JDS Akishio, Museum submarine at JMSDF Kure Museum, Japan
The JDS Akishio is a submarine of the Oshio class now displayed as a museum ship at the Kure naval base. The hull contains several compartments including crew quarters, engine rooms, and a command center that show visitors the structure of a modern naval vessel.
The submarine entered service in 1986 and served the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for 18 years before being decommissioned in 2004. It was then converted into a museum ship where visitors can explore it today.
The vessel takes its name from a historical region, reflecting a connection between the maritime service and local heritage. Walking through the spaces inside reveals how the crew organized daily routines and maintained the traditions of naval service.
Access to the submarine is through a passage on the museum's third floor, which makes navigating the vessel easier than using original vertical ladders. The interior spaces are narrow and low, so visitors with mobility concerns should check accessibility before visiting.
The displayed propeller is intentionally not from the original design and was modified at the request of military authorities to protect sensitive technology. This reflects how naval engineering secrets remain protected even when vessels are converted to museums.
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