Hiroshima Trip | Sightseeing in Kure City in Half a Day
Date of travel | 2025.06.20
Transportation from Tokyo to Kure, Hiroshima
Haneda Airport to Hiroshima Airport JAL
This time I used JAL flight 257.
9:55 Haneda Airport → 11:20 Hiroshima Airport (¥14,650)
As expected of a tourist destination, I booked more than a month in advance, but there were only a few seats left.
Hiroshima Airport to Kure Station Limousine Bus
There is a limousine bus to Kure Station, so I took that. After exiting the arrival lobby, head to the left to find the bus ticket vending machines. There are multiple machines, so it seems you can purchase tickets without getting stuck in a crowd. IC cards are also accepted (tap when getting off).
Since there are only a few dozen minutes between the plane landing and the bus departure, those picking up checked baggage will be cutting it close. Please be careful.
11:35 Hiroshima Airport Bus → around 12:30 Hondori 3-chome (before Kure Station)
(¥1,500)
I got off before Kure Station because I wanted to go to "Iseya".
When you get off at Hondori 3-chome, the local mascot Kure-shi post box will welcome you!
Enjoying Kure Gourmet
From bus arrival until around 13:15.
Iseya, Fukuzumi Fry Cake, and Subaru Coffee are all located close to each other in the shopping street, so I stopped by these three shops.
Iseya | Enjoying the taste of a long-established shop
It was a Friday, and since I was in Kure, the city of the Navy, I had the Navy Curry (¥825). It was a light curry with crunchy onions. The Nikujaga (¥495) had chunky, fluffy potatoes. It was very delicious, and I can see why it has been loved for so many years.
The roots of "Iseya" were written inside the shop. I learned that the founder moved from Mie Prefecture to Kure City, and that the name comes from the place name "Ise".
There are many delicious-looking photos and menus on Google Maps, so please take a look at the link below 🍛
Fukuzumi Fry Cake, Subaru Coffee
Fukuzumi Fry Cake is on the same street as Iseya, so I was able to find the shop right away. I bought one Fry Cake (¥100/each). They put it in a bag for you. Simply put, a Fry Cake is a donut filled with smooth red bean paste. I was too full from Iseya to eat it right away... I had it after it cooled down, but it was still very delicious even when cold. I deeply regretted why I only bought one. 😭
After that, heading towards Kure Station along the shopping street, there is Subaru Coffee. At Subaru Coffee, I bought the takeout-only Raw Cafe au Lait (¥450). The bottom layer is coffee jelly, which you break up with a straw to drink.
The inside of Subaru Coffee smelled like good coffee. They were doing a tasting comparison of pack coffees, so I didn't hesitate to try them. It was very delicious and I wanted to buy some, but I already had a lot of luggage, so I'll save it for another time. When I asked the staff, they said that drip coffee is also sold as souvenirs at Hiroshima Station.
↓ Subaru Coffee Shop Instagram @subarucoffee_store
I headed to Kure Station, and since I had a lot of luggage, I stored it in a coin locker (¥400) at this time.
Kure Bay Ship Tour
The tour departs from the Kure Chuo Pier Terminal. It is located about a 5-minute walk from Kure Station, and you can get there by walking along a covered walkway.
Purchase your boarding ticket (¥1,700) at least 20 minutes before departure. Gather around 10 minutes before departure to listen to the explanation of the ship tour.
During the time until gathering, there are navy goods at the ticket counter, so it is a good idea to buy souvenirs there, use the restroom, or store your luggage in a locker.
14:00
As soon as the ship departs, they provide an easy-to-understand explanation about the ships. It is a 35-minute cruise, and they provide explanations without interruption. Honestly, I didn't know much about ships, but listening to the clear explanations broadened my knowledge. And above all, it was fun. 1,700 yen for 35 minutes might feel expensive as a tourist price, but this is worth more than the price.
Also, taking photos and posting them on social media is very welcome!
I thought about buying souvenirs after boarding, but the shop was closed by the time some time had passed after the 14:00 flight I took arrived, so I recommend purchasing them before boarding 😭
Actually, I watched the movie "Yamato" and was thinking about Kure City, the town where the battleship Yamato was born.I want to walk through Kure City, where the Yamato that the navy of that time admired was born.I was able to fulfill that dream with this ship tour. Happy (^_−)−♡
JMSDF Kure Museum (Iron Whale Center)
15:00–15:40
This facility hasfree admission, and you can go inside a submarine and learn about the activities of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
The required time is about 1 hour. The souvenir corner has a rich selection of items, and there is also a cafe.
Hill of History
I headed there from the Iron Whale Center by walking and bus. I think it is within walking distance, but it was very hot that day, so I gave up 🤦🏼♀️
Iron Whale Center → 10-minute walk → Kyoikutai-mae
Bus: Kyoikutai-mae → Shiki Kuhi-mae
Suica can be used. Tap it when getting off.
16:15–16:30
At the Hill of History, I saw the Battleship Yamato Tower and the Battleship Yamato construction dock up close. The building with the triangular roof with a sign saying "Home of the Yamato" is the place where the battleship Yamato was built. Since the construction of the battleship Yamato was carried out in top secret at the time, it is said that a roof was placed over the construction dock so that it could not be seen from the mountain side where I am now.
There is a pedestrian bridge near the Shiki Kuhi-mae bus stop, and you could see the shipyard well from there.
Since it only takes about 30 minutes to look around here slowly and carefully, I moved on to the next destination.
By bus, from Shiki Kuhi-mae to Nakadori 1-chome.
Yamato Museum (Satellite)
16:40–17:15
On the day I visited, the Yamato Museum was a satellite exhibition (¥500). (It is closed until the end of March 2026 for renovation work.)
There were models of the battleship Yamato, blueprints, and a Zero fighter plane.
There is also a wide variety of souvenirs, so don't miss them. Since there were no Yamato goods at Kure Station, where I headed next, you should buy them here if you want them.
Kure Station
I boarded the 17:39 train to head to Hiroshima Station.
I got the impression that there were many students and office workers finishing their day at this time, so I recommend that those who are tired from traveling line up early.
I think you can see the Seto Inland Sea from the train window, so if you sit on the left side in the direction of travel, you can enjoy the scenery. (I completely forgot and sat on the right side 😭)
After this, I met up with my boyfriend who was on a business trip in Hiroshima City, and we ate our fill at an izakaya with all-you-can-eat oysters 🦪
Kure-shi: "Come back to Kure!"
As expected of Kure, there were objects like this in the city. I really regret missing the chance to take a picture of the Kure-shi mailbox 😭
And since the Yamato Museum was a must-visit place for Kure sightseeing, it's a shame I couldn't go to the main building, but since Kure-shi says "Come back to Kure," I would like to go again.
[Video] Hiroshima Trip Summary Instagram Reel
Instagram @___aug04
I've summarized this trip in a short video! Please take a look 📸
My notes on Hiroshima will continue. (To be posted at a later date)
Itsukushima Shrine
Miyajima Food Tour
Shimose Art Museum
Peace Memorial Park, etc.
I will write about this trip, including the new discoveries I made along the way__🖋️
I've written my first travel note📒･:*+
Thank you for reading until the end!