Etajima Naval Academy (Former Imperial Japanese Naval Academy)
Step back in time at the historic Etajima Naval Academy, where Japan's naval heroes trained. Explore iconic red brick buildings still in use today.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Classes are held, offering a glimpse of current operations.
Etajima Naval Academy (Former Imperial Japanese Naval Academy)
Best Time
Classes are held, offering a glimpse of current operations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the historic Etajima Naval Academy, where Japan's naval heroes trained. Explore iconic red brick buildings still in use today.
"A truly impressive and historically significant site, offering a tangible connection to Japan's naval past."
🎯 Print Tour Application
Save time by filling out the tour application form from the website before you go.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking during the guided tour.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 67 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
JMSDF Officer Candidate School Building
Main Academy Grounds
The iconic, stately red brick building, a testament to history and still in active use by the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Great Auditorium
Inside the Officer Candidate School Building
Step inside this historic hall where significant naval figures once gathered and learned.
Education Reference Hall
Academy Grounds
Explore exhibits and learn about the academy's rich past and its role in naval history.
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Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Getting There & Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Print Tour Application
Save time by filling out the tour application form from the website before you go.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking during the guided tour.
🚌 Bus from Koyo Port
Take the bus from Koyo Port and alight at 'Daiichi Technical School Mae' for easy access.
⏳ Tour Duration
Be prepared for a 1.5-hour guided tour; you cannot leave midway.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Print Tour Application
Save time by filling out the tour application form from the website before you go.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking during the guided tour.
🚌 Bus from Koyo Port
Take the bus from Koyo Port and alight at 'Daiichi Technical School Mae' for easy access.
⏳ Tour Duration
Be prepared for a 1.5-hour guided tour; you cannot leave midway.
📸 Respectful Photography
While photos are generally allowed, be mindful of active training areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Etajima Naval Academy for its impressive, well-preserved red brick architecture and the rich historical significance of the site. The guided tours are highlighted as informative and engaging, offering a deep dive into Japan's naval past. However, some find the tour duration and limited access to certain areas restrictive.
"I visited the Naval Academy for the first time on November 11, 2025, to see where Admiral Inoue Shigeyoshi, one of the three naval admirals who strongly opposed the war with the United States, served as principal from 1942 when he was a vice admiral.
The stately buildings from that time are still in use, and most of the buildings are viewed from the outside, but they are truly impressive. (Although I visited on a weekday, classes were being held in the Officer Candidate School building, so naturally, I was not allowed inside.)
I was able to tour the inside of the Great Auditorium and the Education Reference Hall.
The tour, accompanied by detailed explanations from the guide staff, was a very enjoyable experience, as I was immersed in history.
The tour takes approximately an hour and a half, and you cannot leave midway. Restrooms are located inside the Education Reference Hall.
To get there, take the bus from Koyo Port and get off at the fourth stop, "Daiichi Technical School Mae." The bus connects well with the ferry both ways (a taxi costs about 1,000 yen one way).
From the bus stop, walk about 100 meters along the road to the main gate, where you fill out a tour application form. It's best to print out the application form from the website and bring it with you to avoid waiting. The Etajima Club is the meeting point for tours, and you'll be directed to this location once you pass through the main gate. Inside the Etajima Club, you'll also find a Self-Defense Forces shop, exhibition room, and dining hall."
mkt
"80 years after the end of the war. In this milestone year marking the 100th anniversary of the Showa era, I was finally able to visit the former Naval Academy, a long-awaited visit.
Standing before the building where my father studied, a variety of indescribable emotions welled up in my heart, and I nearly shed tears.
The beautiful brick building is still in active use today as a school for officer candidates in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
I felt like I wanted to keep gazing at it forever, thinking about how figures who feature in modern history, such as Heihachiro Togo and Isoroku Yamamoto, spent their youth here."
酒呑童子
"The beautiful red brick building on Etajima stands out. The main facilities of the Naval Academy, an educational institution aimed at training officers for the Imperial Japanese Navy, are still used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force."
Tiger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route is to take a ferry to Koyo Port, then catch a bus to the 'Daiichi Technical School Mae' stop. From there, it's a short walk to the main gate. Taxis are also available from Koyo Port but are more expensive.
Yes, the bus service from Koyo Port connects well with ferry arrivals and departures, making it a convenient option for reaching the academy.
While driving is possible, information on visitor parking is limited. Public transport is generally recommended for ease of access and to avoid potential parking issues.
From Hiroshima City, you'll typically take a train to Kure Port, then a ferry to Koyo Port on Etajima Island, followed by a bus to the academy.
Yes, taxis are available on Etajima, including from Koyo Port to the academy, though they are more costly than public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not strictly tickets, you must apply for a tour. It's highly recommended to print and complete the application form from the official website in advance to expedite the process upon arrival.
Tours are typically conducted on weekdays. It's best to check the official website for the most current tour schedules and availability, as these can vary.
The tours themselves are generally free of charge, but you will need to cover your transportation costs to and from the academy.
No, access to the main historical buildings and grounds is primarily through guided tours. Spontaneous visits without a pre-arranged tour are not permitted.
If you don't have the application form pre-filled, you will need to complete it upon arrival at the main gate, which can lead to delays and potentially missing your scheduled tour slot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours typically include viewing the exterior of the stately red brick buildings, visiting the Great Auditorium, and exploring the Education Reference Hall, which houses historical exhibits.
The guided tour is approximately 1.5 hours long and visitors are expected to stay for the entire duration.
Restroom facilities are available inside the Education Reference Hall, which is a stop on the tour. Plan accordingly as they are not accessible throughout the entire tour route.
No, most buildings are viewed from the outside. Access inside is typically limited to specific areas like the Great Auditorium and the Education Reference Hall, as other buildings are used for active training.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's important to be respectful of the active training environment and avoid capturing sensitive areas or personnel without permission.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a dining hall located within the Etajima Club, which visitors can access. It offers a place to eat after or before your tour.
The dining hall typically offers meals suitable for visitors and personnel. Specific menu details may vary, but it provides a convenient option for lunch.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or before/after your tour to maintain the academy's pristine environment.
Dining options directly adjacent to the academy are limited. The Etajima Club dining hall is the most convenient onsite option, or you can find eateries back near Koyo Port.
Picnicking is not a common practice within the academy grounds during tours. It's best to utilize the dining facilities or eat elsewhere on the island.
📸 📸 Photography
The front facade of the red brick Officer Candidate School Building is a prime photo opportunity. The grounds offer scenic views of the historic architecture.
While generally allowed, avoid photographing active training areas or personnel without explicit permission. Be respectful of the military facility.
Morning light can be beautiful on the brickwork, but afternoon light also provides good contrast. Consider the weather for optimal shots.
Drone usage is highly restricted at military facilities. It is almost certainly prohibited and could lead to serious consequences.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the buildings.
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