Kure: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture, once a prosperous naval base town, is now a port city known for its rich history and delicious seafood. It’s accessible in about 4.5 hours from Tokyo using the Shinkansen and Kure Line, or approximately 30 minutes from Hiroshima Station via the Kure Line.

At the heart of Kure City lies the Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Base. The Yamato Museum (Kure Maritime Museum), which preserves this naval history, is a popular tourist destination featuring a 1/10 scale model of the battleship Yamato and exhibits on naval history. Regular events include tours of Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels and public access to escort ships.

In terms of cuisine, Kure Navy Curry, made with fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, is particularly famous. This curry, which preserves traditional naval recipes from before World War II, is served at many restaurants throughout Kure City, each adding their own unique twist. Additionally, Kure Reimen, cold noodles with a rich pork bone soy sauce soup, is a beloved local dish especially popular during hot summers.

Tourist attractions include the Irifuneyama Memorial Museum, Mount Noro, and Shimokamagari Island, which retains the atmosphere of an Edo-period port town. These sites showcase a harmonious blend of history and nature. The peaceful views of the Seto Inland Sea combined with cherry blossoms in spring are particularly beautiful, attracting many visitors.

Kure City is an ideal destination not only for history enthusiasts but also for those interested in culinary tourism and photography. The city continues to captivate visitors with its fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, unique food culture, and historical buildings that offer a tangible connection to modern Japanese history.