Yamato Museum

Overview

The Yamato Museum in nearby Kure is dedicated to the maritime history of the region, anchored by a breathtaking 1/10 scale model of the legendary battleship Yamato — the largest warship ever built.

Highlights

• 1/10 Yamato Model: The stunning 26.3-meter replica of the Yamato is the museum's centerpiece, meticulously detailed down to individual rivets.
• Zero Fighter: An authentic Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane and Kaiten human torpedo are displayed alongside the ship model.
• Science Floor: Interactive exhibits on shipbuilding technology and naval engineering appeal to all ages.

History

Kure was Imperial Japan's premier naval arsenal, where the Yamato was secretly constructed between 1937 and 1941. The museum opened in 2005 to preserve this maritime heritage and promote peace through understanding.

Visitor Tips

• JMSDF Museum: The free submarine museum (Tetsu no Kujira) is directly across the street — visit both.
• Getting There: 30 minutes by JR train from Hiroshima Station to Kure Station.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.