1 / 10

Etajima Naval Academy

4.5

·266 reviews·Etajima, Japan

Explore the historic grounds of the Etajima Naval Academy, a key institution in Japanese naval history, with impressive architecture and insightful to...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Tours are available

CrowdMedium

Loading map...

Etajima Naval Academy

Best Time

Weekdays

Tours are available

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the historic grounds of the Etajima Naval Academy, a key institution in Japanese naval history, with impressive architecture and insightful tours.

4.5

(266 reviews)

"A valuable and free historical site with impressive architecture and informative guided tours."

TIP

🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours are mandatory and limited. Register 5-30 mins before.

🗣️ English Guided Tours

Guides are polite and informative, primarily in English.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 266 reviews

Address

Etajimacho Kokuyumubanchi, Etajima, Hiroshima 737-2123, Japan

Website

mod.go.jp/msdf/onemss/kengaku

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Impressive Red Brick Architecture

Academy Grounds

Admire stunning, historic red brick buildings inspired by British architects, still in use today.

Naval History Museum

Academy Grounds

Explore exhibits on the Japanese Imperial Navy, including artifacts and personal accounts.

Actual Naval Equipment

Academy Grounds

See real cannons, torpedoes, and even a submarine up close.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Tour Registration is Key

Access to the Etajima Naval Academy is by guided tour only. Registration is required, typically 5-30 minutes before the tour starts. Check the schedule in advance as tours are usually limited to twice daily.

Respectful Exploration

While you can see impressive architecture and historical artifacts, access to active school areas is restricted. The tours focus on history and the importance of peace, with some exhibits detailing the sacrifices of past naval personnel.

Best Times

When

Weekdays

Why

Tours are available

Crowd

Medium

When

Morning Tours

Why

Less crowded experience

Crowd

Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Etajima(Hiroshima) / 江田島 Nagase Human Beach in Etajima. A path under the sea is submerged only during high tide during spring tides😳🌊✨ It was just like an anime🤩🥹✨ Please follow 👉@japan_walker_ Please Share 🥰🙏✨ #千と千尋の神隠し #spiritedaway #ヒューマンビーチ長瀬#江田島　#広島

@japan_walker_

385.2K likes • 4.4M views

🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours are mandatory and limited. Register 5-30 mins before. +1

🗣️ English Guided Tours

Guides are polite and informative, primarily in English.

21 de mayo, y aquí en Chile se conmemora el combate naval de Iquique. Un datito curioso sobre #arturoprat y una reflexión al respecto 👌🏼 #tbt de hace 2 añitos #21demayo #combatenavaldeiquique #iquique #paradamilitar #díadelasgloriasnavales #chile #peru

@mr_bryaan

19.1K likes • 296.7K views

海上自衛隊「第１術科学校」「幹部候補生学校」見学✨ 江田島にはかつて、海軍士官を養成する海軍兵学校がありました。現在では、海上自衛隊の教育機関である海上自衛隊「第１術科学校」「幹部候補生学校」があります☝️ ＮＨＫスペシャルドラマ「坂の上の雲」映画「るろうに剣心最終章The Final」などの撮影ロケ地にもなりました🎞️ 施設の一部は一般公開されており歴史ある建造物を見学することができます。見学時は、ガイドさんが構内を約90分案内してくれます💁‍♀️ 施設の中に、特攻隊員の遺書や遺品など旧海軍関連の資料を展示している「教育参考館」の見学もあり旧海軍の歴史と平和の尊さを学べます。施設内は、「教育参考館」を除いて撮影可能です。資料を見たり、写真を撮ったりと普段味わうことができない雰囲気を体験することができます☺️ 📍informatio...

visit_hiroshima

1.5K likes • 71.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the grounds for the tour.

🛍️ Unique Souvenirs

Check out the shop near the gate for exclusive academy items.

㊗️海上自衛隊第1術科学校公式𝕀𝕟𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕞出港⚓ 1術校の今を発信するけぇ📣 フォロー、いいね！よろしくお願いします。初投稿は、バーチャルツアー🏃💦 #江田島 #えたじま #えたじまん #バーチャルツアー #海上自衛隊 #第1術科学校 #1術校 #幹部候補生学校 #教育参考館 #海軍兵学校 #大講堂 #同期の桜 #千本桜 #古鷹山 #1術校謎解きゲーム #謎解きゲーム #江田島のファン造り #艦これ #自衛官募集 #初投稿 #大安吉日 #etajima #navalacademy

jmsdf_1mss

833 likes • 44.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours are mandatory and limited. Register 5-30 mins before. +1

🗣️ English Guided Tours

Guides are polite and informative, primarily in English.

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the grounds for the tour.

🛍️ Unique Souvenirs

Check out the shop near the gate for exclusive academy items.

What Travellers Say

4.5

(266 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Etajima Naval Academy a valuable and free historical site, particularly appreciating the impressive architecture and the informative guided tours. While access is restricted to tours and content can be somber, the experience offers a unique insight into Japanese naval history and the importance of peace. +1

"You have to attend a tour to sight see around the school.There are impressive arhitectures, inspired from British architects, used to this day.
Unfortunately, the guide will only be in English and area where you can visit will be strictly limited but you will able to feel and learn how Japanese marine army changed before, during and after WWII.
Make sure to check schedule of the tour, usually only held twice a day. Regustration is needed, 5～30min before the tour."

Haruhira Tsuyuki

"This place is a facility of JMSDF. They have a long history so it is a kind of tourist place now. You can visit here on weekdays and they give group tours here. You have to check the time schedule. You can see the old buildings from outside because it’s still the school for JMSDF officer candidates so you cannot get in the school. You can get in they museum here. The guide take you to the museum and give you a time to see around. There are various exhibitions about Japanese imperial navy. They are all various stuffs. You can buy some souvenirs at the store close to the gate!! You can enjoy and study here!! Enjoy!!"

Erine Taguchi

"Imperial Japanese Naval Academy"

Nobuyuki Kano

What People Like

Impressive architecture

Informative guided tours

Free admission

What People Dislike

Limited access

Somber historical themes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

It takes about 30 minutes by car to cross Ondo Seto from Kure City to Etajima. Public transportation options might be available but driving is often recommended for convenience.

While specific details vary, it's generally accessible. Checking local bus routes or ferry schedules from nearby cities like Kure or Hiroshima is advised.

You can take a train to Kure and then a bus or taxi to the academy, or explore ferry options from Hiroshima to Etajima island.

Yes, parking is generally available for visitors who arrive by car.

Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination, especially from Kure or Hiroshima, with tours typically lasting around 1.5 hours.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry and guided tours are free. You just need to register at the main gate. +1

Tours are usually held twice a day on weekdays. It's crucial to check the specific schedule on their official website or upon arrival.

You need to register at the main gate, typically 5 to 30 minutes before the scheduled tour time.

Tours are generally only available on weekdays. It's best to confirm their operating days and hours before your visit.

There are no specific age restrictions mentioned, but the content focuses on historical and military themes. +1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The guided tour typically lasts about an hour and a half, covering various historical sites and exhibits.

No, access to the school grounds is strictly limited to guided tours. You cannot wander freely.

The tour covers the history of the Japanese Imperial Navy, including its role before, during, and after WWII, and emphasizes the importance of peace. +1

Yes, you can take photos of the impressive architecture and some of the outdoor exhibits, but be mindful of restrictions within certain areas.

These buildings are architecturally significant, inspired by British designs, and have been in use for a long time, showcasing the academy's enduring legacy.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can vary within the museum. It's best to check for signage or ask your guide for specific restrictions.

The exterior of the red brick buildings, the historical equipment displays, and scenic views of the surrounding area offer great photo opportunities.

As it's an active military facility, drone usage is likely prohibited. Always adhere to local regulations and facility rules.

It's generally not appropriate to photograph active personnel without their explicit consent. Focus on the historical aspects and architecture.

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is ideal for capturing the architecture and exhibits.