Introduction
I finally joined the famous naval port cruise in Kure, Hiroshima.
As someone visiting for the first time, I discovered that there were several useful things to know in advance — such as where the boarding area is located, whether reservations are necessary, and which seats are best for photography.
In this article, I will explain:
- How to get there from JR Kure Station
- Where to buy tickets
- Whether same-day boarding is possible
- Reservation tips
- Best seats for photography
- Things to know about the open-air second deck
If you are planning to visit Kure for the first time, I hope this guide helps.
Walking from JR Kure Station to the Cruise Terminal
The cruise terminal can be reached easily from JR Kure Station via the pedestrian deck.
The route is mostly straight and simple, so it is not difficult to find.
However, even in May, the sunlight was surprisingly strong. I highly recommend bringing a hat and drinks, especially during sunny days.
From the pedestrian deck, you can already see shipyards and giant cranes around Kure Port.
The atmosphere of this historic naval city begins even before boarding the cruise.
You can check availability from the official reservation page below
I visited without a reservation and was lucky enough to get on board.
However, it felt very close to being sold out.
At the ticket counter, I noticed several visitors asking to change their boarding times because many departures were already full.
Morning cruises especially seem to be very popular.
Some special cruises, such as the evening cruise, require reservations at least two days in advance.
The official reservation website is easy for Japanese visitors, but international travelers may need a translation app because the site is mainly in Japanese.
If you are visiting from overseas, making a reservation in advance is probably the safest option.
Ticket Counter and Boarding Area
This is the ticket counter for the Kure naval cruise.
It is located near the waterfront and easy to find after walking from JR Kure Station.
There is also a small souvenir shop selling JMSDF-related goods and local items.
Departure times are displayed clearly at the entrance.
Boarding the Cruise｜Best Seats for Photography
Time to depart.
The cruise ship has both indoor seating on the first floor and an open-air second deck.
For photography, the second deck is definitely the better choice.
However, there are a few important things to know.
Parasols and umbrellas are not allowed on the second deck.
Also, even in May, the sunlight was extremely strong. During midsummer, the heat could become quite intense.
Interestingly, seat cushions are provided because the seats themselves become very hot under direct sunlight.
I appreciated this small but thoughtful detail.
The ship also changes direction during the cruise, allowing passengers on both sides to enjoy good views.
That said, the center seats may be less convenient for photography.
If you want the best angles for photos, sitting near the sides of the deck is recommended.
Closing
This article focused on practical information for first-time visitors, including reservations, access, and boarding tips.
In the next article, I will share photographs of:
- Japanese submarines
- JMSDF destroyers
- The Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Spey
- Massive container ships in Kure Port
The cruise turned out to be much more exciting than I expected.
