famous works
Kure City has been chosen as a location for many movies and dramas. The scenery of Kure has been a highlight of not only movies featuring the Imperial Navy, but also stories set in the Seto Inland Sea. The beauty of Kure City was shown to the world in "Drive My Car," which won the 79th Golden Globe Award. Why not take a camera or smartphone and see the scenes you've seen on the screen with your own eyes?
A pilgrimage to filming locations in Kure City
Nighttime cityscape and accommodation
As the sun sets, the lush Setouchi atmosphere changes completely. The sky has a pale gradation of colors, and the contrast between the gentle orange and darkness is a sight to behold. Even those rushing home stop in their tracks at dusk. As night falls, lights and laughter begin to ring out from bars here and there. After savoring some fine local sake and delicious food, why not enjoy the night view from Haigamine, one of Japan's 100 best night views, or the beautiful stars from Kamagari Astronomical Observatory? We also recommend staying in a seaside condominium while listening to the sound of the rippling waves.
Stay overnight and experience! Enjoy the nightlife of Kure
Kure Shopping
For your precious family, friends, and yourself. Why not bring back some fun memories from your trip to Kure? Kure-grown vegetables and fruits, stylish and cute sweets that can only be found in Kure, as well as unusual naval goods and local sake are standard Kure souvenirs. If you're having trouble deciding what to buy, be sure to check out this article before you set off on your trip.
Experiences unique to Kure
Want to try something a little different? Then we recommend you try making salt from Setouchi seawater. Using seaweed (Hagawara) soaked in seawater and earthenware, the ancient salt-making method of concentrating seawater makes seaweed salt, which is perfect as a souvenir. Why not try the thrill of making something that takes time and effort?
Seaweed salt making experience / Ancient salt-making ruins reconstruction exhibition hall
