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Offered languages
- English
Trace the timeline from Japan’s wartime past to Hiroshima’s devastation, and uncover why this city became the site of the world’s first atomic bombing.
This private car tour for up to three guests takes you to the Yamato Museum in Kure, a historic city that served as a major base of the former Imperial Navy. At the museum, you will learn how Japan moved toward war and how ordinary people were drawn into it—through engineering, industry, and personal stories. The 1/10‑scale Yamato, the largest battleship ever built, and the authentic Zero fighter make this history feel real.
For lunch, enjoy either the famous JMSDF curry or Kure’s local specialties.
This comfortable door‑to‑door tour ends at your preferred location in Hiroshima City, such as your hotel, Peace Park, or Shukkeien Garden.
Your Guide:
I am a U.S. university graduate and a Hiroshima‑licensed guide who has led more than 200 tours. I will drive and guide you throughout the day. I look forward to seeing you soon.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meeting Time:
Your preferred meeting time
Meeting Place:
Your hotel in Hiroshima City
Please enter the hotel name if it’s not listed, as I can pick you up from any hotel.
Ideal sea excursion for cruise passengers docking at Ujina Cruise Port — a perfect location to access Kure City. Although this tour is primarily designed for guests arriving at the Ujina Cruise Port, Hiroshima has two cruise terminals, and many guests are not sure which one their ship will use. If I learn after booking that your ship will dock at Itsukaichi Port instead, I will still come to pick you up there. Please note that in that case, the time available in Kure will be slightly shorter.
Pickup type : car
This tour uses my Mazda Flair Wagon, which is a Japanese “Kei car.” A “Kei car” is a uniquely Japanese type of compact vehicle. The word “Kei” comes from the Japanese term keijidōsha (軽自動車), and does not refer to the English letter “K.”
These cars are designed specifically for Japan’s roads and regulations, so you will hardly see them outside the country. They have become increasingly popular in Japan in recent years because of their efficiency, convenience, and the comfortable interior space they offer.
Itinerary
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1Hiroshima
*Pick‑up: Your preferred location within Hiroshima City. From there, we will drive for approximately 40 minutes to Kure City *Ideal sea excursion for cruise passengers docking at Ujina Cruise Port — a perfect location to access Kure City and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Pickup from Itsukaichi Port is not available due to the long distance from Kure.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Yamato Museum
The spaceship in the anime Space Battleship Yamato (also known as Star Blazers) is inspired by and modeled after the real battleship Yamato. At the Yamato Museum, you can learn about the history of Kure, Japan’s former naval base, and see the impressive 1/10‑scale model of the battleship Yamato along with many historical exhibits.
1 hour 40 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3
JMSDF Kure Museum (Submarine Museum) Explore the Japan Maritime Self‑Defense Force Museum, known for the retired submarine Akishio displayed outside. You can enter the submarine and see its interior up close, gaining a rare look inside a real vessel that once served in the JMSDF. You can learn about the missions of the Japan Self‑Defense Forces, a globally rare organization with a unique structure and role.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Kure
Enjoy lunch with your choice of the JMSDF Curry—famous for its tradition of being served every Friday in Japan’s Maritime Self‑Defense Force—or Kure’s local specialties. Depending on the tour’s starting time, lunch options can be adjusted. Depending on the tour’s starting time, lunch may not be needed and can be skipped.
50 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Arei‑karasukojima is a waterfront promenade in Kure where you can see real submarines of the Japan Maritime Self‑Defense Force up close. From the harbor, you can view real, active JMSDF submarines at very short range. Being able to observe operational submarines this near is extremely rare, even by global standards. The area offers excellent photo opportunities with a clear view of the berthing facilities right in front of you.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Hiroshima
Return to Hiroshima City
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Hiroshima
Tour Ends I will drop you off at your preferred location in Hiroshima City.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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