KURA

Once one of Japan's most important naval bases, Kure is steeped in maritime history, showcased at the well-regarded Yamato Museum.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima City

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AMANOHASHIDATE

Visit Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s three most scenic views, where you can walk or bike along the 3.6 km sandbar covered with pine trees. The view from the top of the surrounding mountains is particularly breathtaking and is often described as looking like a bridge to heaven.

Location: Amanohashidate, Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture

CHION-JI TEMPLE

Located near the entrance of the Amanohashidate sandbar, Chion-ji Temple is dedicated to the Buddhist deity of wisdom, Monju Bosatsu. It is a popular place for students to pray for academic success, and the temple grounds are serene and beautiful.

Location: 466 Monju, Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture

KASAMATSU PARK

Take a cable car or chair lift up to Kasamatsu Park for one of the best views of Amanohashidate. The view from the park is known as the "View of the Rising Dragon," and it's a favorite spot for taking photos.

Location: Amanohashidate, Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture

MOTOISE KONO SHRINE

This ancient shrine is said to have been a prototype for the famous Ise Shrine and is one of the most important Shinto shrines in the region. The shrine is set in a peaceful forested area, providing a tranquil atmosphere for visitors.

Location: 430 Ōgaki, Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture

MIYAZU FISHERMAN'S WHARF

At the Miyazu Fisherman's Wharf, you can find fresh Iwagaki oysters prepared in various ways, offering a delicious taste of the local seafood.

Address: 3008-8 Aza-Kai, Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

HISTORY OF KURA

Kure, located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, has a rich and storied history as a former imperial naval port and now as a modern city known for its maritime heritage and industry.

Historical Beginnings and Naval Significance

Kure's history as a naval port began in 1889 when the Imperial Japanese Navy established one of its main bases there. The city's strategic location along the Seto Inland Sea made it ideal for naval operations. Over the years, Kure developed into one of Japan's principal naval dockyards, playing a crucial role in shipbuilding and naval logistics. During this period, the city was instrumental in the construction of some of Japan's most famous warships, including the battleship Yamato, the largest and most powerful battleship ever constructed.

World War II and Its Aftermath

During World War II, Kure's naval base and shipyards made it a target for Allied bombings, particularly in the later stages of the war. The city suffered significant damage, and many of its historical and industrial facilities were destroyed. After Japan's surrender in 1945, the American occupation forces disbanded the Imperial Japanese Navy, and Kure's role as a naval base diminished significantly. However, the city quickly began to rebuild and shift its focus from military to commercial shipbuilding and other maritime industries.

Post-War Recovery and Industrial Shift

In the post-war era, Kure transformed its industrial base to focus on commercial shipbuilding, becoming one of the leading shipbuilding cities in Japan. This shift helped to revive the city's economy and contributed to its mid-20th-century prosperity. Apart from shipbuilding, Kure also diversified into steel production, engineering, and other industries. The establishment of the Kure Maritime Museum, also known as the Yamato Museum, has helped to preserve and honor the city's naval and shipbuilding history.

Cultural Development and Modernization

Kure has not only focused on industrial growth but has also developed a rich cultural scene that reflects its unique history and maritime connections. The city's museums, including the aforementioned Yamato Museum and the JMSDF Kure Museum (a naval museum focusing on submarines and other naval technologies), are testament to its efforts to remember and educate about its past. These institutions not only serve as tourist attractions but also as educational resources for the community and researchers interested in maritime history and technology.

The city also celebrates several festivals and events that showcase its culture and community spirit. The Kure Port Festival and the Kure Fireworks Festival are prominent events that attract visitors from across the region, featuring boat races, cultural performances, and stunning fireworks displays.

Kure Today

Today, Kure continues to be a significant player in Japan's maritime industry, with its shipyards and related businesses playing a crucial role in the economy. While the city honors its past, it also looks to the future, with ongoing developments in technology and tourism helping to sustain its growth and vitality.

Kure’s balance of historical awareness, cultural richness, and industrial innovation makes it a unique and dynamic city within Hiroshima Prefecture. Its story of resilience and transformation from a major naval hub to a modern industrial and cultural city offers a fascinating glimpse into the broader narrative of Japan's historical and economic development.