Kure City Tourism Guidebook

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Kure

The Kure Boom is coming.
Being surrounded by the sea, Japan has various seaside towns
that have their own atmosphere.

Various traditions handed down from ancient times. Delicious food.

Among them, the Seto Inland Sea area now has been attracting much attention.

The seaside town Kure has a variety of faces.

Kure Cit y, ad jacent to Hirosh ima Cit y, is located in t he area.

Why is Kure hot now?

Beautiful landscape of islands. Warm-hearted local people. Vibrant town.

T o ﬁ n d t h e a n s w e r , d o n’t you want to visit the city as many times as you like?
N o w p o p u l a r “ K u r e - s h i ”（ K u r e C i t y ’
s o f ﬁ c i a l m a s c o t ）i s

Matsue
●

to
Come

Kure

‘Come to Kure! Enjoy Kure!’

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Co
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Yamaguchi Hiroshima●●

also waiting for you, saying,

Kure

to
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●
Matsuyama

Ku!

●
Fukuoka

KureYamato Museum（Kure Maritime Museum）

Japan
Heritage

The world’s largest battleship“Yamato”which was built in Kure has
been re-created at 1/10 scale anddisplayed at the museum, along withother large items such as a“ZeroFighter”and a human torpedo“Kaiten.”
The history of Kure developed alongwith the modernization of Japan, andscience and technology of shipbuilding
and steelmaking that supported thehistory have been handed down to thepresent day.

■ 9:00‒18:00（Last entry 17:30）■ close Tuesdays（Closed on the nextday, if Tuesday is a national holiday.）Open every day during Golden Week
（April 20‒May 5）, summer vacation（July 21-August 31）, and New Year’sholiday（Dec 29‒Jan 3）.
■ Adults（includes college students）¥500, High school students ¥300,
Elementary and junior high school
students ¥200 *Extra charge for special
exhibition
P Approx. 285 cars（pay parking）■℡ ☎0823-25-3017■

Exciting location.
Your Kure experience
starts here.
Take a leisurely stroll aroundKure, a city of Japan Heritage.
Naval Station Yokosuka,
Kure, Sasebo and Maizuru“The city allows you toexperience the powerfulmodernization of Japan”

Kure Port where you can see
large tankers under construction,
cranes, and ships that come and go withthe breeze leaving a scent of history.

Alley Karasu Kojima
The only park in Japan where you can see
submarines up close. It has a retro-inspired
atmosphere with former navy arsenal brickbuildings.
■ At Kure Station Bus Terminal, take the“Kure
Kurahashijima Line”or“Aga Ondo no Seto Line”bus.
Get off at“Sensuitai-mae”and walk for one minute.
P 28 normal size cars, 10 buses（Free of charge）■℡ ☎0823-23-7845（Kure Tourism Information Plaza）■

Japan
Heritage

JMSDF Kure Museum
JMSDF naval vessel open to the public
At JMSDF Kure Naval Base, one naval vessel is open to the public every
Sunday.
A different naval vessel is chosen every week so you can enjoy revisiting
many times.
（*You may take photos outside the naval vessel. Advance reservation
required. For more information, contact Kure District Inspector General
Department, Public Affairs Section）■ Every Sunday 10:00‒ 13:00‒ 15:00‒ ＊Reception starts 20 minutes prior to the
opening time. Please come to the Keisenbori Main Gate.
■ At Kure Station Bus Terminal, take the“Kure Kurahashijima Line”or“AgaOndo no Seto Line”bus. Get off at“Showa Futo-mae”and walk for one minute.
P Not Available（walk for 5 minutes from the Alley Karasu Kojima parking）■℡ ☎ 0823-22-5511（ Maritime Self Defense Force Kure District Inspector General■
Department, Public Affairs Section）

The only museum in Japan that
displays a real submarine out of water.
In addition to the submarine that isopen to the public, the history of theJapan Maritime Self-Defense Force（JMSDF）and minesweeper activities
are introduced.

■ 9:00‒17:00（Last entry 16:30）■ Tuesdays（Closed on the next day, if
Tuesday is a national holiday.）, December
29 ～ January 3■ Free of charge
P Parking lot available next to Yamato■
Museum（pay parking）℡ ☎0823-21-6111■

Yushio-Type
Submarine“Akishio”
Length: 76.2m（about thesize of a jumbo jet）
Height: 16.3m（equivalent
to a ﬁve-story building）
Weight: 2,250 tons
●Launched in 1985, anddecommissioned in March,
2004.

Hill Overlooking History
From here you can take an overall view fromthe Historical dock site where the battleship
Yamato was constructed till the former Kure
Naval Arsenal Shipyards which symbolize thehistory of Kure after the Meiji period. Also
the Shiki Haiku Memorial Stone（Hototogisu
Kuhi）, and the Great“Ah”Battleship Yamato
Monument are located on the hill.
■ At Kure Station Bus Terminal, take“Kure
Kurahashijima Line”or“Aga Ondo no SetoLine”bus. Get off at“Shikikuhi-mae”and walkfor three minutes.
P Not Available■

Japan
Heritage

Maritime Self Defense Force Kure District
Inspector General Department Building
Japan（Former Kure Naval Station Building） Heritage
A representative brick building of Kurecompleted in 1907（Meiji 40）. The
combination of bricks and granite strikes abeautiful color contrast.Open to the public
every Sunday.
（＊Advance reservation required. For more
information, contact Kure District Inspector General
Department, Public Affairs Section）■ Every Sunday 10:30‒11:30 13:00‒14:00

Walk through the town of Kure, which still retains vestiges of■ At Kure Station Bus Terminal, take the“Kure
Kurahashijima Line”or“Aga Ondo no Seto Line”bus.
Get off at“Sokanbu-mae”and walk for one minute.
P Not Available■℡ ☎ 0823-22-5511（Maritime Self Defense Force Kure■
District Inspector General Department, Public Affairs
Section）

the former times when it ﬂourished as a naval port.
Nagasako Park
（Former Navy Cemetery）

Maybe the naval personnel strolled around here viewing this scenery?
Reﬂecting on its history, enjoy the atmosphere characteristic of Kure at your own pace.

Hiroshima-Kure Road

Irifuneyama Memorial Museum

Kure Japan Heritage
Map

174

Ya

Chuo Park

Since the establishment of Kure Naval
Station in 1889（Meiji 22）, Kuredeveloped as a naval base city. There
are still a lot of historical sites, ruins, and31
remains related to Kure Naval Station.
Let’s stroll around Kure while experiencing thepowerful modernization of Japan.

●

Kure City Hall●

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iy a

ma

Shi
ndo
（R
o

ad）

185

Kure
StationIrifuneyama
Memorial Museum

JMSDF Kure Museum●

JR Kure Line●

Kure Central
Pier Terminal

Miyahara Water
Puriﬁcation Plant
Low-zone Distribution
Reservoir（Viewable from outsideof the plant）

Kure Maritime Museum（Yamato Museum）
Former Kure NavalArsenal Shipyard
Shipbuilding Dock Big Roof

Maritime Self Defense Force
Kure District Inspector General
Department Building（Former Kure Naval Station Building）（Only the outside is viewablefrom Hill Overlooking History）

Alley
Karasu Kojima
487

Brick buildings in the district
and former underground
operation room
（Dugout of former Kure Naval
Station headquarters）

Former Oﬃcial
Residence ofCommander-inChief of the Kure
Naval Station
Former Kure
Naval Arsenal
Clock Tower■ Closed on Tuesdays（Closed on the next day, if Tuesday is a national holiday）, December
29‒January 3. ＊No closing during August.
■ Adults（University students and older）¥250, High school students ¥150, Elementary andJapan
Heritagejunior high school students ¥100
■ Thirteen-minute walk from JR Kure Station. By bus, at Kure Station Bus Terminal, take the“Kure Kurahashijima Line”or“Aga Ondo no Seto Line”bus, get off at“Meganebashi”and walkfor three minutes.
P Approx. 122 cars（pay parking）■℡ ☎0823-21-1037■

Wit h too man y exc itin g spots,Kure will surpris e you!

Map of Kure
Naval Port

（Only the outside is viewable）

Former Powder
Magazine of
Takagarasu Battery

Bijutsukan-Dori andKure Municipal Museum of Art

Kure Trade Warehouse Transportation Ltd.

Bijutsukan-Dori（Art Museum Street）heals the hearts ofpassersby. It has been selected as one of Japan’s best 100
streets.
Kure Municipal Museum of Art stands on this moderate slope.
It collects and exhibits a variety of excellent artworks fromJapan and overseas.

Daikure Co., Ltd. Kure No. 2 Factory

P 122 cars（pay parking）■

Hill Overlooking History

Japan
Heritage■ 9:00‒17:00（Last entering until 16:30）

Former Detached
Room of the
Residence of Fleet
Admiral Togo

Showacho
Brick Warehouses

Former Kure Naval Arsenal
Site of Navy Engineer Training Centerand surrounding naval remains

The former ofﬁcial residence of the Kure Naval Station Admiral, a National Important
Cultural Property is located inside the museum. It was restored as it had been in 1905
（Meiji 38）based on the original documents found recently. Its walls and ceilings of theEuropean-style part of the building are covered and decorated with“Kinkarakami”（Japanese gilded embossed paper）, which are worth looking.
The former Naval Base Tower Clock was constructed inside the former Naval Base in1921（Taisyo 10）, and kept its time till the end of the war together with Kure Base.
It is the oldest electric parent-and-child system clock still working in Japan. The
melody coming out from the tower four times a day was composed by elementary andjunior high school students in Kure.

■ Same as Irifuneyama Memorial Museum

Battleship Yamato isalso hiding here!
This popular secret spot islocated on the Bijutsukan-Doriand the road in front ofFormer Navy Cemetery（themain gate of Nagasako
Elementary School）.
Let’s ﬁnd manhole covers that
depict the Battleship Yamato!

Seto Inland Sea has its own healing view

Food Stalls of Kuramoto Street

where beautiful islands are located.

This is a unique street in Japan where electricity
as well as water and sewer services are provided
for food stalls.
You can visit the street at night and enjoy food atboth fashionable stalls that offer creative cuisineand old-style stalls.
Ten-minute walk from JR Kure Station

Mt. Noro, part of the Setonaikai National Park, is the spot in
which the Kawajiri and Yasuura area takes pride.
For the Setonaikai National Park, the mountain is 839 m high,■ At Kure Station Bus Terminal, take the“Tatsukawa
Line”bus and get off at“Chuo 3-chome.”■ City-run parking lots, etc., are available（pay parking）.
●Car navigation search（Kure City Library ☎0823-21-3014）℡ ☎0823-23-7845（Kure Tourism Information Plaza）■

the second highest next to Mt. Rokko in Kobe.
After taking in the beautiful view of a group of islands, enjoy
your stay to the full.

Haigamine

Noro Kogen Lodge
This is an ideal place to enjoy foodfrom Mt. Noro. Specialty dishes
including wild boar hotpot and dishes
that use seasonal ingredients areserved.
You can also view the group of islands
connected by Akinada Bridge andKamagari Bridge from Hachimaki
Viewing Platform（mountainside）,
Kabuto Rock Viewing Platform（summit area）, and Hoshi Furu
Viewing Platform（summit area）.
■ Refer to the website;www.norosan.or.jp/■ About 2-hour walk from Akikawajiri
Station *Free shuttle service is available
from Akikawajiri Station.
■ About one hour by car from Kure

Sazanami Skyline

City center（via Sazanami Skyline）
P Approx. 200 cars（Free of charge）■℡ ☎0823-87-2390■

A resort facility blessed with a rich naturalenvironment and a mild climate. Everyone, fromchildren to senior citizens, can enjoy sports andvarious activities at the resort. Facilities include
swimming pools, a ground golf area, a wide grassarea, and much more. Guest rooms command fullviews of the Seto Inland Sea. Spend a great timeat this spacious resort facility in the Seto Inland
Sea surrounded by nature.
■ About one hour by car from Kure City center
P 1,800 normal size cars, 400 buses（Free of■charge）℡ ☎0823-84-0262■■ About 30 minutes by car from Kure
City center
P Approx. 6 cars（Free of charge）■℡ 0823-23-7845（Kure Tourism■
Information Plaza）

Established in 1890（Meiji 23）as a
cemetery for naval personnel.
There are many memorial
monuments including a monument
to war dead of the battleship
Yamato.
■ Free of charge■ At Kure Station Bus Terminal,and get off at“Nagasako-cho.”
P Approx. 7 cars（free of charge）■℡ ☎0823-25-1362（ Preservation■
Society for the Former Kure Navy
Cemetery）■ About one hour by car from Kure

Green Pia Setouchi Resort

Nagasako Park
（Former NavyJapan
Cemetery） Heritage

take“Naganoki Nagasako Line”bus

A main road toward Mt. Noro.
You can enjoy seasonal landscapessuch as a row of cherry trees andcolorful autumn leaves as well as thescenery of beautiful islands in Seto
Inland Sea.

City center

At 737m above sea level, you can enjoy a
360-degree grand panoramic view from theobservatory. The beautiful night view of theport town is known as one of the best threeviews in the Chugoku-Shikoku region. Thisis a romantic spot where it is said that
couples who can ﬁnd the lines of lights thatlook like the letters“Kure”will marry.

Kure makes you forget everyth ing
about your hectic daily life!

Remembering Suzu from the Manga“In This Corner of the World.”
This is one of the locations for the Manga“ I n T h i s C o r n e r o f t h e W o r l d , ”w h i c hdepicted Kure d ur i ng t he Second Wor ld
War.
This is the place where the heroine Suzu
walked in front of a storehouse.
The storehouse Mitsugura in the old
Sawahara family residence was establishedin 1809（Bunka 6）.
It was uniquely built using both straw walls and plaster walls, and it
has been designated as an Important Cultural Property.

【The old Sawahara family residence（Mitsugura）】■ At Kure Station Bus Terminal, take the“Sanjo Niko Takaramachi Line”bus.
Get off at“Higashi Chuo 2-chome”and walk for 3 minutes.
℡ ☎0823-25-3462（Kure City Cultural Promotion Section）■

Japan
Japan Coast Guard
Heritage
Academy Brick Hall
Japan Coast Guard Museum
Brick Hall is a brick building established in 1914
（Taisho 3）. It is a valuable building that conveys
the old days when it supported modernization ofJapan as a“Navy’s ﬁrst manufacturing site.”
Now the hall is used as a multi-purpose hall forconcerts, etc. You can feel the brilliance oftechnology and design sense at that time. Japan
Coast Guard Museum is located on the premise,and it exhibits various materials concerning
maritime security, including the bridge of thepatrol vessel Amami, which received gunﬁrewhile in pursuit of a suspicious vessel. You canlearn the history of Kure which has guarded
Japanese waters.
（＊The Museum is viewable. Advancereservation required. For more information,
contact General Affairs Section, General Affairs
Department, Japan Coast Guard Academy）■ 9:00‒16:00■ Close Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, New
Year holiday（December 28‒January 4）■ Free of charge■ At Kure Station Bus Terminal, take the“Yoshiura Tenno Line（bound for Tenno）”bus. Get
off at“Kaijo Hoan Daigakko Iriguchi”and walk for
10 minutes.
℡ ☎0823-21-4961（General Affairs Section, General■
Affairs Department, Japan Coast Guard Academy）

Hiroshima Prefectural BeachThis complex resort area providing natural experiences includes abeautiful beach selected as one of Japan’s best 100 beaches.
You can also enjoy various activities such as stargazing at theastronomical observatory with one of the largest Maksutov typetelescopes in Hiroshima Prefecture without being prevented by city
lights, marine sports like kayaking, or ancient seaweed salt-making.
After these activities, relax at the natural radon hot spring facility,
Yasuragi no Yakata.
■ In front of Kure Station or Hiro Station, take the“Tobishima Liner”
bus bound for“Kamagari/Toyohama/Yutaka.”Get off at“Eino Center”
and walk for 25 minutes.
（Pick up service at“Eino Center,”“Koigahama,”“Oura”and“Tado”isavailable. If you are staying at“Kagayaki no Yakata,”please consult us.

Shotoen Museum
The sa t is f y i ng leis u re & resort
a rea w i t h a bea u t i f u l beachselected a s one o f
Ja pa n’s best 100 beaches.

Kamagari■ About 45 minutes by car from Kure City center■ 9:00‒17:00■ Close Tuesdays（Closed on the nextLet’s t ra vel t o t he Ed o per i od ,w hen Korea n en v o y s v is i t ed
Ja pa n a nd recei ved a g ra nd welcome.

Shimokamagari

day, if Tuesday is a national holiday.）■ Adults ¥800, High school students

P Approx. 100 cars（Free of charge）■℡ ☎0823-66-1177■¥480, Elementary and junior highstudents ¥320

Cottage Kamagari（dome type, highland type）
At this self-catering cottage, you can relax
while viewing the scenery of Akinada.
It is an ideal accommodation for yourfamily, friends and cyclists.
You can also have a barbecue on the patio.

Shotoen’s buildings include Gochiso
Ichibankan, where materials related to
Korean envoys are displayed, Akarino
Yakata, where lighting equipment fromall over the world is displayed, andTojikikan, where domestic and foreign
ceramic works are displayed.

P About 30 minutes by car from Kure■
City center℡ ☎0823-65-2900■

Have a leisurely tour of the seven islandsin the Akinada Tobishima Sea Route.

Megumi no Oka Kamagari

Drive from Akinada Bridge at a relaxed pace enjoying
the scenery through the windows.

A hands-on experience facility where you can also
experience dyeing, craft, pottery, and herb tea at
herb workshop.

P One car per building（Free of charge）■
Hiroshima Prefectural Beach Kamagari
Parking（100 cars, free of charge）℡ ☎0823-66-1177■

Sometimes, cycle the road feeling comforting sea breeze.
Cross seven bridges to travel from an island to another.

■ 9:00‒17:00■ Close Tuesdays and New Year’s holiday

Boom! Boom!
Refresh yourself
by cycling the seven islands.
The cycling course on the Akinada

Mikan orange picking Around November to December on
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays（reservations
required）■ In front of Kure Station or Hiro Station, take the“Tobishima Liner”bus bound forP“Kamagari/Toyohama/Yutaka.”Get off at“Eino Center”
and walk for 30

Tobishima Sea Route has few ups andminutes.

downs and less trafﬁc, allowing even

■ About 45 minutes

beginners to fully enjoy cycling.

by car from Kure City

There is only one trafﬁc lightcenterP Approx. 100 cars■

（Mitoshiro, Shimo-kamagari Island）.

（Free of charge）

Refresh yourself by cycling at your own pace viewing beautiful℡ ☎0823-70-7111■

islands and feeling comforting sea breeze in Setouchi.

Deai no Yakata Kamagari
Kamagari General Tourist Information Center, where
Tobishima Sea Route specialty products are also available.
From the observatory, you can view the exceptionallybeautiful setting sun.

Kamagari Hot Springs
Yasuragi no Yakata■ 9:30-17:00（openThis natural radon hot spring facility offers different
kinds of interesting baths including a sauna, herbal
medicine bath, jacuzzi, and a whole-body bath using
low-frequency electric current.
The view of the Akinada Sea is magniﬁcent.

throughout the year）■ 11:00-20:00■ About 35 minutes by car■ Close Tuesdays（Open, whenfrom Kure City center

Tuesday is a national holiday.）P Approx. 30 cars（Free of■charge）℡ ☎0823-68-0120■■ Adults ¥500, Children ¥400
P Hiroshima Prefectural Beach■
Kamagari Parking（100 cars, free of charge）℡ ☎0823-66-1126■

P
問

Spend calm, leisurely time.

Details: Strawberry picking Around January to May,

Must-see! Picture scroll registered as a UNESCO Memory of the World.
One of the documents on display is a picture scroll depicting Korean envoys dispatched from the Korean
Dynasty in 1748（Enkyo 5）and their ﬂeet sailing through the Inland Sea.
As a valuable historical record that promoted exchange among different ethnic groups, it has been registeredas a UNESCO Memory of the World.

Rantokaku Art Museum and Hakusetsuro
Within a tranquil yet magniﬁcent atmospherecreated by Japanese architecture, works
depicting the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea（sea,pine, etc.）are on display. You can also see
works by artists who has a close connection tothis island.
After enjoying these works, visit aJapanese-style room in Hakusetsuro which
serves powdered green tea and has a mysterious
feature called“dondengaeshi”‒ a revolving door
that reveals a hidden passage.

■ 9:00‒17:00■ Close Tuesdays（Closed on the nextday, if Tuesday is a national holiday.）■ ●Rantokaku Art Museum/Adults¥500, High school students ¥300,
Elementary and junior high students¥200,●Hakusetsuro/Adults ¥400, Highschool students ¥240, Elementary and junior high students ¥160
P About 30 minutes by car from Kure City center■℡ ☎0823-65-3066■

Mitarai Rest House

A port town known for
its favorable winds and rising tides

Tenmangu Shrine（Yutakamachi Tourist Association）

Let’s explore Mitarai!

A rest station with aretro-inspired appearance,
where you can get information
on sightseeing spots in the
Mitarai District.

Recommended walking course（Approx. 90 minutes）

Start from Tokiwamachi-Dori Street
here■ 9:00‒17:00■ Close Tuesdays（Closed on
the next day, if Tuesday is anational holiday.）■ ☎0823-67-2278

Otomeza Theater

Mitarai Rest House

Ebisu
ShrineTenmangu
ShrineMitarai
Shichikyoochi
Ruins

P

Manshuji Temple

FormerWakaebisuya
Sailor's Inn
Hill Overlooking
History Park
Chisago Wharf
355

A document states thata military agreement（Mitarai Treaty）was
concluded here between
Choshu Domain andHiroshima Domain to
overthrow the Shogunate.
This building is quite important for us to learn
about the connection between Mitarai andHiroshima Domain.
It is said that Ryoma Sakamoto and Shintaro
Nakaoka also visited this residence.

Japan
Heritage

Manshuji Temple

Former WakaebisuyaThis temple is dedicated to
the Buddhist deity of Mercy
who is said to have saved thelife of Kiyomori Taira.
On the grounds of the temple,
there is also a Jizo statue forhealth, which is said to havethe power to answer prayers.

The largest tea house in Mitarai
where courtesans provided
services during the Edo period
when Mitarai Port ﬂourished.
（Prefectural historical site）

Sumiyoshi Shrine
Japan

Chisago Wharf Heritage

Otomeza TheaterThis theater was used as a
drama or movie theater
until around the 1960s, andlater turned into a plant for
sorting Ocho mikan oranges.
It has been restored as atheater and is used forshowing popular dramas andmovies.

A breakwater constructed in
1828. A turtle and a crane
are carved at the base of the
breakwater in the hope thatthe port would prosper fortens of thousands of years. It
is said that if you rub the
turtle and crane, yourwishes for eternal youth andimmortality will come true.

Mitarai
Shichikyoochi Ruins
Japan

Ebisu Shrine Heritage
A shrine dedicated to Ebisu,
the god of prosperity inbusiness.
Only the torii is standing
facing the sea, as theapproach to the main hall
Tokiwamachi-Dori Street from the torii is separated
by a prefectural road.
（Prefectural Important
Cultural Property）

This is the building where
Sanetomi Sanjo, known for
his role during the Meiji
Restoration, is said to havestopped on his way to
Choshu.
（Prefectural historical site）

Sumiyoshi Shrine

A port t ha t st i l l ret a i ns
vest ig es o f t he Ed o per i od
w h i le y ou wa i t f or a f a v ora ble
w i nd a nd a r is i ng t ide.

YutakaKure, a city of Japan Heritage.

Mitarai Township

Former Kaneko ResidenceP

KanekoResidence

On the grounds of theshrine, there is a well fromwhich the name Mitarai（literal meaning: washinghands）originated, as
Michizane Sugawara（a court scholar, poet, andprominent political ﬁgure）is said to have
washed his hands with the water from the well.
It is also said that practicing calligraphy at the
beginning of the year using water from this well
will make you intelligent. There is also amonument of Harukichi Nakamura, who achieved“a round-the-world trip with a bicycle”for theﬁrst time as a Japanese in the Meiji period.

Japan
Heritage

If you cross the stone arched bridge
beside the tall stone lantern, youwill come to Sumiyoshi Shrine,
which is dedicated to the god ofmaritime transport business.
The main hall of the shrine isconstructed in Sumiyoshi-zukuri
style, which is rare in Japan
nowadays. Visitors can enjoy cherry
blossoms which bloom in spring on
the grounds of the shrine.
（Prefectural Important Cultural
Property）

Sailor’s InnThis house partitioned in threeunits constructed in the Edo
period is a former sailors’inn,which offered accommodations
for travelers at that time.

Japan
Heritage

Mitarai ﬂourished as a town known for
its favorable winds and rising tides inwhich Kitamae-Bune dropped. In thetown, many buildings and historic sitesthat still retain vestiges of the mid to
end of the Edo period still stand, such as
small and large merchant houses, tea
houses, sailors’inns, shrines andtemples, creating a unique atmosphere.
In 1994, the Mitarai District was
designated an Important Preservation
District for Groups of Historic Buildings.

A distant place where men

survived rough waves to■ In front of Kure Station or Hiro
Station, take the“Tobishimaachieve dreams
Liner”bus bound for～The Kitamae-Bune Sea“Kamagari/Toyohama/Yutaka”
Routes and Residences ofand get off at“Mitarai-ko.”■ About one hour and 10 minutes
Ship Owners～
by car from Kure City center
P Mitarai Parking（5 cars, free of■charge）, Mitarai Kamono Parking（40 cars, free of charge）℡ ☎0823-67-2278（Mitarai Rest Station）■

Mikan Museum

The park is located on top of a hill overlooking Mitarai
District.
Command a full view of Mitarai, Kurushima Straits, andthe Shikoku mountain range. You can also enjoy different
scenery in each season while walking the lane that winds
through the mikan orange orchard

The museum introduces the history ofmikan orange growing in Yutakamachi,
and the passion and care that past
growers dedicated to mikan oranges.
You can see exhibits such as life-sized
replicas of the eight main citrus fruits
grown in Yutakamachi, and a model
diorama representing Ocho District inaround 1965.

■ In front of Kure Station or Hiro Station,
take the“Tobishima Liner”bus bound for“Kamagari/Toyohama/Yutaka.”Get off at“Mitarai-ko”and walk for about 30 minutes.
■ About one hour and 20 minutes by carfrom Kure City center
P Approx. 10 cars（Free of charge）■℡ ☎0823-67-2278（Mitarai Rest Station）■■ 8:30‒17:15■ In front of Kure Station or Hiro Station, take the“Tobishima Liner”bus bound for“Yutaka/Toyohama”
and get off at“Danchi Center.”■ About one hour by car from Kure City center■ Free of charge
P Yutaka Citizens Center Parking（53 cars）■℡ ☎0823-25-3181（Tourism Promotion Section）■

Hill Overlooking History Park

Red-Throated Divers Exhibition RoomFishing using red-throated divers is a
traditional ﬁshing method in Toyohama,
which boasts 300 years of history.
It exhibits a very rare ﬁshing method in theworld, in which all of red-throated divers,
ﬁshermen, and juveniles work together toﬁsh sea breams and Japanese sea bass.
■ In front of Kure Station or Hiro Station,
take the“Tobishima Liner”bus bound for“Kamagari/Toyohama/Yutaka.”Get off at“Toyohama Shisho”■ Toyohama Machizukuri Center 1F■ 8:30～17:15 ＊Open on Saturdays and Sundays as wellas weekdays

Alley in the Town for Fishermen
The Onoura District has been atown for ﬁshermen since a longtime ago.
Carry the“Onoura ExplorationMap”and walk along the alleythat has a retro-inspired
atmosphere.
＊“Onoura Exploration Map”can befound at Toyohama Citizens Center, etc.
P About 50 minutes by car from■Kure City center℡ ☎0823-68-2211（Toyohama Citizens Center）■

Toyohama

This is a scenic place featuring beautiful

Legend has it that Kiyomori Taira,beaches and romantic shipbuilding tradition

as the sun was about to set, waved his fan,as depicted in Japanese Manyoshu poetry.

forcing it to rise again long enough for

Take a longer walk from Ondo Area to Kurahashi Area.

excavation to be completed.

There you will ﬁnd people living with the sea from ancient
times, history of shipbuilding, and valuable natural beauty that isnever changed by time.

The white sandy beach, with green pine tree
groves and a vast, blue, island-spotted sea,
has been selected as one of Japan’s best 100
beaches. Beautiful scenery, unchanged since
olden times, stretches along the beach view.
“Kurahashi Island,”once called the“Island of
Nagato,”prospered with shipbuilding andmarine transportation.
■ At Kure Station Bus Terminal, take the“Kure
Kurahashijima Line”bus and get off at“Katsuragahama Onsenkan.”■ About 50 minutes by car from Kure City center
P 175cars（114 cars in the Hot Springs Facility■
parking lot, 75 cars in the adjacent parking lots
such as Manyo no Sato, free of charge）℡ ☎0823-53-2575■

Mt. Hiyama■ At Kure Station Bus Terminal, take the“Kure
Kurahashijima Line”bus. Get off at“Hiyama
Tozanguchi”and walk one hour and 40 minutes.
■ About 50 minutes by car from Kure City center
P Approx. 10 cars（Free of charge）■

Nagato Shipbuilding
History Museum
Many shipbuilding and marine transportation models
including ancient and modern wooden ships are on
display here. At the center of the museum, you canenter a reconstructed Kentoshi Ship（used to takeJapanese envoys to Tang China more than 1,200
years ago）and explore the interior.
■ 9:00‒16:30■ Close Mondays（Closed on the next day, if Monday is
a national holiday.）■ Adults ¥200, High school students ¥120, Elementaryand junior high school students ¥80■ About 50 minutes by car from Kure City center
P 175 cars（114 cars in the Hot Springs Facility parking■
lot, 75 cars in the adjacent parking lots such as Manyono Sato, free of charge）℡ ☎0823-53-0016■

this small port town.
This area is ﬁlled with attractive spots such as a beautiful

Katsuragahama Beach

From Ooiwa（big rock）at the summit of Mt.
Hiyama, you can command a breathtaking
360-degree view over the inland sea as far as
the Shikoku mountain range. On a clear day,you can see both Shikoku Mountains andYamaguchi in the same view.

Two red arched Ondo bridges are the most attractive feature of

Natural Hot Springs
Katsuragahama
Hot Springs Facility
Located across from the beach,these hot spring baths are rich insodium chloride, and effective fortreating 24 different ailments.
The baths also have a beneﬁcial
effect on sunburnt skin after
bathing.
Enjoy seafood at the restaurant
serving the local food.
■ 10:00‒21:00（Weekdays andSaturdays）9:00‒21:00（Sundays andholidays）■ Close Mondays（Closed on the nextday, if Monday is a national holiday.）■ Junior high school students and older¥600, Elementary school students ¥300
（Pre-schoolers Free of Charge）■ About 50 minutes by car from Kure
City center
P 175 cars
（free of charge）■℡ ☎0823-53-2575■

contrast among seasonal ﬂowers, bridges, and the sea, as well as
historical sites concerning Kiyomori Taira.

Ondo no Seto waterway
Legend has it that Kiyomori Taira opened up
this waterway in one day.
In the vicinity of the waterway, there are many
interesting and beautiful spots such as
Kiyomorizuka（a memorial for Kiyomori Taira）,
Ondo no Seto Park, the Eiji Yoshikawa literarymonument, Takagarasudai, and the Himaneki
Statue.
From a pedestrian bridge, No.3 Ondo Bridge（tentative name）built along with the opening of
the No.2. Ondo Bridge, you can enjoy thespectacular views of the Ondo no Seto waterway
and Kure Bay.
■ About 25 minutes by
car from Kure City center
P Approx. 190 cars（Free■parking inside the Ondo no
Seto Park）, 26 cars（No.3
Ondo Bridge）

Ondo Tourism &Culture Center“Uzushio”

facility introduces the local folk“Ondo’s“The shortest water course in Japan” This
Boat Song”and once-every-ﬁve-year
Kiyomori Festival.
Ferry at Ondo
Depending on the tide current, thisferry offers the shortest ride time of 3
minutes which is the shortest in Japanis also a popular sightseeing spot withretro-inspired atmosphere.
■ At Kure Station Bus Terminal, take the“Kure Kurahashijima Line”or“AgaOndo-no-Seto Line”bus. Get off at“OndoWatashi Fune Guchi.”■ Adult ¥100, Children ¥50

Ondo Township
Get on a ferry, get off at Ondo,
and walk into the street.
Then you can ﬁnd a townshipthat still retains vestiges of the
Showa period.
■ At Kure Station Bus Terminal,
take the“Kure Kurahashijima Line.”
Get off at“Ondo”or“Kiyomorizuka.”

From the deck in the facility, you can enjoy
spectacular views of Ondo no Seto up close,
including various sizes of ships which often
come and go over the waterway.

■ 9:30‒17:00（Free admission）Only restaurant 11:00‒21:30■ Close Tuesdays（Closed on the next day, if
Tuesday is a national holiday.）■ At Kure Station Bus Terminal, take the“Kure
Kurahashijima Line”bus. Get off at“Kiyomorizuka”
and walk one minute.
About 30 minutes by car from Kure City center
P“Ondo Ohashi Shita”parking lot（pay parking）■℡ ☎0823-50-0321■

Ancient Seaweed Salt“Moshio”
Making Experience

If you come to Kure, try Kure gourmet specialties!

Making mineral salt, using ancient earthenware.
You can taste salt from the island at home.

Experiencing local food can be the best part of a trip.

■ Kamagari Ancient Earthenware Salt-Making
Experience Facility■ 10:00‒15:00（Consultation required/Reservations required）■ ¥5,000 up to 5 persons（¥1,000 for each additional person）℡ ☎080-6304-0197（Moshio no Kai ofﬁce: Matsuura）■

Himehijiki（hijiki seaweed bud）
Salt-Making Experience
You can easily make delicious salt in
about 40 minutes.
■ Kajigahama Shimokamagari-cho■ 10:00‒16:00（Reservations required）■ ¥3,500 up to 5 persons（¥500 for each additional person）℡ ☎0823-25-3317（Shimokamagari Citizens Center）■

Astronomical Observation
Through one of the largest telescopes inJapan, let’s observe stars above the night
sky of Seto Inland Sea which has clean air.
■ Hiroshima Prefectural Beach in Kamagari-cho■ Conﬁrmation required■ Adults ¥200 Children ¥100
℡ ☎0823-66-1166（Kamagari B&G Marine Center）■

Traditional food that makes you reﬂect on its casual taste and history,
mountain food grown in a warm climate, and seafood grown in calm sea.

Let’s ride a cutter,sea kayak and canoe.

Fully experience Kurewith your ﬁve senses.

Let’s enjoy the scenery of the
Seto Inland Sea and sports!
■ Hiroshima Prefectural Beach in Kamagari-cho■ ¥350（Cutter boat experience）■ Adults ¥3,000, Children ¥2,000（Sea kayak
lessons）℡ Conﬁrmation required ☎0823-66-1166■

Try a variety of delicious meals of Kure to make great memories.

【Hoso Udon（thin udon noodles）】【Kure Reimen（cold noodles）】【Kure Maritime

Enjoy a great deal of hands-on

Hoso Udon has soft,Kure Reimen has ﬂat

experiences related to foodthin noodles that

noodles and is served

and nature in Kure, as it isrequire a short boilingin a sweet, sour andsurrounded by the sea.

time. It was loved by

spicy soup. It hasbusy workers at abeen a favorite withformer naval arsenal

locals as a soul food.

Have smiling moments withyour family and friends.

Self Defense Force Curry】
This curry reproduces
the taste of the curry
eaten by the people who
belong to the naval
vessels of the Maritime

as a quick meal.

（Kamagari B&G Marine Center）

Self Defense Force Kurebase. You can taste it atrestaurants in the city.

【Oysters】【Chirimen（Baby Sardines）】
These dried and【Ocho Mikan（Mandarin Orange）】

Kure produces the largest

seasoned baby

The“Ocho Mikan”inamount of oyster meat insardines are caught

Yutaka and Toyohama isJapan! Oyster Festivals

in the surrounding

a nationally recognized

are held in various partssea. Chirimen arevariety.

of the city in winter.

all-natural withoutIt’s known for its

Large fresh oysters withbleaching andrefreshing, sweet, andthe smell of the ocean will

famous nationwide.

rich taste.

stimulate your appetite.

【Otakara（Treasure）Tomato】【Lemon】

Another name for tomatoes harvested in

Yutaka is the birth place of“Ochowinter and spring.

Lemon.”The“Otakara Tomato”in Kurahashi is

It is characterized by its mild sourness,characterized by its deep taste, deep red

fresh ﬂavor, and juiciness.

color, and ﬁrm texture.

KU

Ramune（lemon soda）

RE CI TY

H

A

TR A I R O S H I M O K
V E L G UIDE BO

Wha t ’s K UR

E BOOM ?

K a i g u n G o u r me t
Healthy dishes for long voyages.
The search for healthy dishes was the start of Navy gourmet.

Rice omelet

Many studies were made in search for healthy dishes forcrewmembers, such as adopting western cuisine, to prevent diseases

Coffeeduring long voyages, as well as to prepare delicious meals for them,as eating was one of a few enjoyments inside a battleship.
As a result of those efforts, Navy gourmet dishes were born.
In Kure City, which is closely connected to the former JapaneseNavy, we are working to revive those dishes based on cookbooks
from the Meiji Navy and recipes from Showa navy ships.

Curry and rice

Try a few of these dishes, and experience the atmosphere fromthose days.

Nikujaga（simmered meat and potatoes）

Kawajiri Brush Making Resource Facility
Yasuura Historical Folkcraft Museum（Kunzo Minami Memorial Hall）●

Mt. Noro
Kogen Lodge

YasuuraNoro Visitor Center

248

Kure Line

From the excitement of city center to the leisurely atmosphere ofFormer Sawahara family residence
Nagasako Park
（Mitsugura）
Former Navy Cemeteryislands.

465

Kure, with a variety of faces, will welcome you.

Green Pia
SetouchiAto

Sazanami Skyline

Resort Orange Beach●
Saigyo Retreat●

Kawajiri

Akikawajiri

Let’s stroll around and fully enjoy Kure.

Check the recommended sightseeing spots on each page, and with the

Niko Park

Kabuto RockViewing Platform●
Hachimaki
Viewing
Platform●
Concrete Ship
Takechimaru

185

Koboji Temple●●●
Hoshi Furu
Viewing Platform●Mt. Noro● Rest House

Mt. Noro●●iyama
Yasum oad）
（R
Shindo安浦

Hiroshima-KureRoad

help of the map, try to travel around the areas you are interested in.

Kure City Hall
Chuo Park ■Food stalls on
Kuramoto Street

185

Renga-Dori Street（Brick Street）

54

KawajiriPort

Sanyo Expressway

Hiroshima IC
Hiroshima East IC

31

No. 2 Ondo Bridge
No. 3 Ondo Bridge（tentative name）
Concrete ship●

Ondo
Ondo Ferry
Township●Ondo Bridge
Ondo no Seto
Kiyomorizuka

Irifuneyama
Memorial Museum

Kure ■

Kure Tourism
Information Plaza（2F）

Remains of Yasumiishi
Gun Battery●

Ondo

Saijo IC

Kegoya Ondo
Bypass●Himaneki Statue,
Kiyomori Taira（Takagarasudai）

r
Ku

e

ne
Li

■Kure Central Pier
Terminal

31

Itsukaichi IC

Bijutsukan-Dori Street（Art Museum Street）

JMSDF
Kure Museum

Hiroshima City

Sanyo Main Line●
Hiroshima Peace Memorial(Genbaku Dome)

2

Higashi
Hiroshima
City
Kamiminaga IC

2

Sanyo
Higashi Hiroshima-Kure
Shinkansen
Expressway(free)

Kaita City

Shoko Center

Niho JCT
Hiroshima Port

Hill Overlooking History

Yano

Miyajimaguchi

JR Kure Line31

32 min. from
Miyajima Hiroshima Station●
to Kure Station
Itsukushima ShrinePort
Ootorii（grand shrine gate）（rapid train）

Former Kure Naval Arsenal Shipyard●
Shipbuilding Dock Big Roof

Tenno
Port
Kirikushi
Port

Miyajima

487
35

Hiroshima-Kure Road
（Kurea Line） Gohara IC

Kure Line Akitsu

375

KazahayaTenno-Higashi IC

Haigamine(Kurea Line) 44 min. from Hiroshima
Bus Center to“Kure Ekimae”

Kurahashi
Hot Springs Katsuragahama
Hot Springs Facility

Naval vessel open to public

Kure

Koyo Port

Kure Port

Etajima
City●Katsuragahama Shrine

Kure Port & Kure Central Area

enlarged map left page

Nagato Shipbuilding
History Museum●
Ondo Ourasaki
Park

Alley Karasu Kojima

enlarged map Left pageAto

Aga IC

AkiagaShinhiro

Akikawajiri

Hiro
NigataJapan Coast Guard Museum

Katsuragahama

Kawajiri Yasuura Area

185

Yoshiura Kawaraishi

Hiroden Bus

Kure
City

Akinada Bridge

Hayase Bridge

Ondo Area

enlarged map left page

Akinada Bridge Toll

Kurahashi（One way, Unit: yen）

Tobishima Liner

185

NigataKure Line

Kurahashi Area

enlarged map left page

Akinada Bridge
287

Shotoen
Rantokaku
Art Museum
Hakusetsuro

74(Kamikamagari Island)

Shimokamagari

287(Shimokamagari Island)

Deai no Yakata
Kamagari Kamagari Umi toKamagari Bridge
Shimokamagari Citizens Center

Heira Bridge

356

356

Koigahama●●

Hiroshima Prefectural Beach

Megumi no Oka●
Kamagari Jumonji Observatory
Salt-Making
Experience Facility

Yutaka Citizens Center

Mikan Museum ●YutakaToyohama（Toyoshima）

Shima no Kosakukan

355

354

●Kakyo Memorial Park

（Osakishimojima）

Hill Overlooking History Park

Alley in the Town
for Fishermen

Mitarai Township

720（Sanyo Bus）100 min.
from“Okitomotenmangu-mae”
to“Kure Ekimae”75 min. from
“Okitomotenmangu-mae”to“Hiro Ekimae”

Medium-sized vehicles

870

Large-sized vehicles

1,180

Large-sized special vehicles

2,000(Setouchi Sanko)
About 90 min. from
“Okitomotenmangu-mae”to“Chugoku Rosai Hospital”

Non-motorized vehicles, etc.

Light vehicles, etc.

560

0

5

10

15

20km

50

BicyclesFree

Passengers

Free

enlarged map left page

（Setonaikaikisen）
54 min.

Toyohama Bridge

Kamagari Hot Springs
Yasuragi no Yakata
Cottage Kamagari

Standard-sized vehicles

Tobishima Sea Route Area
Super Jet

Katsura no Taki●●
Kamagari Astronomical Observatory●

Terraced ﬁelds of Kashima●

中の瀬戸大橋Okamura Bridge

Red-Throated Divers
Exhibition Room

Kamagari Citizens Center
Toyoshima Bridge●（Toyohama Citizens Center）●Shiosai no Yakatar

Kamagari●

YoshinaYasuuraKure IC

Mt. Hiyama

To Mihara
Takehara

Tenno-Nishi IC

Tenno(Kure Hiroshima
Airport Line) 70 min.

Shimominaga
Fukumoto IC

Kurose IC

Sakaminami IC

Mizujiri

Airport Bus

Umaki IC

Sakakita IC

Yamato Museum

Hiroshima Airport
Kochi IC

Takaya JCT

Hiroshima

Maritime Self Defense Force
Kure District Inspector
General Department Building（Former Kure Naval Station Building）

Kure Port

Ondo Tourism &Culture Center“Uzushio”

To Mihara

Shiwa ICGet discount on your drive!
Purchase ¥1,000 or more in designated facilities
in the Akinada Tobishima Sea Route area, andyou will get a free one-way ticket for Akinada
Bridge. Show your receipt to get the free ticket.

＊This service is only for those who paid the Akinada
Bridge toll in cash
＊You cannot get the ticket at Akinada Bridge toll booth

d
For

eta i

“K u r els,search for

Na v i”

A c c e s s t o K ur e
■S hink a n s e n（r e quir e d t im e b y t h e f a s t e s t t r a in）
Kagoshima
Chuo

Hakata2hr.22min.

1hr.2min.

Hiroshima■S hipShin-Osaka

NagoyaTokyo

1hr.20min.

2hr.12min.

3hr.48min.

Ship Hiroshima Port

45min.
（Ferry）

32min. JR Kure Line/
Rapid Kure
Etajima（Koyo Port）

Kure■Air pla n e（Hir o s him a Air p o r t ）2hr.

SendaiKure Port

54min.
1hr.55min.
（High-speed craft） （Ferry）

Sapporo（Shin-chitose）

Hiroshima
AirportOkinawa

20min.
（Ferry）

2hr.5min.

Tokyo 1hr.25min.
Airport Bus 58min. Kure
Hiroshima Airport Line Kure （Haneda）

Matsuyama Kanko Port1hr.20min.

Kure■A u t omo bile s
Moji IC

Otake ICSanyo Expressway

Hatsukaichi
JCT

Ohno IC

Itsukaichi IC

Hatsukaichi IC

2

Hiroshima IC

HiroshimaHigashi IC

Kannon IC

Hiroshima-Kure Road
20min.
Niho IC
Kure IC

Shiwa IC

Saijo IC

Takaya JCT

185

Aga IC
Takaya JCT↔Kure IC 30min.

April 29

JR Kure Station

Kure Port Festival
To Mihara

To Hiroshima

Kure Tourism
Information Plaza
Yamato Museum
Kure Maritime Museum“Kure Navi”

Kure City Tourism website

http://www.city.kure.lg.jp/life/3/
A multi-language website that
introduces Kure tourism information.

“Kure Area”DiaryNEW

http://kuremachidiary.jp/

Kure Tourism Association website
http://www.kure-kankou.jp/

Tour Guides and Volunteers

Make reservations at least one week in advance.

●Kure Tour Guide Volunteer Association
Guided tour of the entire Kure City
Inquiries and applications: Kure Tour Guide Volunteer Association oﬃce
（Inside the Kure Tourism Information Plaza）
TEL 0823-23-7845 FAX 0823-23-7850●Kurahashi Tourist Volunteer Guide Association
Guided tour of facilities near Katsuragahama - one of Japan’s 100 best beaches（Free of charge）
Inquiries and applications: Nagato Shipbuilding History Museum TEL 0823-53-0016●Yutakamachi Tour Guide
Guided tour of Yutakamachi“Mitarai Preservation Area”（Fee-based）
Inquiries and applications: Yutakamachi Sightseeing Organization（Mitarai Rest Station）TEL 0823-67-2278

Handy and Convenient“Travel Taxi”
The“Travel Taxi”is recommended for touring Kure.
Taxies will take you around sightseeing spots characteristic of Kure.
Inquiries and applications: Kure Tourism Information Plaza（Tel. 0823-23-7845）

2019.7

HimejiHigashi IC

Event Information

See below for Kure tourism information:

2-23-2 Takaramachi,
Kure City 737-0029(Recre Building 2F)
TEL（ 0823）23-7845
FAX（0823）23-7850

Hongo IC

Higashi Hiroshima-Kure Road

Hiroshima-Higashi IC↔Kure IC 1hr.

Kure Tourism Information Plaza

Kochi ICA big event to celebrate spring in Kure.
Full of attractions such as stage
performance, a bazaar which is very
international in character, and a big
parade on Kuramoto-Dori Street.

Saturday in late July or early August

Kure Fireworks on the Sea

Kure Port Festival

Large ﬁreworks rocketing high into thesky with escort vessels in the
background are magniﬁcent.

October

Korean Envoys Procession
In Shimokamagari, where Korean
envoys stopped at a port during theEdo period, people march in aprocession wearing period costumes
just like in a historical picture scroll.

Kure Fireworks on the Sea

November

Kure Food Festival
The festival is held mainly on
Kuramoto-Dori Street, where a greatamount of delicious food is oﬀered.
In various open spaces, you can enjoy
a variety of dishes such as“Nikujaga”(simmered meat and potatoes) and“Kure Hoso Udon”(thin udon noodles)
originating from Kure.

December‒January

Korean Envoys Procession

Illumination Road Kure
Kuramoto-Dori Street wrapped inillumination of objects representativeof Kure, such as the battleship“Yamato.”Enjoy illuminations while taking awalk on the street.

February

Kure Fisheries Festival
A food festival that oﬀers fresh
oysters, which are popular in winter,and other seafood from the Seto
Inland Sea.

Kure Fisheries Festival