Kure Ship Tour

The "Kure Bay Ship Tour" is a scenic cruise around the Kure base of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, with four to five regular cruises a day and an evening Kure cruise before sunset. The 35-minute cruise is popular for its ability to get very close to Maritime Self-Defense Force submarines and destroyers docked at the base.

After completing the registration at the Kure Central Pier Terminal, the gateway to the sea of Kure, we went to the sightseeing boat. The windows on the ship are good enough for viewing, but we recommend the open deck on the roof. The rooftop deck is an unobstructed open space where you can enjoy the scenery of the sea as the ships dock.

Departing from the Kure Central Pier, the cruise ship will pass ships under construction or repair in the docks of the shipyard and the remains of the secretly built Battleship Yamato dock before arriving near the Kure base of the Maritime Self-Defense Force under the guidance of a guide. The type of ships that dock at the base varies depending on the time of year, but this is a rare chance to see submarines, destroyers, and transports up close from the sea. If your timing is right, the Self-Defense Force officers working on the ship may even wave to you! The guide will tell you the best spots to take your shots, so be sure not to miss any.

Visiting the ships during the day is also recommended, but the best time to go is before sunset on the "Evening Kure Cruise". The ships standing against the setting sun is a beautiful sight that lasts only a moment. You can also watch the ceremony where the flag of the Self-Defense Force is lowered with a bugle call, which is a special feature of the evening Kure cruise!

After the ship tour, it is a good idea to see from the Alley-Karasukojima what you saw from sea.