The JS Akishio, a decommissioned Japanese submarine, is the centerpiece of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force museum in Kure, Japan. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes)
Learn about the history and mission of Japan’s contemporary navy as you explore three levels of exhibits and walk through a decommissioned submarine at a free museum near Hiroshima.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Museum opened on April 5, 2007, and is the only museum in Japan where you can board a real submarine. The JDS Akishio, commissioned in 1986, was in service until March 3, 2004.
The museum is in Kure city, by toll road a little over an hour by car from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. Tolls are $18 or so, round. Admission to the museum is free.
The museum doesn’t have any dedicated parking spots; however, there are several paid parking lots nearby. Free parking for motorcycles is available across the road from the museum.
The museum is English friendly and entirely self-paced, but it does have a set, one-way route for visitors to follow.
Naval weaponry on display at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force museum in Kure, Japan. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes)
The first level exhibits explore the history of Maritime Self-Defense Force in the city of Kure. The second level focuses on its minesweeping mission during Japan’s postwar era. The third level explores the history and technology of Japan’s submarines.
The highlight of the museum is stepping into a decommissioned submarine sited prominently in front of the museum. There are some interactive opportunities, such as looking through the periscope, while exploring the sub’s interior.
The 250-foot-long diesel-electric Akishio has been on display since 2007. It carried a crew of 75 and six torpedo tubes. On the surface, the sub was powered by its diesel engines; submerged, it moved via electric motor.
At the end of the tour route a gift shop sells a variety of Maritime Self-Defense Force collectible items and souvenirs. If you like collecting military memorabilia, this is the place for you.
Next to the gift shop is a café, I highly recommend ordering the submarine curry, which costs about $6.70. The rice is shaped into a submarine in a curry sauce with two meat patties topped with decorative rising sun flag.
The curry rice at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Museum in Kure, Japan, arrives in appropriately sculpted fashion. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes)
On the QT
Directions: An hour’s drive from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni via expressway. 5-32 Takaramachi, Kure, Hiroshima, Japan 737-0029.
Times: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Monday; closed Tuesday
Costs: Free
Food: Cafeteria with food and drink options
Information: Online: jmsdf-kure-museum.go.jp
