The 1:10 scale Yamato model is constructed based on historical records, research into the sunken wreckage, and blueprints from the Kure Naval Arsenal.
Kure was one of the four major naval districts of the Imperial Japanese Navy and hosted the Kure Naval Arsenal, where the Yamato was built.
The museum houses a Zero fighter plane retrieved from the seabed, showcasing late-war aviation engineering.
The floor of the exhibition hall is designed to mirror the actual size and footprint of the Yamato's hull in certain sections.
Many of the artifacts displayed, including personal letters from sailors, were donated by families of the crew who served on the battleship.
The museum serves as a memorial for the over 3,000 crew members who died when the Yamato was sunk in 1945.
The Yamato Museum, formally known as the Kure Maritime Museum, serves as the primary repository for the history of Kure as a leading naval city. Its central attraction is a 1:10 scale model of the battleship Yamato, measuring 26.3 meters in length. The exhibition space covers the history of Japan's modernization, the development of Kure, and the construction of the battleship Yamato. Beyond the main ship model, the collection includes authentic artifacts salvaged from the wreck of the Yamato, such as personal effects, compasses, and structural components. An outdoor exhibition area features the Kairyu midget submarine and a propeller from the battleship Mutsu. The museum also provides interactive exhibits detailing shipbuilding technology and maritime science. It is situated in the Kure Port area, directly adjacent to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Museum. The facility maintains extensive archives regarding the impact of World War II on the region.
The mezzanine level overlooking the 1:10 scale Yamato model provides the best vantage point for capturing its full length.
Read the placards detailing the history of the Kure Naval Arsenal before entering the main model hall to understand the scale of the shipbuilding industry here.
Take time to visit the museum's outdoor park to see the full-sized submarine and naval hardware.
Combine your visit with the adjacent JMSDF Kure Museum to see a retired Akishio-class submarine.
Do not rush through the introductory exhibits, as they provide necessary historical context for the artifacts displayed later.
Closed on Tuesdays, or the following day if Tuesday is a national holiday.
