Yamato Museum is open to visitors every day of the week except Tuesdays, when most of the museums in Kure are closed. Due to the wealth of information and the many models and blueprints available for viewing, a thorough exploration of the museum can take around two hours. It is also located right next door to the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Museum, which is free to enter and has a decommissioned submarine which one can step into. Most people pay a visit to both museums when in Kure, and we highly recommend you do so as well. To learn more about the Yamato Museum, its opening hours, entry fees, and more please take a look at the information below.
**PLEASE NOTE – The Yamato Museum is currently undergoing renovations and as such, the main building will not be open to visitors until March of 2026. In the meantime, a new exhibition located in a separate building called the “Yamato Museum Satellite” has opened. It is a considerably smaller museum, consisting only of one room, and the information in the new exhibition is all in Japanese, though using phones to translate texts is allowed.
The Yamato 1/10th scale model is not viewable inside this museum and has been replaced by a 1/100th scale one. There is, however, a full-scale model of a “Type Zero Observation Seaplane” on display. For those desperately wanting to see the Yamato model, starting Saturday, March 15, 2025, a viewing passage will be available outside of the original Yamato Museum to be able to look at it (the museum itself will still be closed till 2026).
-- Where is the Yamato Museum?
WHERE IS YAMATO MUSEUM?
Yamato Museum is located in the city of Kure, which lies within Hiroshima Prefecture. It is situated directly next to Kure's Central Pier Terminal and faces the Seto Inland Sea. The Yamato Museum is short walking distance away from JR Kure Station and is also across the street from the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force Museum.
EXHIBITIONS AND LAYOUT
**The following information applies to the museum prior to its 2025-2026 renovation.
Yamato Museum is a four storied building split into four main sections. On the first and second floor, one can find an exhibition dedicated to the history of Kure as well as an area displaying authentic wartime machines such as a Zero fighter. In between these two sections lies the 1/10th scale model of the battleship Yamato. It can be admired from all sides and viewed from above as one ascends the museum's staircases. The third floor of the building is mostly dedicated to a science and technology room for children to learn about said topics through games and simulations. There is also a small room on this floor with the "Yamato Theater" where one can view a short film contemplating future scientific and technological advancements. Beyond these four sections, one can also access and Observation Terrace on the fourth floor, which provides a stunning view of the port and Seto Inland Sea.
TOURS VISITING THE YAMATO MUSEUM
For those interested in visiting Yamato Museum and spending a full day exploring the naval history of Kure, then we recommend you book our 1-day Kure tour. On it, our expert guides will take you to multiple museums and historic sites which help illustrate the city's past. You will also be able to enjoy a mini-cruise around the port, in which you will get a fantastic close-up view of the ships and submarines currently being used by the Japanese Navy. Even if you are not a very into ships, this tour is also great for travelers who are looking for more unique and niche experiences in Japan, as not many foreign visitors make a stop by Kure. There are very few places in the country where you can take part in this kind of tour, so don't miss out on this opportunity!
