Kure Overview
Kure is a city in the Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. As of 30 April 2023, the city had an estimated population of 208,024 in 106,616 households and a population density of 590 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 352.80 square kilometres (136.22 sq mi). With a strong industrial and naval heritage, Kure hosts the second-oldest naval dockyard in Japan and remains an important base for the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.
Kure Key Statistics
Population240820
Area353 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés126 / 4 / 27
Practical Essentials for Kure
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Kure.
Visit ↗Getting Around Kure
Kure Main Station & Rail Lines
呉 (Kure)
Train Travel to Kure
Kure is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Kure
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Kure
Cover Your Trip to Kure
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Kure
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Kure
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Kure
¥4,300,000*est
Median household income / year
86*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Kure
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Kure
When was Kure founded?
Kure was founded on October 1, 1902.
How old is Kure?
Kure is roughly 124 years old.
What is the population of Kure?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 240,820.
What is the land area of Kure?
Kure covers roughly 353 km².
What is the main railway station in Kure?
The primary hub is 呉 (Kure).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Kure?
The city has roughly 126 parks, 4 museums and 27 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Kure expensive to live?
Kure is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Kure?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Kure?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Kure has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Kure?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Kure?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Kure?
Kure hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Kure?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Kure?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Kure?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Kure?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Responses