JMSDF Kure Museum

In short

The JMSDF Kure Museum, affectionately nicknamed the "Iron Whale" (Tetsu no Kujirakan), is a museum of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It opened in 2007 to raise public awareness of submarine and minesweeping activities, and beside the building is the actual submarine Akishio, which was used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force from 1986 to 2004.

• ​Inside the Submarine Akishio​​: From the third floor, you can step inside the actual submarine. The captain's cabin, officers' quarters, control room, and other areas are open, and you can also peer through the periscope
• ​Submarine Mechanics and Crew Life​​: Exhibits on the third floor introduce the history and structure of submarines, the training required to become a crew member, and life on board. An actual torpedo is on display as well
• ​The History of Minesweeping​​: The second floor introduces the activities of the minesweeping fleet, which cleared mines from sealanes around Japan after the war, and its operations in the Persian Gulf after the Gulf War

History and Highlights

The ​JMSDF Kure Museum​​, affectionately nicknamed the "Iron Whale" (Tetsu no Kujirakan), is a museum of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It opened in 2007 to raise public awareness of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's submarine and minesweeping activities. Its nickname comes from the actual submarine Akishio placed right beside the museum building.

Akishio is a Yushio-class submarine launched in 1985 and was used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force from 1986 to 2004. It has an overall length of 76.2 meters. After completing its service, it was hoisted ashore by a large crane ship in 2006 and placed in its current location. The black hull resting on land serves as a landmark for the port city of Kure. Inside, the museum is divided into three floors; the first floor introduces the history of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force walking alongside Kure through videos and display panels.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Entering the Submarine Akishio​​: From the third floor, you can step inside the actual submarine. Areas such as the captain's cabin, officers' quarters, and the control room are open to the public, and you can also peer through the periscope. Visitors can directly experience how the crew lived in such limited quarters.
• ​Submarine Mechanics and Crew Life​​: Exhibits on the third floor introduce the history and structure of submarines, the training required to become a crew member, and life on board. You can also learn about the journey to earning the "dolphin mark" badge, the hallmark of a submariner. An actual torpedo is on display as well.
• ​The History of Minesweeping​​: The second floor introduces the activities of the minesweeping fleet, which cleared mines from sealanes around Japan after the war and operated in the Persian Gulf after the Gulf War. You can also learn about various types of mines through the displays.

Walking Tips

Because corridors and rooms inside the submarine are narrow, visiting in comfortable walking shoes and clothing that allows easy movement will ensure a smooth tour. Across the street sits the Yamato Museum, and visiting both allows you to delve deeper into the history of Kure and the sea. If you wish to observe submarines currently in active service from outside, a stroll to the waterfront Alley Karasukojima is also recommended.